Jay Sharma
Senior Scientist at Novartis | Writing for biotech graduates on careers, hiring insights & industry transitions
- Role
- Senior Scientist Ii at Novartis
- Location
- San Diego, CA, US
- LinkedIn followers
- 500 followers
About Jay Sharma
Hi, I’m Jay — a researcher turned biotech professional with 10+ years of experience in cellular & molecular biology, immunology, and stem cell/gene therapy.I had the privilege of contributing to the first human clinical trials for stem cell and gene therapy treatments for Cystinosis, supported by $17.2M in grants. Along the way, I’ve received $75K+ in fellowships & awards, published 6 peer-reviewed papers, and reviewed manuscripts for 8+ international journals.But my story is bigger than the lab.I moved from Mumbai to California in 2011 with big dreams and very little clarity. Like many international students, I wrestled with questions about career paths, visas, finances, and whether academia was truly “it.” After 2 years in a PhD program, I realized academia wasn’t my destination — and spent another 5 years navigating the maze before finally landing in biotech in 2023.That journey taught me lessons no textbook ever could.Today, I share those lessons to help others avoid the same detours. If you’re an MS/PhD student or researcher exploring your next step, I talk openly about- Transitioning from academia to industry- Navigating the US visa journey (F1 → J1 → O1 → EB2 → EB1)- Building a profile that stands out in biotechIf my journey resonates, hit follow. I share honest reflections, practical career insights, and a bit of optimism for anyone chasing a future in science:)
Experience
Senior Scientist Ii
Apr 2023 — Present · San Diego, CA, US
Develop platforms to enable in vivo hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) editing for advanced cell and gene therapies, applying insights that inform early-stage biotech project design- Conduct immunogenicity studies to evaluate feasibility of novel adenovirus-based therapeutic concepts, highlighting key considerations in translational research- Design and perform CRISPR-Cas9 editing of embryonic stem cells for microinjection into blastocysts, supporting cutting-edge gene therapy initiatives- Support siRNA-targeted gene therapy projects aimed at developing potential treatments for Alzheimer’s disease, integrating cross-disciplinary techniques- Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, translating complex molecular biology concepts into actionable strategies — experience I often share with aspiring biotech professionals navigating industry roles.
Education
Dr. D. Y. Patil Vidyapeeth
B.Tech, Biotechnology
2006 — 2010
University at Buffalo
MS, Biological Sciences
2016 — 2018
California State University Channel Islands
MS, Biotechnology & Bioinformatics
2011 — 2013
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