Larger Than Life Science | Hiring Connecticut – The Talent Pipeline and the Future of Biotech Jobs

Larger Than Life Science® is an event series open to everyone interested in building a strong support network for life science and healthcare innovators. Join us to make some new connections, talk biotech talent, and discuss Connecticut’s jobs of the future.

4:00 – 4:30pm: Registration & Networking

Meet your fellow life science innovators with speed networking guided by MilliporeSigma.

4:35 – 5:20pm | SESSION 1

Making the Hire

More Americans are working in the life sciences than ever before. The workforce grew by 79% between 2001-2021–compared with 8% growth across all US occupations. Likewise, U.S. graduates in biological and biomedical sciences totaled more than 163,000 in 2020—double the number just 15 years ago. With demand for life sciences talent at an all time high, employers are experiencing new challenges attracting qualified candidates and keeping them engaged.

This session examines what makes a startup stand out to potential employees and your top priorities when creating and filling positions. Leaders in executive recruitment, HR and venture capital will discuss how to navigate this competitive market; build a great team for your startup; and why Connecticut is the place to be for top talent.

Speakers

• Dawn Hocevar, President & CEO of BioCT (MODERATOR)
• Stephen Bloch, MD, MS, CEO at EvolveImmune
• Scott Phillips, MAc, CFO at Halda Therapeutics
• Mary Ann Melnick, MBA, Director of Operations at BioLabs
• Heather Dolan, SVP at Challenger, Gray & Christmas Inc.
• Cynthia Green, PhD, MBA at Connecticut Innovations

5:50 – 6:35pm | SESSION 2

The Talent Pipeline

Recent economic and global impacts on talent and the workplace have been dramatic. Employers across industries are experiencing new challenges in attracting qualified candidates and keeping them engaged. The dramatic growth in the life sciences has compounded this issue for the biotech industry. Top talent often receives multiple offers with compensation packages greater than what’s been seen in previous years. This session examines certain options a startup has when looking for their initial employees. Community and educational leaders from Greater New Haven Chamber of Commerce, Yale, UConn, SCSU, UNH, and QU will discuss their focuses, successes, and needs of educating the student, developing student-talent, and assisting them to navigate opportunities entering into the bio-industry.

Speakers

• Dawn Hocevar, President & CEO of BioCT (MODERATOR)
• Garrett Sheehan, MBA, JD, President & CEO of Greater New Haven Chamber of Commerce
• Josh Geballe, MBA, Yale Ventures
• Christine Caragianis Broadbridge – PhD, Exec. Director of Research & Innovation at SCSU
• Eva Sapi, PhD, Professor in Biology & Environmental Science at University of New Haven
• Janelle Chiasera, PhD, Dean & Professor, School of Health Sciences at Quinnipiac University
• Mostafa Analoui, PhD, Executive Director of UConn Ventures at University of Connecticut