Finding a Career Where Your Passion and Strengths Collide

Author – TGen  

As a 3rd generation Arizona native, Jacob B. has a large appreciation for the desert southwest and the opportunities Phoenix has to offer. With a passion for life science and a background in molecular biology, Jacob explored the world of research and found his way into a unique role at TGen. Read below to hear his story.  

 What sparked your interest in a career in science?

I was a molecular and cellular biology major at the University of Arizona and enjoyed learning about genetics and the scientific discoveries that have driven improvements in healthcare. My first role out of college was as a research and development specialist in crop science and I worked on projects to improve crop yield. Drawing on my wet lab experience, I transitioned to a role in cancer diagnostics, focusing on analyzing clinical samples. I really enjoyed working towards building efficiencies in processes and how those changes made impactful changes to patients. Over time, I earned my MBA and began working at TGen.  

What made you want to be a part of TGen, part of City of Hope?

TGen and City of Hope are focused on creating the cures of tomorrow for patients who need them today. This means expanding the delivery of personalized care tailored to each patient’s needs and bringing technologies, innovative treatments, and supportive care closer to home. I was drawn to working for an organization that prioritized groundbreaking research with a clear focus on translating those discoveries into real-world impact for patients. Today, I am able to be a part of the process where we bring technology, scientists, and other strategic partners together to move the needle in science research and ultimately help the patient. The distinctive aspect lies in TGen's strength in diagnostic research, complementing City of Hope's focus on therapeutic advancements. Together, we are making waves in cancer research and care. 

What does a “day in the life” look like for you?

Ha! No two days are alike, but they all fundamentally are about how we can move science forward. Some days are focused on market research, such as finding a company that could use an assay the team built and created for testing, or meeting with local collaborators at the Phoenix Bioscience Core (PBC). There is also the contract review portion of my role, making sure everyone agrees on various terms of a project. 

Can you tell us about a time you felt proud of yourself?

There was a time that I was presenting to a group about TGen research and our technologies. After the presentation, there were multiple organizations interested in partnering with TGen. I was able to bridge the gap between the work being done at TGen and connect it to partners that believe in it and want it to succeed. Success in my role is forging partnerships and executing agreements that empower research and collaborations to directly improve patient care and outcomes. 

Do you have any advice you would like to share?

In today’s hybrid work environment, being intentional about communication and availability is more important than ever. Make time to be present—whether in person or virtually—to connect with your peers. I’ve found that meeting with colleagues, learning about their work, and identifying areas for improvement or collaboration is essential to building strong working relationships. These conversations are helpful because they allow us to solve problems quickly and anticipate issues before they arise, making our work proactive rather than reactive.

If you are a science enthusiast and want to work in a business space, there are opportunities. Research and science need team members in IT, HR, business development, and more. Everyone and every role contributes to the progress of a project. 

Learn more about the careers and projects happening at TGen at tgen.org. 

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