Local talent exists for life sciences field

In a Sept. 6 story, Marcia Pounds wrote that what life science companies in South Florida need is employees who have managerial or lab experience.

Actually, more local life-science PhDs and technicians are looking for jobs than there are jobs available. The list includes post-doc research associates at Scripps Florida and at Max Planck Institute, and excellent lab technicians who’ve been trained at five local universities.

A disconnect exists between early-stage life-science companies, all needing employees to grow, and a ready pool of employees. What’s wrong?

Capital is the missing element — which she mentioned briefly. Capital allows a company to grow and prosper, attract and hire employees, guide products through the expensive FDA regulatory process and market new products.

Northwestern University’s local Kellogg School of Management for MBA students hosts programs for investors in early-stage companies (angel investors). But most attendees, like other local angel investors, are investing in the overpriced tech industry and backing software products such as phone apps, missing real opportunities in life sciences.

CEOs looking for talent can try local networking events like LST Hub, meeting in Palm Beach Gardens and Fort Lauderdale.

Clyde Goodheart, Celigenex president and CEO