My new career chapter

A personal update

I’ve got exciting news to share: today marks the beginning of a new career chapter for me. After seven years as an independent science communicator, I’m diving back into biotech. I’ve joined Gilead Sciences as a Medical Science Liaison (MSL) for oncology, focused on breast cancer.

Ready to trade in my tees for blouses!

MSLs are a bridge between clinical research and medical practice. We educate healthcare professionals (e.g., oncologists, nurses, and pharmacists) about the latest research and treatments and learn from their expertise and observations. MSLs are part of the Medical Affairs function, which provides unbiased scientific and medical information to healthcare professionals and supports responsible, safe, and effective product use.

This career shift is bittersweet. On one hand, I’ve been hankering for a change for some time, and thrilled to have found a role that fits me so well. It aligns with my desire to help patients, capitalizes on my strengths, and provides ample opportunities for learning and growth. I’m looking forward to immersing myself in the cancer research and clinical communities, playing a part in disseminating the latest science, and building relationships with new colleagues and collaborators.

On the other hand, I regret that I won’t have as much time for public science communication. Becoming a trusted resource for you, dear reader, is a great privilege, and every one of your comments about the impact of my work makes my heart sing. My fellow science communicators have also deeply enriched my life - especially my brilliant, inspiring, passionate colleagues at

Those Nerdy Girls

. You have taught me so much and bolstered my faith in humanity in the darkest times.

Those Nerdy Girls retreat 2023 - a joyful gathering.

I’m keen to stay engaged in public science communication, but am not sure yet what that looks like. It’s a cause I feel strongly about and a community that feels like family. Given my new full-time role and my commitments to family, friends, and personal wellbeing, I plan to scale things back and play it by ear.

I take comfort in knowing that many of my favourite science communicators are still going strong, cranking out thoughtful, engaging content. If you’re looking for independent voices that tackle complex topics with the same rigour, skepticism, balance, and compassion that I strive for, check out the recommendations section on my Substack page.

Thanks for being part of my journey. To be continued…

Yours in science and in heart,

Chana

Chana Davis @FueledbyScience