Biotech careers for nonscientists

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Ruth Scott knows plenty of key players in Seattle's biotech scene, but she's intrigued that more people who haven't cracked a biology book since high school have been lining up lately to shake her hand.

Scott, president of the Washington Biotechnology and Biomedical Association, said many of the curiosity seekers are attorneys, accountants and communications types who have spent years tailoring skills for high-tech. Many are thinking about switching to the world of DNA, proteins and cells.

Some of the interest was sparked by the Human Genome Project, Scott said. But most likely it is being driven now by twin forces — the high-tech recession and continued biotech hiring.

Whatever the reason, people are learning the move is not easy. Companies such as Immunex and Icos are looking to fill dozens, if not hundreds, of jobs, but they're looking for advanced scientific degrees or for years of drug-industry experience in sales, marketing and manufacturing.

"There are a number of uninformed people who think it is an easy transition from high-tech to biotech," Scott said. "They don't understand the complexities of biotechnology. They don't understand how long it takes to get a product approved, how much money it takes, or the amount of specialized skills it takes."

Still, many are giving it a shot. The Washington Biotechnology and Biomedical Association counts 170 biotech companies in Washington state that employ about 15,000 people — a number that's expected to double by 2005. Plus, Scott's organization counts 195 "associate" company members — law firms, accountants, human-resources consultants and real-estate agencies — who do business with biotechs. The number of associate members has grown 47 percent since 1997, Scott said.

Roger Tolbert, a partner with Perkins Coie who works on biotech contracts, said he has seen more interest in the field at his firm. Tolbert doesn't have formal scientific training but got into biotech with a licensing deal for ZymoGenetics in the mid-1980s. Now, many attorneys are asking him for advice on what it takes to get into biotech law, and he's noticing more continuing-legal-education classes on it.

Tolbert said biotechs he works with tend to want lawyers with advanced scientific degrees to work on patenting the human genome, but a science background isn't as necessary for contract or securities lawyers. For lawyers trying to get their foot in the door, he suggests getting experience on small deals, studying trade journals, and having a genuine interest in science.

Otherwise, Tolbert said, it is easy to be intimidated by a roomful of people with doctorates. The learning curve is long.

"It's difficult, but as a lawyer, you're not steering the ship," Tolbert said. "But to do the job, you do need to be able to understand the captain, and that takes time."

Stacy Peterson focuses on a wide variety of technologies as Ernst & Young's director of business development for emerging-growth markets in Seattle.

When she started in November 2000, she says she spent about one day a week on biotech, with the rest devoted to high-tech. Now biotech is taking up about two days a week.

Laurie Hassell has heard similar stories from people looking for more biotech education. Hassell, a molecular biologist, co-founded the Institute for Science Training and Research to try to fill that gap. Dubbed "Biotech Boot Camp," the classes primarily attract venture capitalists, attorneys and other professionals who attend half-day or four-day biotech crash courses, usually in Seattle.

Hassell makes sure the classes aren't intimidating to nonscientists — her favorite text is "The Cartoon Guide to Genetics." About 18 months ago, the sessions became so popular that she had to start turning people away.

Others say many people aren't all that serious about switching fields. Mark Usellis, a vice president with APCO Worldwide, said he's heard plenty of people practicing cocktail-party banter about biotech, but their attempts to talk a good game aren't very convincing.

"You're dealing with a lot of Ph.D.s and very smart scientists, and if you don't know what you're talking about, you can ... make yourself look bad," Usellis said.

"I've heard some people say they want to go to a couple conferences, have a brown bag or two with a scientist, and learn the language. I just roll my eyes. It's not that easy."

Luke Timmerman can be reached at 206-515-5644 or ltimmerman@seattletimes.com.