Alumni Spotlight: Jason Newmark
A biopharmaceutical purification process development scientist at Gilead Sciences.
Major & Concentration:
B.S. in Biological Science: Biology, Ecology, and Evolutionary Biology , 2004
Masters degree, 2007:
Project title: A Search for Oligonucleotide Inhibitors of the Aminoglycoside-6’-Type Ib Antibiotic Modifying Enzyme
Advisor: Dr. Tolmasky
What are you doing now?
I am a biopharmaceutical purification process development scientist at Gilead Sciences. I develop processes to purify protein based therapeutics to treat grievous illnesses. When the process is developed, I work with other engineers to ensure successful purification at larger manufacturing scales. After manufacturing, I work with my team to author and submit regulatory applications to proceed with clinical trials or commercial launch.
What were you involved with at Cal State Fullerton?
Along with biology, I studied classical guitar and glass blowing. During my undergraduate, I earned some credits in Costa Rica studying primate ecology and worked with chemistry graduate students in Thailand. As a graduate student, I really enjoyed my role as a TA and spent some time in Oxford, England working with other graduate students in a related field of study.
How did you choose your career and what role did CSU Fullerton play in finding your career?
My lab experience during my Master’s program qualified me to take a temporary position in analytical operations at a leading biopharmaceutical company. After a few months in the temporary position, I applied for a purification process development entry level position. I didn’t really choose my career as much as I opportunistically took a position that I was qualified for and that sounded interesting to me. Fortunately, I am very happy with my career choice! My talented professors gave me a sound scientific foundation from which I could confidently and effectively begin my career. My peers gave me the opportunity to hone interpersonal skills and collaboration tactics, which have proven very relevant in a professional setting.
What are the pros and cons of your career?
Pros:
It’s gratifying to know my work may help cure/treat people in need.
I work with very talented scientists and am always learning something new.
My roles and responsibilities are diverse and that keeps things interesting and fresh.
Cons:
On average, it will take longer to climb the career ladder without a Ph.D.
At times, it can be dispiriting that most candidate medicines we develop never make it to market.
What was your work/life balance like at Cal State Fullerton and what is it like now?
My work life balance at CSUF was healthy. I had a lot of fun and a diversity of non-academic experiences, while being able to stay on task academically. I still have a good work life balance. I’m fortunate that my career allows me to maintain that balance.
What advice would you give current CSUF Biology students?
Open yourselves to opportunities and experiences, even if they are peripheral to the pursuit of your degree. Practice finding healthy activities that compliment, or even distract, from your professional pursuits; work/life balance is a choice!
