With her sights set on clinical research after she received her degree for her Master’s in Pharmacology and Toxicology, Pharmacokinetic (PK) Analyst Ruby Gill took a strategic approach to jumpstart her career. Ruby designed a plan that allowed her to develop a solid foundation in research, but in the pursuit of her dream job in clinical research, Ruby discovered something even better.
Before she even walked the graduation stage as an undergraduate, Ruby already knew she wanted to work in clinical research. Many undergraduates aren’t aware of their options in clinical research since many life science major tracks are focused on specific jobs. However, this was not the case for Ruby. During her time as an undergraduate, she was introduced to clinical research through some career development classes where she learned the impact she could make. “I wanted to work in clinical research because it plays a critical role in developing new treatments that can improve people’s lives,” Ruby says. Sitting in class, Ruby realized right then and there that she wanted to tackle this demanding, yet rewarding, career to make a difference in the lives of millions of people around the world.
After learning about the global reach of a career in clinical research, Ruby was faced with a decision. Among the ample opportunities in clinical research, two main pathways presented themselves to Ruby: laboratory research and analytical research. Though she was unsure about which to choose, she was determined to break into the industry. Ruby picked laboratory research. After she finished her Master’s, she joined a hospital as a Research Assistant working in the lab. Here, Ruby was met with a slow and thorough approach to research where she was able to gather her bearings and familiarize herself with general processes.
Tasked with both benchwork and data analysis responsibilities, Ruby noticed that she was drawn closer to the analytical side. “I was always intrigued by the results and planning something new based on the results,” Ruby explains. After four years in the laboratory, her intrigue only grew stronger. She had found her niche in data analysis, and Ruby realized she was more interested in working with the results of the experiment rather than the experiment itself. Clinical research studies can take time to work through the four phases, and Ruby found this languid process too slow. She needed a change. Ruby decided to step away from laboratory research and pursue her passion: data analysis.
As she was looking for a position in her dream job, Ruby discovered Medpace. She accepted a role as a PK Analyst, and after settling into her new position, she was met with a fast-paced environment. At Medpace, Ruby is now able to focus specifically on analyzing study results and work on a variety of projects. “PK Analysis is a collaborative effort which involves interaction with other scientists and clinicians,” Ruby describes. “These interactions help provide opportunities for learning and professional development.”
Sometimes the career path you start out in isn’t the one you end up in. And sometimes the path you start out in directly leads you to your dream job. Ruby navigated her way to data analytics, and she couldn’t be more excited. She possesses a deep understanding of what the research means and the role that pharmacology holds in the realm of clinical research. Keenly aware of the continuous need for therapies and biotech, Ruby knows that working in clinical research means meeting the growing demand for new treatments and therapies. However, Ruby is only drawn closer to clinical research by this. “…clinical research is personally rewarding for me as well as professionally rewarding,” Ruby speaks fondly of the work she does, and the challenges energize her rather than discourage her. Knowing the impact her work is making, and will make, fuels her drive not only to continue in her own growth journey at Medpace but also to increase the impact she has on the lives of people around the world.
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