Dr Melanie Lee is Executive Vice President, R&D, UCB. She was previously R&D Director at Celltech and Research Unit Head at Glaxo Wellcome (now GSK). She chairs Cancer Research Technology, the technology transfer subsidiary of Cancer Research UK (CRUK), and is a CRUK Trustee. In 2003 Dr Lee was elected a Fellow of the Academy of Medical Sciences and was awarded an honorary doctorate by the University of York, UK in 2004.
What attracted you to medical science?
I am a molecular geneticist and pharmacologist, who loved science from an early age (eight years old at least when I wanted to be 'The Expert' from TV). I did two post-doctoral fellowships with CRC and ICRF and then, when pregnant with my first child, decided that industry would be more stable and supportive of me whilst bringing up a family. The shift from academia to industry was tough, but the wonderful multi-disciplinary environment of industry was forward thinking, exciting and orientated to human health – a stimulating environment. The industry has been fast paced and very changing, always striving to be at the forefront of medical discovery. It also takes care to train and round out other managerial skills.
Were there any problems in getting going?
No, there were no problems, especially not once I’d made the mental adjustment to the industry.
Please tell us briefly about your career to date?
1979-1983: National Institute for Medical Research, Mill Hill PhD, Prof Robin Holliday.
1983-1985: CRC Group – Jean Beggs, Imperial College, 1st post-doc
1985-1987: ICRF – Sir Paul Nurse, LIF, London, 2nd post-doc
1st boy – Oliver born November 1987
1988: Glaxo – Senior Group Leader
10 year career in Glaxo and Glaxo Wellcome – nine promotions to Department Head.
1998: Celltech plc – Executive Director of Research
2003: Executive R&D Director
2004 to present: Executive VP R&D UCB (purchased Celltech).
What do you find most enjoyable and challenging?
Most enjoyable has been achieving a good work/life balance. Challenges – determination to work through tiredness and challenges of a family but I had wonderful support from spouse. Academia should help and support those less able to travel to develop their careers – women (and some men) are not always free to move around a lot. I enjoy working at all levels with very senior, smart people – never losing a sense of professionalism and fun and working alongside men and women.
What research work are you undertaking?
All aspects of drug R&D from ideas generation to marketed products and in market life cycle management. I manage and lead 1700 R&D people and contribute to an Executive to lead 8600 people worldwide.Therapeutic areas include :
• Oncology
• Inflammation/Immunology
• CNS – Neurology
Two pipelines of antibodies and small molecules.
What help did you have in your career?
Opportunities came with the M&A of companies as they grew. R&D being a prized entity for UCB meant it was preserved en masse for the new company. Helpful aspects for my career have included:
• Personal coach
• Personal development programmes
• Team building
• Prolific reading
A great period of personal growth was being a Board Director of Celltech plc.
Other advisory sources – BIA, ABPI are valuable. Multiple interactions with Academy of Medical Sciences have been helpful as a network for discussion.
What would you say to someone thinking about a career in your field work?
It’s a very rich world career as long as you have a passion for science. It can also be financially rewarding. The industry provides a supported environment, which should be helpful for anyone wanting to pursue a career in science.
© Academy of Medical Sciences 2006
