Pivoting with Purpose: Finding Your Career Path Beyond Academia with Dr. Sarayu Rao - Manager, Quality Control at Element Life Sciences
Sarayu Rao holds a Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering and a PhD in Environmental Nanotechnology. Her experience spans both academia and the pharmaceutical industry. After completing her PhD, Sarayu began her career as a Chemist at Element and now successfully leads a team of scientists as Manager of Quality Control. In her role, she ensures that drug products entering the market are safe for patient use.
Sarayu excels in collaborating with stakeholders in government, industry, and academia, formulating research strategies, presenting data, crafting innovative solutions, and delivering key results. Graduating during the pandemic, Sarayu networked extensively, met inspiring people along the way, and secured her first job. She is passionate about giving back by guiding and helping those seeking
It was an absolute pleasure speaking with Sarayu!. From job hunting during the pandemic to leading drug safety efforts and mentoring others—her journey is an excellent example of purpose, perseverance and finding balance in the midst of all. Check out the interview to hear her insights and advice for both aspiring and seasoned professionals!
**This interview has been edited for length and clarity.
I started my educational journey with a Bachelor’s in Chemical Engineering in India. A pivotal moment came during my third year, when I went to McGill University for an undergraduate research internship in Environmental Engineering. This first exposure to academic research planted the seed for my love of innovation.
Following undergrad, I joined McGill’s PhD program in 2014, diving deep into the behaviour and fate of engineered nanoparticles in aquatic environments. Working with state-of-the-art instruments, my research was not just academic but connected to real-world applications, such as the use of nanoparticles in cosmetic care products. Collaborating with regulators and sharing findings through talks and conferences shaped my perspective on science, regulation, and innovation.
After completing my PhD, I transitioned into the Life Sciences sector and started working at Element, a company specializing in pharmaceutical testing. This area is highly regulated to ensure drug products comply with stringent Quality Control (QC) standards before they go into the market for patient use.
I began as a bench scientist in 2021, working with various pharmaceutical companies to test drugs for elemental impurities. These impurities often enter through manufacturing processes, raw ingredients, catalysts, or packaging materials such as IV bags and salines. Today, I manage an excellent Trace Metals Team, overseeing testing procedures to ensure pharmaceutical products are safe for consumption.
This is a great question, especially for graduate students wondering whether to pursue academia or transition into industry. I realized early on that academia wasn’t for me. While I enjoyed research, I didn’t have the passion for long-term, exploratory research without a clear endpoint. Though I love challenges and critical thinking, I found that academia often lacked the collaborative environment I thrive in. Rather than following the traditional postdoctoral route, I was drawn to industry, where I could apply my expertise in a practical, results-driven environment.
Two key lessons stand out for me:
Firstly, the value of industrial experience: If I had gained more industry exposure earlier, I could have broadened my career options and approached problems with a more efficient and practical mindset. Industry hones problem-solving efficiency in ways that academia cannot.
Secondly, planning your post-PhD path: Many graduate students are so focused on completing their degree that they don’t consider their long-term career trajectory. Taking the time to explore different career options can make the transition much smoother.
Shifting from academia to industry required adapting to a highly structured and regulated environment—particularly in pharmaceuticals, where compliance is non-negotiable. Unlike research, where there’s room for flexibility and exploration, pharma requires strict adherence to protocols.
I overcame this challenge by immersing myself in regulatory guidelines, maintaining a curious mindset, and actively seeking insights from my colleagues. Additionally, I had an incredibly supportive manager who understood my academic background and, through his patience and guidance, helped me grow into the professional I am today.
“The sense of purpose in my work is incredibly fulfilling. Knowing that our efforts help create safer, life-saving drugs like chemotherapies and other essential medications for patients is deeply rewarding.”
Working with supportive and positive people makes all the difference. Unlike academia, where research can feel isolating, industry emphasizes teamwork. We work together to solve problems, achieve targets, and drive innovation.
A strong STEM background, particularly in chemistry and analytical skills, forms the foundation of pharmaceutical work. Curiosity and a commitment to continuous learning are essential for going beyond routine tasks and deepening knowledge in the field. Teamwork and effective communication play a crucial role in industry, as collaboration is necessary for success. Attention to detail is equally important, ensuring precision to maintain high-quality standards. Additionally, adaptability is key, as regulations frequently change, requiring professionals to learn and adjust quickly.
“Lastly but certainly not least, many companies value character as much as technical expertise. Arrogance or poor teamwork can disrupt a well-functioning team, making soft skills just as important as technical ones.”
Balancing work and personal life are all about prioritization. I prioritize my day by setting daily goals, both personally and professionally. To stay on track, I make a list at the start of each workday outlining what I want to accomplish by the end of the day. This includes making time for activities that matter to me, like cooking nutritious meals, working out (paying for classes keeps me accountable!), and reading regularly which allowed me to hit a personal best of 16 books in 2024. I’ve found that setting boundaries and knowing when to unplug are crucial as responsibilities grow.
That would be my older sister. She has been my guide, having gone through many challenges before me. She moved to McGill first, and when I joined her, she helped me navigate life in Canada. Having an older sibling has been a true blessing. I’ve learned so much from her experiences, and her amazing achievements inspire me to become a better person. It’s also special that we both work in life sciences, contributing to patient care in different ways. Having someone like her, a mentor and best friend, is incredible!
My favourite element is Gold (Au). During my PhD, I worked with gold (Au) and silver (Ag) nanoparticles. These nanoparticles exhibit fascinating properties that differ significantly from their bulk counterparts. For instance, gold nanoparticles are not shiny; they appear red at the nanoscale.
Beyond their visual appeal, gold nanoparticles have incredible antibacterial properties and are widely used in consumer care products, medicine, and even diagnostics. Their versatility and unique characteristics make gold an exceptionally intriguing element to study! And who doesn’t love a piece of gold jewellery?
