Technology in Life Sciences goes beyond systems, regulations, and compliance, it has a direct impact on human lives. Andreea Dodoși Șerban, an ERP IT Project Manager, understands this first-hand. With a background in Political Science and a passion for digital transformation, she transitioned from government digitalisation to the pharmaceutical industry, where her work helps bring life-saving treatments to patients faster and more efficiently.

In this interview, Andreea shares how she stays focused on the bigger picture, why embracing change is essential for career growth, and how building strong relationships has helped her navigate the ever-evolving world of Life Sciences technology.

1. Kick things off by sharing your story—how did you find your way into Life Sciences tech?

Life has a way of surprising you with where it takes you. I graduated with a Master’s in Security and Diplomacy, diving deep into Political Science with the belief that every person, no matter how small their impact, can make a difference. My first role was at a Government Agency focused on digitalising Romania’s bureaucracy - a perfect blend of public service and innovation. But life had bigger plans. I found myself drawn deeper into the world of tech and digital transformation, and it wasn’t long before I made a bold move.

I switched gears entirely and joined an external vendor company providing IT services to a major pharmaceutical player. I had to adapt and evolve, moving from bureaucracy and government digitalisation to the fast-paced world of IT services in the Life Sciences industry.

The more I immersed myself in the processes and visited on-site plants, the more I realised that this was where I wanted to expand my knowledge. Even if it meant shifting focus, my skills and passions aligned. The difference I had always wanted to make started to take shape in the Life Sciences industry, and honestly, it turned out to be even better than I had imagined when I was a student.

2. What are some unique challenges you’ve faced as a tech professional in Life Sciences, and how have you overcome them?

I consider the tech and IT world to be fast-paced, but at the same time, Life Sciences is an industry where compliance is everything. It takes a shift in mindset to see this complexity as a key to success rather than a barrier. I had to learn to collaborate closely with regulatory teams early on in every project to ensure that our tech solutions were compliant while also being optimised for speed and efficiency, without compromising safety or quality.

3. What’s the biggest surprise about working in this industry that people never expect?

One of the biggest surprises about working in the Life Sciences industry is just how much impact technology can have on human lives. When you think about tech, especially in a regulated field like Life Sciences, you might assume it’s all about numbers, data, and processes.

To be honest, as tech professionals in Life Sciences, it’s easy to sometimes lose sight of the broader impact we’re making. The daily focus on procedures, processes, and data can overshadow the bigger picture. But every so often, we make a conscious effort to remind ourselves of the true purpose behind our work. When we reconnect with that objective, it reignites our motivation and keeps us driven.

The reality is that the tech we implement and the systems we build can directly influence things like drug development, patient safety, and even the speed at which life-saving treatments reach the market.

4. What drives you to push boundaries or take bold risks in your role?

The main motivator for me is constantly reminding myself of the bigger picture and the direct link between technology and human lives. When you realise that the tech solutions we create can have a direct impact on people's health and well-being, it pushes you to take risks and go further, knowing that the outcomes can make a real difference.

5. If you could tackle one major challenge in Life Sciences tech, what would it be and why?

I can’t point to one specific major challenge, but it all comes back to optimisation and improving response times. The goal is to strengthen the connection between technology and patient care so that advancements in tech translate into faster, more effective treatments.

6. What’s a mistake you made early on, and how did it shape the way you work today?

A mistake I made early on was losing sight of the broader impact of our work by focusing too heavily on the technical aspects of a project without fully considering the larger purpose behind it.

It’s easy to get caught up in the details, especially when you're just one piece of a bigger process like the IT side. But I learned how important it is to stay connected to the end goal. Now, I make a conscious effort to regularly remind myself and my colleagues of the true purpose behind our work. This helps keep us motivated and ensures that what we’re doing aligns with the bigger picture.

7. How do you balance climbing the career ladder with staying true to your personal goals?

I remind myself to maintain balance in my personal life by making sure I have time for family, learning, and passions outside of work, things that ultimately fuel my professional energy.

It’s a constant process of checking in with myself, evaluating whether the path I’m on truly aligns with both my career aspirations and personal values. By making sure both aspects are in sync, I can keep pushing forward while staying true to who I am and what I want to achieve.

I’m also fortunate that my management team prioritises this balance. They consistently emphasise the importance of aligning career growth with personal well-being.

8. In your view, what’s the secret to building a meaningful, successful career in Life Sciences?

In my view, the secret to building a meaningful, successful career in Life Sciences lies in staying curious, adaptable, and mission-driven, while also maintaining personal balance.

For me, building genuine connections with my colleagues is also crucial. Even though it can be more challenging in virtual settings, I always make an effort to smile, laugh off mistakes, and engage in conversations beyond just small talk.

One of the things that boosts my productivity is knowing I have strong, authentic connections with the people I work with. It makes my career feel more meaningful.

9. Can you share a moment when networking opened the door to a big opportunity?

Absolutely. My current job came about through a recommendation. I had an acquaintance with whom I’d been chatting casually about projects and roles. She thought my profile would be a great fit for a new opportunity her company was preparing.

She recommended me, and I was hired. It just goes to show that networking really does open doors to big opportunities. You never know where the next one might come from!

10. How do you turn professional connections into genuine, lasting relationships?

In our fast-paced world, it can be tough to slow down and truly listen, but by paying attention not just to the words, but also to the tone of someone's voice, you can sense a lot more. For example, when someone’s tone is lower, I always take the time to ask if everything’s okay. Showing that you care and are present in the moment helps build deeper, more genuine connections. Empathy, honesty and authenticity are powerful tools for turning professional connections into lasting relationships. Another crucial part of this process is staying in touch. It shows that you genuinely value the person and not just what they can offer.

11. What’s your go-to strategy for keeping connections strong, even when you’re not job hunting?

My go-to strategy is to always leave the door open for future collaborations. I’ve found that being transparent and authentic with everyone I meet has been key to keeping connections strong.

For example, in all my past roles, I’ve always completed the work required and stayed in touch with several colleagues, even after we stopped working together. This has taught me that even if our collaboration ends temporarily, there’s always a “half-open door” for potential opportunities in the future.

12. Knowing what you know now, what advice would you give to your younger self starting out?

I would tell my younger self that her views on life will change over time, probably every few years. I’d remind her to stop rushing toward perfection and take the time to ‘smell the roses’.

Building real relationships should be a priority, and trust that the journey will unfold, even if things seem uncertain. Keep putting in the effort, and the results will follow. I’d also let her know that it’s okay not to have all the answers, and as long as she stays curious, and open-minded, everything will fall into place exactly as it’s meant to.

Andreea’s journey is proof that career paths don’t have to be linear. Curiosity, adaptability, and a willingness to embrace change can open doors to unexpected yet rewarding opportunities. Whether you're transitioning into Life Sciences tech from another field or looking to grow within it, staying mission-driven and continuously learning are key to success.

Build authentic relationships, stay open to new challenges, and remember the bigger picture—the impact of technology in healthcare goes beyond data and processes; it changes lives. By keeping this perspective, women in Life Sciences tech can push boundaries, drive innovation, and create meaningful careers that make a real difference.

At RED Global, we believe that hiring more women in tech isn’t just the right thing to do, it leads to serious business returns. Studies show that diverse teams drive innovation, improve decision-making, and contribute to stronger financial performance. Read more about the benefits of hiring women in tech here.

Are you a tech professional looking for your next opportunity in Life Sciences? Register with us today! We’re here to connect you with roles where you can thrive and make an impact.