Which office are you located at? What can you say about US involvement in clinical trials?
I am based in Princeton, NJ at GCT headquarters. In recent years, we have been growing our operations in the US and adding more full-time personnel here. Many of our clients are U.S. companies, and the studies often involve clinical sites in the U.S., or they are US-based entirely.
How long have you worked here? Can you talk more about your role?
I will have been with the company for 3 years this coming November. Being a part of the Business Development team has been an extremely fulfilling experience because this job combines so many responsibilities. Most of them revolve around communicating with sponsors, developing business proposals, and looking for new opportunities. Not one day has passed without me learning something new.
Was the job what you expected it would be? Did anything surprise you?
I was prepared for the job to be very different from what I had done before, so there was no shock. Though, the immense amount of information I learned affected my understanding of the pharmaceutical industry. I was amazed at how professionals with very different cultural backgrounds and expertise communicate and collaborate effectively in the field of clinical trials.
What has changed at the company since you joined?
These past couple of years have kept our team busy and excited. Since 2018, GCT has expanded its physical coverage, adding Georgia, Kazakhstan, and the Baltics to the map. We now offer data management and biostatistics services in-house. Dozens of new projects, both global and local, have been added to the portfolio, as we continued to develop partnerships with both the sponsors and other service providers across the globe. Though, it is important that despite all the inspiring transformation, the core values of the company, such as our flexibility and professionalism remain the same.
What is important for you at GCT?
I am grateful for the internal culture of the company. The support of my colleagues both from the Business Development department and from across the company has been invaluable.
Can you describe an event that was particularly memorable during your career at GCT?
The very first corporate Christmas party I attended in St. Petersburg, Russia was a highlight. It lasted past midnight, with all the employees having so much fun and celebrating the end of the year. There were music, dances, and games. Everyone was enjoying it.
What was the moment when you knew you’d made the right decision to join GCT?
The very first corporate party? ? When I received the job offer, I did not hesitate to accept it, and my expectations were exceeded since day one. It was clear how much new rewarding experience the job had to offer.
What do you think the mission of GCT is?
The primary mission of the whole industry is to develop and deliver the most effective and safest drugs possible to those in need. As a Contract Research Organization, we do our part in organizing the process of conducting clinical trials smoothly and effectively.
Describe GCT in 3 words
Expert, flexible and global.
How do you see GCT in 10 years?
I enjoy that GCT has a long-term development strategy, but also utilizes the opportunities that might arise along the way — our quality of being flexible. I would like to see the company continuing to grow its presence in the US, but perhaps extending its reach to new countries or even continents as well. We will see!