Dr. Justin D. Glenn is a research immunologist with expertise in neuro-immunology, viral infection, and T-cell biology. He received his bachelor’s degree with honors in cellular and molecular biology at Vanderbilt University and later received his PhD in the lab of Dr. Katharine Whartenby at the Johns Hopkins School of medicine, where he investigated experimental stem cell therapy in multiple sclerosis and did post-doctoral studies to address the impact of viral infection on multiple sclerosis. He is currently employed as a Research Scientist at REGENXBIO, Inc., a gene therapy company that strives to harness the curative potential of adeno-associated viruses to human disease. In addition to his scientific pursuits, Justin runs a blog, The Black Futuristic, which highlights the contributions of Black people and their endeavors towards shaping our future.

Can you describe your academic and professional background? What path led you to pursue this field? 

I received my bachelor’s degree in Molecular and Cellular Biology and Anthropology at Vanderbilt University in 2009 and my PhD in the Cellular and Molecular Medicine graduate program at the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine in 2014. At Johns Hopkins, I held a research concentration in neuro-immunology where I studied modulation of inflammatory T-cell responses in mouse models of Multiple Sclerosis (MS). After this, I completed a 5-year postdoc at Johns Hopkins where I studied co-morbidity of MS and influenza infection. After my postdoc, I decided to pursue a career in the biotech sector, namely gene therapy at the company REGENXBIO, Inc. Now I work as a Scientist II in the Target Discovery Division of R&D. I switched from an academic field to that of biotech to gain experience working in a different type of biomedical research environment and without the hassle of constantly writing grants with very low funding success rates.

How did you find this particular position, and what was the hiring process like? Is there a typical structure for this in your field? 

I found this position on LinkedIn. I submitted my application along with the CV, which emphasized my technical skills and work habits. I had two preliminary phone screens, the first with the lead recruiter and the second with the hiring manager. I was then asked to interview in person. This was a day-long process in which I began by presenting my most recent research project (which was completed) and interviewing individually with multiple individuals, one-on-one, that were in the R&D department in which I would work. I basically described myself, my endeavors, my research background, and what I was seeking from working there. This is the typical structure of the interview process.

Can you tell us about your current responsibilities? What is a typical day or week like in your role?

Compared to academia, R&D research involves more team-oriented work, more meetings that are project based, and being involved in multiple research topics. However, just as in academia, no one day is the same as the next. One day may be filled with planning and doing experiments in the lab while the next may be filled with meetings. Here, it is very important to plan ahead of time and use your time wisely. Unanticipated activities and tasks may also spring up from nowhere, and you must be prepared to adjust accordingly to address them and re-prioritize your tasks.

What do you enjoy about your current job and work environment? 

I enjoy not having to write grants and have my salary and position dependent on that. I appreciate my colleagues, the expertise they bring, and the willingness they have in aiding me and working together to answer large-scale questions. I also appreciate the ability we have to publish in scientific journals.

What are some of the challenging aspects of your job? Is there anything you wish you had known about your job or industry before joining?

The most challenging aspect is juggling time, which is a skill. I have to constantly go back and forth between planning, executing, and analyzing experiments, and planning and attending meetings. I am also a naturally independent worker, so constantly working in a team-oriented setting was a challenge (but one that I wanted). The agenda can also be unpredictable. I wish I had known about the voluminous meeting times in advance.

Do you have any professional plans for the future? What are some future career paths that could open up for someone in your position, 5-10 years down the road?

For someone in my position, one can advance into more senior scientist positions, usually switching over to different companies depending on the need for a company for your expertise. Academia is also an option for return. I’d say overall, working in this environment makes you competitive enough to work anywhere else you’d want.

What’s changing in your industry? Are there any future trends we should be aware of?

Gene therapy is quickly gaining in popularity to cure and treat many diseases. Many of the diseases are of the rare and orphan designation, but there are also opportunities to address more common types. There is a growing need for immunologists in gene therapy companies as well. 

What activities, internships, or organizations would you recommend someone get involved with to help them break into this field?

I would do an internship at a biotech company to determine if it is the place for you. Reach out and make contact with scientists at many different types of companies because the work environment is not the same at all companies. Maintain a stellar graduate research career that makes you stand out, such as presenting at conferences, good publications, etc.

Is it common for people in your field to have a scientific/academic background (i.e. have PhDs)? Can you think of any advantages or disadvantages someone with a PhD might experience while pursuing or working in your field?

It is common for people in my field to have PhDs. There will be no disadvantages with having a PhD in my career.

Do you have any final words of advice for those navigating these career questions? Is there anything you would have done differently given what you know now? 

Make as many contacts as you can with people in many different scientific career sectors, do not limit yourself to a place you do not want to remain, and do whatever it is that you want to do!