While performing standardized tests with established protocols, have you ever thought: “This could be done better”? Or wondered about the people who developed the assays and reagents you use daily?

Those innovations came from professionals with backgrounds remarkably similar to yours, laboratory scientists who transitioned into research and development roles where they create the future of diagnostics rather than simply implementing established methods.

R&D careers represent a natural evolution for laboratory professionals with curiosity and creative problem-solving abilities.

The R&D Landscape for Laboratory Scientists

Research and development opportunities exist across multiple settings:

• Diagnostic Manufacturing Companies: Developing new assays and testing platforms
• Pharmaceutical Firms: Creating and validating diagnostic tools for drug development
• Biotechnology Companies: Innovating new testing approaches and technologies
• Academic Research Institutions: Supporting scientific investigation and clinical trials
• Public Health Agencies: Adapting and validating testing methods for population health
• Independent Laboratories: Developing specialized testing services and methods

Each environment offers different challenges and rewards while leveraging your core laboratory knowledge.

Why Laboratory Scientists Excel in R&D

Your bench experience provides advantages that pure researchers often lack:

1. Practical Implementation Knowledge: You understand what works in real-world settings.

2. Troubleshooting Expertise: You’ve developed systematic approaches to solving analytical problems.

3. Quality Perspective: You appreciate the importance of reproducibility and validation.

4. Clinical Context Understanding: You recognize the practical implications of test performance.

5. Technical Versatility: Your broad exposure to different methodologies provides comparative insight.

The Nigerian R&D Opportunity

Nigeria’s research and development landscape presents unique opportunities:

• Growing investment in locally relevant diagnostic solutions
• Need for tests adapted to our specific disease burden and population
• Expanding clinical trial activity requiring local laboratory expertise
• Development of point-of-care technologies for resource-limited settings
• Initiatives to build domestic diagnostic manufacturing capacity

These trends create openings for laboratory professionals with development capabilities.

Pathways into R&D Roles

Multiple routes can lead from routine testing to research and development:

Academic Route

• Pursue additional qualifications (M.Sc., Ph.D.)
• Engage in research projects at academic institutions
• Build publication record in relevant journals
• Network within research communities
• Apply for research positions in institutions or industry

Industry Route

• Begin in quality control or technical support roles
• Volunteer for method validation and verification projects
• Build relationships with R&D departments
• Demonstrate problem-solving capabilities
• Apply for junior R&D positions when available

Entrepreneurial Route

• Identify unmet needs in current testing approaches
• Develop innovative solutions to laboratory challenges
• Collaborate with business partners to commercialize ideas
• Seek funding through grants or investors
• Build a company around your innovations

Essential Skills for R&D Excellence

Beyond technical knowledge, develop these capabilities:

• Experimental Design: Creating valid and efficient investigations
• Data Analysis: Applied statistics and result interpretation
• Scientific Writing: Documenting methods and findings clearly
• Project Management: Organizing complex, multi-stage projects
• Regulatory Knowledge: Understanding approval pathways for new methods

Success Stories That Inspire

Laboratory professionals who’ve built successful R&D careers include:

• A medical laboratory scientist who relocated and now leads assay development for a diagnostic manufacturer
• A former bench technologist who created a simplified rapid test now used across rural clinics in East Africa
• Another colleaague who transitioned to a CRO (Contract Research Organization) supporting clinical trials

These are real life people whom I know. The common thread? They channeled their frustrations with current methods into innovation rather than resignation.

Your R&D Exploration Plan

If research and development interests you:

1. Identify testing challenges or limitations you regularly encounter

2. Research current innovations addressing these challenges

3. Explore continuing education in research methods and design

4. Connect with professionals in R&D through LinkedIn and professional organizations

5. Volunteer for method validation or verification projects in your current role

Remember: Many significant diagnostic innovations began with a laboratory professional asking, “Couldn’t this be done better?” Your daily experience gives you insight into improvements that pure researchers might never recognize.

This is expecially to those of us who have relocated, think of the many African disease that still do not have enough diagnostics.

What testing challenges have you encountered that might inspire innovation? Share your thoughts!

Till My Next letter.

Written with Love,

Nancy.