We’re excited to feature an interview with Gijs Jochems, who recently retired as General Director of Promega, Spain. Gijs has been one of the key leaders of the SDDN since its origin.
How did you get interested in the field of Drug Discovery?
I come from a family of doctors — my father was a general practitioner with practice at home — and my sister had her own clinical research agency, where I also worked temporarily during my student years. Perhaps because of that, I have always nurtured an interest in applied scientific research, and my entire career has consistently leaned strongly towards finding solutions for patients.
Can you share a bit about your professional/scientific career and your current role?
My doctoral thesis at the University of Amsterdam focused on developing methods for the in-vitro production of human monoclonal antibodies, the precursors of what is now known as ‘biologicals’. Subsequently, I received a post-doctoral fellowship from the Spanish Ministry of Education and Science at La Princesa Hospital in Madrid, under the supervision of Ángel Corbí and Francisco Sánchez-Madrid, where I conducted research on the early stages of the inflammatory process. After that, I worked for 4 years as PI at Pharmacia-Upjohn on the characterization of a new stem cell growth factor for bone marrow transplantations. Eventually, I made the switch to the business world and began working for Baxter Healthcare, where I led the Biopharma business unit for patients with haemophilia and immunodeficiencies. Finally, in 2005 I was asked to set up the subsidiary for Spain and Portugal for Promega Corp.
What kind of research are you focused on right now?
At this moment I am not actively involved in research, but over the years I have developed a great interest in all applications of bioluminescence for the development of new therapies, especially in the early stages. In addition, I have been active in recent years as a mentor to young researchers, helping them with the orientation of their careers.
Which technical and soft skills are crucial for your position?
As general manager for Promega, I think it is important to have a scientific background, given that all our customers are researchers. It is difficult, though not impossible, to hold a meaningful conversation without a solid scientific education. Beyond that, it is essential to convey trustworthiness — to follow through on your word and avoid making empty promises. This applies equally to our customers and to our own staff.
What accomplishment/s in your career do you feel most proud of?
First, as a foreigner, securing a permanent position as PI at the Centro Nacional de Biotecnología (CNB-CSIC), and second, building the subsidiary for Spain and Portugal from scratch — from choosing the office location and its design, to developing the entire organisation, including quality controls and our Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) programme.
How do you balance work and personal life, especially when research demands are high?
I have the advantage that my wife also comes from a scientific background and understands how the system works. The most challenging period is when both partners are working while your children are of school age. Business trips in particular, where you are away from home for several days at a time, create real difficulties. Planning ahead and making clear arrangements is the only way to get through that period.
What part of your job do you find the most fulfilling or exciting?
As a biologist, I have always been able to stay close to science, right up to the present day. Being able to forge connections between customers and our R&D group to get projects off the ground is very rewarding. In addition, I invest a great deal of time in developing people, both as a mentor to young researchers and to promising talents within the company. The responses are always enormously positive.
What emerging technologies or trends in Drug Discovery are you most excited about?
The possibilities we are beginning to have to explore the ‘dark proteome’ — that is, having assays available to identify new proteins that may represent potential therapeutic targets.
What are your thoughts about the current impact of Drug Discovery in Spain?
The landscape has become more coherent over recent years, with much greater collaboration and exchange of information between the various research groups. I am convinced that the SDDN has played an important role in that. Furthermore, since the COVID crisis, biotechnology has gained considerably more recognition, which translates into better funding for start-ups and, along with that, the development of new therapies such as cell and gene therapy, but also vaccines and large molecules such as monoclonal antibodies. Spain is also very active within the European Openscreen network, which contributes to the international exposure of the research being conducted here.