Career Confessions: The female engineer who’s advancing cell and gene therapy behind the scenes

Do you like your job? Or wonder what it would be like if you’d gone against your parents’ advice and pursued your dream career? Her World’s Career Confessions column spotlights the professional journeys of its subjects and reveals how each individual’s career path and the choices they have made can have an impact on their personal finances, psychological health, and interpersonal relationships.

Growing up, Belinda Lee spent her childhood in Malaysia, where visits to her grandparents’ kampung (village) in Penang sparked a fascination with medicine. As she watched her grandparents age and grapple with multiple medications, Belinda was struck by the delicate balance between the benefits and risks of pharmaceuticals. 

“As my grandparents grew older, I noticed their hospital visits became more frequent and the increasing number of medicines they took.” There were occasional remarks from relatives expressing concern that taking so much medication might not be beneficial for Belinda’s grandparents, and they often worried about the potential side effects.

“I kept this in my heart and this ongoing conversation piqued my curiosity in the world of medicine. I wanted to understand how medications work, how they are prescribed, and the balance between their benefits and risks is. This curiosity grew into a deeper interest in the pharmaceutical industry.”

Belinda ended up studying chemical engineering majoring in bioprocessing as part of her undergraduate degree. Inspired by personal connections and the groundbreaking work of trailblazers like Dr. Frances Oldham Kelsey, who famously blocked the approval of thalidomide in the U.S., Belinda was drawn to a career that pushes the boundaries of medicine. 

“During my studies, I chanced upon the biography of Dr. Frances Oldham Kelsey, a physician and FDA medical officer in the 1960s. Dr. Kelsey was tasked with reviewing thalidomide, a drug prescribed for morning sickness that was available in Canada and over 20 European and African countries. Despite immense pressure from the pharmaceutical company, she refused to approve it due to insufficient evidence, thereby preventing thousands of cases of birth defects and limb loss in the U.S. Her life story further fueled my interest in the pharmaceutical industry.” 

This spark would eventually ignite her passion for the field. “My interest in stem cell and gene therapy grew from a mix of personal experiences and deep curiosity. Watching loved ones struggle with cancer and seeing the limitations of treatments back then made me want to explore new possibilities for healing and improvement.” 

She adds: “In addition, the rapid progress in biotechnology and genetic research fascinated me. The idea that we could tailor treatments to individual needs or even cure diseases that once seemed untreatable was incredibly exciting.”

Today, as an enterprise solutions lead process engineer at Cytiva, she’s helping to advance life-saving treatments that could change the future of healthcare.

In her career confessions below, Belinda shares insights into her work, the challenges and triumphs of her career, and her vision for the future of women in STEM.

Name: Belinda Lee
Highest Education: Post Graduate Diploma in Pharmaceutical Manufacturing (NUS)
Job Title & Industry: Lead Process Engineer
Years of Work Experience: 13

How would you describe your career? Would you say it’s a job, a career, or a calling that you’re extremely passionate about?

Belinda: I currently work at Cytiva, a global company that provides bioprocessing products and services to the biopharmaceutical industry to advance and accelerate the development and manufacturing of vaccines and therapeutic products. Cytiva provides the technology and equipment researchers need to develop and deliver life-saving therapeutics to patients who need them.

Although I’m not directly involved in frontline healthcare, nor do I interact with patients personally, I find deep fulfilment knowing that my work is part of the value chain that improves the quality of life for countless individuals. My role helps advance cell and gene therapy treatments, and the potential to make a positive difference in patients’ lives brings me immense satisfaction.

What are the most rewarding and challenging aspects of your role as an Enterprise Solutions Lead Process Engineer at Cytiva?

Belinda: As a Lead Process Engineer, I engage with a diverse range of customers, from startup research and development teams to global pharmaceutical companies. My role involves understanding their drug development process challenges and crafting tailored, end-to-end solutions to address these issues. I also offer recommendations on enhancing material and personnel workflows in the cleanroom and collaborate with them on their Goods Manufacturing Practice (GMP) documentation to meet regulatory requirements.

The most rewarding aspect is knowing that my work helps my customers create treatments that could significantly improve or save patient lives. The thrill of working with emerging technologies and collaborating with a dedicated team keeps me inspired and engaged.

On the flip side, the job comes with its challenges. The complexity of cell therapy processes, evolving regulatory requirements, and technical hurdles can be demanding. Additionally, keeping up with the fast-paced advancements in the field requires constant learning and adaptability. Despite these challenges, the satisfaction of making a real difference in our customers’ processes to improve patient care makes it all worthwhile.

What’s your day-to-day schedule like?

Belinda: My day-to-day schedule varies as I support global projects. On Monday to Wednesday, I usually start work after lunch since I have recurring evening calls that can extend to 10 pm or later. I try to do some pilates or other forms of exercise in the morning, along with cuddling my dog and taking some me-time to stay productive and energised. On Thursdays and Fridays, I work more regular hours.

Sometimes, my work involves travelling for conferences, training, or visiting customer sites for consultation purposes or to execute projects. This year, I had the opportunity to speak at a Turkey-based conference virtually and most recently, an in-person conference in Singapore (Singapore Cell and Gene Therapy-SCGT) in July.

As a woman in STEM, have you faced any specific challenges or biases throughout your career? How did you overcome them?

Belinda: Breaking into the job market right after graduation was challenging. I applied for over 50 engineering-related roles in Singapore but received offers mostly for sales roles and only one engineering position. I accepted that sole opportunity because it allowed me to apply my knowledge and indulge my passion for problem-solving.

Early in my career, I noticed that male colleagues were often the first to be chosen to lead projects, while female colleagues with similar qualifications and experience were assigned supporting roles. I eventually left that organisation because it didn’t align with my values regarding gender equality and professional growth.

What systemic barriers do you think still exist for women in STEM, and what steps can the industry take to remove these obstacles?

Belinda: There are three key areas where we can improve for women in STEM:

Creating an Inclusive Work Environment: Gender-neutral hiring practices should be the norm, with competence being the primary focus. This shift encourages women to approach job interviews confidently, knowing their skills are valued.

Flexible Work Arrangements: Caregiving roles, whether for elderly parents or children, often fall on women. We need workplaces that support flexible arrangements so women can balance their professional and personal responsibilities effectively.

Equal Opportunities for Growth: Ensuring equitable access to opportunities and fostering women’s managerial skills are crucial. At Cytiva, male leaders are encouraged to be allies and supportive of women’s career growth, which has made a significant difference in my professional journey.

If you could tell your younger or future self something, what would you say?

Belinda: Challenges may seem daunting at first, filled with uncertainty and anxiety. But as you move forward, you’ll realise that these obstacles make life exciting and shape you into who you are meant to be. Embrace the ups and downs, savour the small moments, and remember that with faith and resilience, you will grow through every experience.

Looking back on your career so far, what are you most proud of, and what’s next on the horizon for you?

Belinda: I take pride in facilitating successful technology transfer projects that deliver tailored solutions to clients ranging from startups to global pharmaceutical companies. Looking ahead, I’m excited to deepen my expertise, lead more complex projects, and explore how the industry can make emerging therapies more cost-effective and accessible to improve patient outcomes.