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Our Background
Dr. Gaurav Pathria
I grew up in rural India and pursued graduate and post-graduate studies in biochemistry before earning a PhD in Cancer Biology from the Medical University of Vienna, Austria. This journey opened doors to incredible opportunities in cancer research, allowing me to work at leading institutions and contribute to important scientific advancements.
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I’ve been fortunate to hold roles such as Principal Scientist at Genentech, Inc. (Roche Group) in San Francisco and Head of Translational Medicine at TOLREMO Therapeutics AG in Basel, Switzerland. My research has been published in journals like Nature Cell Biology, EMBO Journal, Cell Metabolism, and Cancer Cell, and my work in the field led to an offer for a tenure-track Assistant Professor position at Columbia University in 2020.
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The idea for KarrierPATH comes from my own experiences navigating the uncertainties of academic and professional transitions. I know firsthand how challenging it can be to build a career in science and how valuable the right guidance can be. My goal with KarrierPATH is to share what I’ve learned and help aspiring science professionals, as well as high school and university students, make informed decisions about their careers with confidence and clarity.
Education & Professional Experience
2016-2020
Scientific Associate​
Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute
La Jolla USA
During this Postdoctoral Fellowship in the laboratory of Dr. Ze'ev Ronai, I carried out research to decipher signaling cascades that prime adaptation to nutrient restriction in cancer cells.
2015-2016
Postdoctoral Fellowship​
Philipps University Marburg, Marburg GERMANY
My research focused on understanding actin cytoskeletal dynamics, mechanisms of cancer cell migration, invasion and metastasis
2009-2012
PhD
Medical University of Vienna, Vienna
AUSTRIA
My PhD thesis focused on studying CRM1-mediated nucleocytoplasmic transport and its potential viability as a putative cancer drug target
2004-2006
MSc
All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi
INDIA
2020-2024
Principal Scientist
Genentech Inc.
South San Francisco
USA
Led IND-enabling preclinical studies and translational research in cancer signaling and immunotherapy to inform rational clinical development. Developed patient selection and companion diagnostic (CDx) strategies, along with a clinical biomarker strategy to assess target engagement, pharmacodynamics, and mechanisms of drug response and resistance. Spearheaded cross-functional collaborations to elucidate drug mechanisms of action and develop biomarker assays for clinical specimens. Partnered with multidisciplinary teams to shape clinical development plans and support regulatory submissions, driving the advancement of novel therapeutics.
2024
Head of Translational Medicine​
Tolremo Therapeutics AG, Basel SWITZERLAND
Spearheaded the development and implementation of biomarker strategies for early clinical development, focusing on biomarker-informed patient selection, the design and validation of novel pharmacodynamic assays for transcriptional modulation, and the evaluation of clinical samples to identify potential predictive and prognostic biomarkers. Additionally, led the strategic design of clinical development plans for combination therapies with approved targeted agents.
2025-
Co-Founder & Chief Consultant​
KarrierPATH OG, Graz
AUSTRIA
As the founder and CEO of KarrierPATH, I draw on my PhD in Cancer Biology and international experience across academia, biotech, and Big Pharma to help professionals navigate their careers in biomedical sciences. Having worked in the U.S., Austria, Germany, Switzerland, and Italy, I understand the complexities of career transitions across research, industry, and international job markets.
At KarrierPATH, we provide strategic coaching and personalized consulting to help scientists, students, and professionals make informed career decisions, transition between academia and industry, and secure global opportunities with confidence.
Dr. Paulina Pathria
I am a cancer biologist with a passion for mentoring and guiding professionals in biomedical sciences. My career has taken me across Austria, Germany, Switzerland, and the U.S., giving me a global perspective on career development in academia, biotech, and the pharmaceutical industry.
With extensive experience in scientific research, biotech startups, and team leadership, I have worked on cutting-edge projects in tumor immunology, cancer vaccines, and antibody therapeutics. Throughout my career—whether at the Medical University of Vienna, UC San Diego, or biotech firms in Silicon Valley—I have not only conducted research but also managed teams, secured funding, and worked towards developement of innovative therapies.
As a co-founder of KarrierPATH, I am dedicated to helping science graduate students, early-career scientists and professionals navigate career transitions, secure international research positions, and explore industry opportunities. I understand the challenges of moving between academia and industry, applying for competitive positions, and adapting to new professional environments.
Through strategic career consulting, I help my clients craft compelling applications, excel in interviews, and position themselves for success in an ever-evolving field. Whether you are looking to transition into industry, secure your next research position, or relocate for new opportunities, I am here to help you take the next step with confidence.
Education & Professional Experience
2016-2019
Postdoctoral Associate​
University of California
San Diego, La Jolla
USA
My research uncovered a tissue-resident macrophage progenitor as a key driver of tumor growth, advancing the understanding of tumor biology. Leading projects in a dynamic and collaborative environment, the work encompassed experimental design, data analysis, and scientific communication. Findings were compiled into research and review articles and presented at major scientific conferences. Additionally, team management and mentoring played a central role, fostering a productive and supportive research environment.
2015-2016
Postdoctoral Fellowship​
Philipps University Marburg, Marburg
GERMANY
Established laser-capture microdissection of paraffin-embedded tumors, enabling precise isolation of target cells for downstream analysis. Developed and optimized protocols for library preparation, ensuring high-quality samples for Next-Generation Sequencing. This work contributed to advancing molecular profiling techniques for tumor characterization and research.
2010-2015
PhD
Medical University of Vienna, Vienna
AUSTRIA
Demonstrated the role of myeloid Stat3 in colitis-associated cancer, providing insights into its contribution to tumor development. Led experimental planning, data analysis, and interpretation to ensure rigorous and reproducible results. Findings were documented in research and review articles, contributing to the broader scientific understanding of inflammation-driven cancer. Additionally, investigated acute myeloid leukemia by analyzing the myeloid differentiation of CD34+ progenitors from cord blood, furthering knowledge of hematopoietic development and disease progression.
2005-2008
MSc
Karl-Franzens University
Graz
AUSTRIA
Demonstrated the role of Rac1 in methuosis of glioblastoma cells, shedding light on its involvement in non-apoptotic cell death. This research contributed to understanding potential therapeutic targets for glioblastoma treatment.
2019-2021
Scientist II
Neuvogen
San Diego
USA
I was involved in the design and development of whole-cell cancer vaccines, leading efforts to create a targeted vaccine for a specific indication. My work encompassed the entire development process, from conceptualization to final product characterization. I conducted detailed analyses to assess the vaccine’s efficacy and stability, ensuring it met rigorous scientific and regulatory standards. Additionally, I compiled comprehensive reports documenting the design, production, and characterization of the final vaccine, facilitating its seamless transfer to contract research organizations (CROs) for further development.
2021-2022
Senior Scientist
ATRECA, San Carlos
USA
I worked extensively in in vitro pharmacology, focusing on bispecific antibody characterization and the development of assays for target identification. I designed and optimized assays to evaluate antibody function, binding properties, and efficacy, ensuring high-quality data to support drug discovery and development. Through careful assay design and validation, I contributed to the refinement of therapeutic candidates and the advancement of biologics research.
2025-
Consultant & Co-Founder​
KarrierPATH OG, Graz
AUSTRIA
As co-founder and chief consultant at KarrierPATH, I combine my expertise in cancer biology with hands-on experience in biotech, immuno-oncology, and academic research. My career has spanned leading research institutions and biotech companies in the U.S., Austria, Germany, and Switzerland, giving me a deep understanding of both scientific innovation and career development in the biomedical field.
At KarrierPATH, I focus on helping scientists and professionals navigate critical career transitions—whether moving from academia to industry, securing international research positions, or advancing within biotech and pharmaceutical sectors. Drawing from my own career journey, I provide practical insights on career strategy, professional growth, and positioning for success in a competitive global landscape.