AlumniDr Mark Travers

Tell us about your background

I was born in Glasgow and grew up on the Southside close to Hampden Park, the National Stadium. I studied Biochemistry followed by a PhD in Bioengineering at the University of Strathclyde. Following a Post Doc’ in the chronic renal failure unit at Glasgow Royal Infirmary, I moved into industry with a medical fibres and polymers company (Enka, now Akzo Nobel) in Wuppertal, Germany.

I then moved into pharmaceutical drug research, firstly as a Clinical Research Associate with Yamanouchi in London, then as a Project Manager with Johnson and Johnson, and eventually Research & Development Director on the UK Janssen-Cilag board (a Johnson and Johnson company).

Why did you choose Strathclyde?

The University has a great reputation for science, especially biological science. I visited in my final school years and Strathclyde just felt right. The people I met on the tour were friendly, the Biological Sciences building was new, the sports centre was first class, and Strathclyde Students’ Union was famous as a great venue for live music and touring bands.

I enjoyed my time at Strathclyde and didn’t want to leave, I wanted to continue my studies in biological sciences and the Bioengineering Unit ticked all the boxes: world-class research and people, and international connections and partnerships with hospitals and industry.

Where are you now? 

I moved to the US in 2001 and held Global Clinical Operations positions firstly at Johnson and Johnson, then Sanofi and finally my current company, Merck. I’m currently the Vice President and Head of Global Clinical Trial Operations Regions and HQ Functions with responsibility for delivering Merck’s Clinical Trials across all our Therapeutic Areas in the many countries we currently work in.

How is working in the US different from the UK?

In the US there are greater opportunities to advance your career within an organisation and move across departments and divisions to expand your experiences, and I have found it’s easier to build your CV and find your true passion and interest within companies and industries.

Culturally, the UK and the US share a common language, but some words mean different things (so be careful!) and there are slightly fewer holidays in the US in comparison to the UK and Europe.

What has been the highlight of your career so far?

There are two: changing the standard of care for the treatment of patients through high quality clinical trial delivery, and seeing colleagues develop and grow within an organization to fulfil their true potential and have a successful career that provides personal and professional satisfaction. 

You've held senior roles at several fortune 500 companies, what's the best career advice you've ever been given?

Manage your career and your manager. Take responsibility for self-development and pushing your career to where you want it to go, and find a mentor you can ask for advice and bounce ideas off.

Make sure you get regular 1:1 meetings with your manager and come with a list of things you've done and things you need help with, and if your manager thinks you can take on a difficult task, take it on. Management is not in the business of setting you up to fail, we think you can do it and we're there to help. Also, ask for help sooner rather than later, it’s a sign of maturity not of weakness.

Take a chance on your career, it's ok to go sideways to fill gaps and experiences in your resume, you don’t always need to move upwards. Keep your CV up to date, because you never know when you may need it, and apply for positions even if you don't think you satisfy all the criteria and requirements. Even if you don’t secure a position, interviews are good opportunities to practice talking about yourself, and you will be pleasantly surprised at what you've achieved and contributed during your career.

Lastly, smile and take your vacation, you've earned it and you deserve it.