Jade Safta

Line Manager at R&D department for Octapharma in Heidelberg

I am currently a group leader at Octapharma Biopharmaceuticals in Heidelberg, Germany, in the field of bioprocess development for promising new recombinant molecules designed for the improved treatment of Hemophilia patients. I am originally from the United States and received my Bachelor of Science in Biology from Stockton College in 1998. I began my career as a Research Specialist at The University of Pennsylvania. After gaining some experience in the biological field, I decided to pursue a career in the Pharmaceutical industry, with a desire to have a direct impact on the development of therapeutics.
I started working for Centocor, a Johnson & Johnson company in 2001, developing recombinant monoclonal antibody therapeutics. I stayed with J&J for 8 years, an environment which allowed me many opportunities for scientific and professional development. I began managing others, leading projects, and completed a Masters of Arts in Cell Biology from Villanova University. I also had the opportunity also to start working in the cutting edge field of stem cell therapeutics.
In 2009 I made a life-changing move from the US to Germany in order to explore life outside of the U.S. and to take on new challenges. I worked for Lonza GmbH in Köln for 3 years, researching areas for new stem cell therapies, and then moved to Octapharma in 2013, for a role that better matched where I wanted to be in my career, developing therapeutics, having an impact on their approval and managing a team of bright, motivated scientists and students.
I am still enjoying life in Europe with my husband, who comes originally from Bucharest, Romania and our 3 year old daughter. It is challenging managing a high-paced job, being a wife, mother and in a country and culture we are still learning about. In our leisure time, we enjoy meeting new people and travelling to new places.


Staying true to yourself amidst a changing environment

A modern career path that spans many years involves adaptation into new roles, situations, tasks and working environments. As you grow in your career it is important to always be aware of your surroundings and realize that it will be necessary to change your behavior in certain situations in order to gain the respect of others and to keep your projects moving forward. What is important to remember is that adapting your behavior and integrating into different cultures does not mean you have to lose your identity. We are all unique as our childhood past and upbringings have shaped us into who we are today and we need to embrace our personalities and interlace them into our leadership styles.
I hope to share with you some learning experiences about the transition I have made from living and working in the Pharmaceutical Industry in the United States to Germany, becoming a mother while maintaining my career - the difficulties and obstacles along the way and how to overcome them. Although women and mothers in leadership positions are increasing throughout the world, it is not always an easy path, but surprisingly manageable and incredibly rewarding with the right knowledge and tools.



Back to Confirmed Speakers