Combining a Passion for Mentorship and Science into a Standout Career

By: Markie Heideman, Content Marketing Manager

Maria Posada, Ph.D., considers herself lucky to be able to mix her passion for science and her love for coaching and mentorship into one career. As an Executive Director in the Global PK/PD/PMX group (Pharmacokinetics, Pharmacodynamics and Pharmacometrics) at Eli Lilly and Company, Dr. Posada leads a team of scientists that support a large part of the company’s portfolio. 

Utilizing Technology in Drug Testing

From drug discovery to the late stages of drug development, her team is tasked with understanding and explaining the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of molecules across modalities and indications. “Using computational models helps us predict and describe the pharmacokinetics and efficacy of many molecules, enabling the selection of molecules to study in clinical trials and optimizing the conduct of these trials to ensure that patients get access to the therapy as quickly as possible” explained Posada.

Learning and Leading

Although much of Dr. Posada’s work now is focused on coaching and supervising a group of scientists, she spent several years doing hands-on modeling work at Eli Lilly and Company, working her way up from a post-doctoral scientist to (several) scientist positions, and eventually to leadership roles.  It’s her passion for mentoring and developing scientists that makes her love going to work every day. 

She began working with interns and coaching younger colleagues, and her leadership team took notice, eventually giving her the opportunity to lead a team of scientists. Dr. Posada said it was her willingness to learn that helped her achieve where she is today. “Being in this role is a lot different than doing science by myself. It’s about connecting with people and bringing out the best in them.”

Tapping into her U-M Roots

Dr. Posada credits much of her leadership skills to those she learned during her time at the College of Pharmacy. Before starting her PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences, she served as a lab assistant for Dr. Gus Rosania. 

“I’m originally from Colombia, so my job with Dr. Rosania helped me understand American systems better and build the resilience necessary to conduct scientific research. I was able to meet faculty and graduate students and connect with them before starting my PhD.”

Once she dove into her PhD work, she researched how drugs with low permeability are absorbed in the intestine. Her research mentor was the now-retired Dr. David E. Smith, who Dr. Posada says she learned some of the most important lessons from (and not all of them were about science). 

“He would point out the good things we were doing, but also give us constructive feedback on how we could be better, in a caring way. He taught us that mistakes can be a good thing because they are the perfect learning moments. He had an open-door policy, treated us well and taught us the importance of striking a work-life balance. Now, as a supervisor, I think of him and use these philosophies with the people who report to me.”

It’s that work-life balance that helped Dr. Posada make lifelong friends, unforgettable memories and develop tangible skills during her time at the College. 

“I served in the AAPS student chapter which helped me develop soft skills, participated in career development workshops through Rackham and went on many bike rides with my friends from the PhD program.” 

Those memories inspire Dr. Posada’s advice for future and current PhD students. “Take care of yourself, make friends and have a good support network. U-M has a lot of resources to utilize, so take advantage of your experience there.”