Darreann Carmela Hailey Speaker Event
- Tina Nguyen
- Sep 20
- 3 min read
Darreann Carmela Hailey LinkedIn:
Breaking into Biotech: Career Insights from Darreann Carmela Hailey
Written by Tina Nguyen, CSULB Biotechnology Club
The CSULB Biotechnology Club warmly hosted Darreann Carmela Hailey, who shared her extensive career journey from her first experiences as an undergraduate researcher to her current role as a Research Associate III at Vaxart, a San Francisco-based biotechnology company developing oral vaccine medications.
During her time at the University of Nevada, Reno (UNR), Carmela earned both her B.S and M.S degrees in Biotechnology. She spoke about her research experiences at UNR, including work in a plant pathology lab that received support from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. When the COVID-19 pandemic struck, she branched out into work as a laboratory technician at the Nevada State Public Health Laboratory, where she contributed to clinical testing efforts.
After completing her master’s degree, Carmela transitioned into industry, joining Vaxart as a Research Associate (RA) II. Her dedication and skills have since led to her promotion to RA III in R&D, where she continues to advance vaccine development and immunology research.
What are your current responsibilities at Vaxart?
Carmela explained that her role as a RA III in R&D involves designing experiments to address research questions within the company. One aspect she especially enjoys is the freedom to explore new ideas and problem-solve, noting that her work provides the same intellectual challenges she once expected from pursuing a PhD program. She emphasized that research in industry can be just as stimulating as academic research, with the added benefit of stable compensation.
How can students prepare for challenges in today’s biotech industry?
She noted that the biotech sector was more stable during the COVID-19 pandemic when additional funding was available. Since then, she has witnessed significant unpredictability, including layoffs within her own company tied to fluctuating financial support. Because funding is highly dependent on political and economic factors, she recommended maintaining personal financial savings, ideally six months of expenses, to weather potential downturns.
What does compensation look like for Research Associates in the current market?
Carmela shared her own trajectory: starting in 2022 as a RA II with a salary of $88,000, later adjusted to $95,000 due to market changes, and now earning $115,000 as a RA III. She pointed out that while compensation can be strong, especially with promotions and raises, the cost of living and taxes in the Bay Area significantly affect take-home pay. Currently, entry-level RA I roles are often listed at $70,000–$80,000, a drop from 2022 levels, reflecting tough market conditions.
What advice do you have for job searching and interviewing?
Her main advice was to accept opportunities for experience, even if the role isn’t a “dream job,” while continuing to look for better fits. For interviews, she recommended researching the company thoroughly such as its mission, current projects, and even the hiring manager’s background. She emphasized that once you’ve secured an interview, employers already believe you have the technical skills; the key is demonstrating that you’ll fit the team’s culture. Interviews often include panel formats that can last a full day, so preparation should balance both technical knowledge and interpersonal skills.
How did you first reach out to professors for lab positions?
She suggested starting by reading professors’ research papers, then reaching out with genuine enthusiasm for their work. Bringing along a CV, transcript, or résumé can help demonstrate preparation and seriousness.
What is networking like in academia compared to industry?
She explained that networking functions similarly in both settings, with professional reputation playing a major role. She encouraged students to build positive professional relationships, maintain references, and never burn bridges, since the industry is so interconnected.
How do you succeed in a new role without much prior background?
Carmela shared her own transition into immunology despite limited formal training. She recommended reading scientific papers, reviewing slide decks, and studying standard operating procedures (SOPs) as ways to learn quickly. Most companies expect a three to six month adjustment period before new hires feel confident. With dedication and continuous learning, she assured students that it is possible to become proficient in a new area.
Carmela also shared her resume as an example of how she highlighted her skills when applying to Vaxart, and encouraged students to reach out via LinkedIn with any questions.
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