Jennifer Schlax, Clinical Trial Manager - Oncology Diagnostics (CDx) on Influential Women

Influential Woman · Med Tech Diagnostics

Jennifer Schlax

CCRP

Clinical Trial Manager - Oncology Diagnostics (CDx), Leica Biosystems

Tucson, AZ

17Years experience

Certifications · Degrees · Memberships

Degree Undergrad in biology Degree Master's in education Cert CCRP

Her Story

About Jennifer

Jennifer Schlax is a clinical trial research professional based in Tucson, Arizona, with over 17 years of experience in medical devices and diagnostics since 2009. She began her career at Allergan, where she spent five years specializing in endoscopic devices including the lap band for obesity and Juvederm. She then joined DACO, a companion diagnostics company, for three years and played a key role in bringing Merck's Keytruda to market for non-small cell lung cancer. After a brief stint at a CRO and time off, she moved to Tucson to work with Roche diagnostics for two years. She subsequently worked with startups, bringing one product to market and supporting another pending approval, before taking a contract role with Leica in diagnostics. Schlax holds an undergraduate degree in biology and a master's in education, along with her CCRP certification as a certified clinical trial research professional. She attributes her success to valuable experiences along the way, maintaining professional relationships without burning bridges, staying excited about her work, and keeping up to date on the business. Outside of her professional life, she is involved with the Elks Lodge, supports veterans, and donates to Tunnel to Towers.

Her Interview

Ten minutes with Jennifer

01What do you attribute your success to?

I had good experience along the way and learned a lot. You can't burn bridges because you will work with these people later. Being excited about what you're doing and staying up to date on the business.

02What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?

Resources are a big challenge - not enough people working for companies that need this kind of work done, like clinical research associates, data managers, or BIOS tests. We're always fighting for resources, and burnout is easy when doing multiple people's jobs or high-enrolling studies.

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