Helen Harrington’s journey: Patience, passion, and problem-solving

Now leading the Biopharma product management team at Phenomenex, she brings a problem-solving mindset honed by a love of forensic science and analytical chemistry. Her story showcases the power of patience, adaptability, and breaking traditional career molds to find success in a fast-paced, global industry.

Could you give us an overview of your work?​

I am the Senior Product Manager leading the Biopharma product management team. Our team are responsible for new product development in the biopharma space addressing customer challenges and solving their most challenging problems through our innovation. Our work is extremely varied and encompasses all aspects of new product development and innovation from ideation of product concept to commercial sustainment and support for our end-users.

When did you realize you were interested in science - as a young child, teen, or older?​

I always loved clinical and forensic science and for as long as I can remember thought I would end up in a hospital laboratory setting. I always wanted to work in a problem-solving scientific environment and whilst science was interesting to me as a child, solving problems was always my main passion – either mathematically, scientifically or through some form of detective investigation.

Could you describe your personal journey bringing us to where you are now? ​

When I finished school I went to Manchester University, U.K. to study chemistry. This started as a degree in medicinal chemistry, but I quickly realized the biological science was less interesting to me compared to the analytical side and I shifted to Chemistry with a focus on analytical chemistry. I graduated with a first-class honours degree in Chemistry and stayed at Manchester to do my PhD in Synthetic Organic Chemistry and followed this with a post-doctoral research post the University of Illinois researching treatments for Ebola.

I’ve always craved a fast pace to my professional life and when my tenure ended in Chicago I moved back from the UK and started work at Phenomenex in 2007, I was drawn to the technical sales role as it allowed me to use my analytical experience in a very results-driven environment which I have always enjoyed. Over the last 17 years I have held a number of positions at Phenomenex including bulk and prep sales lead for the U.K. and Ireland, biopharma technical specialist supporting customers with method development in this space, to where I am now leading a motivated team developing new products in the biopharma market.

What challenges did you face - as a woman or otherwise - along the way and what is the most valuable lesson you have learned?​

One of the biggest challenges I faced in my professional career stemmed from balancing ambition with being a parent. Historically within Phenomenex positions within product management and innovation were only available to those able to live and work near our headquarters in North America. To progress in this space was only possible by moving to another organization.

When my first daughter was born in 2010, working flexibility was key for me and Phenomenex offered me the opportunity to continue in my existing role working only three days (and eventually four days) a week. This opportunity was pivotal in my decision to stay with Phenomenex even with limited opportunities for progression in my chosen development area. My working day (including travel) was up to 12 hours so knowing I had 3-4 days at home each week meant I had no desire to leave Phenomenex for a company less accommodating.

It did mean the opportunities for career development were limited as the roles appealing to me were all onsite overseas. This all changed with COVID-19, when remote working was brought in, and geographical location became less of a restriction. For almost 11 years, I continued to develop my experience and skills in new product development to support my aspirations (as well as extending our family to include two more daughters), but this journey taught me a lot about patience and that everyone’s career journey and pace looks different and that’s okay. At times it was challenging to see others progressing, especially those I had trained and mentored, but not compromising on your career aspirations is extremely important and has allowed me to now progress into a position which I am excited to continue to pursue and occupy a role I enjoy immensely even during the challenging times. 

What ignites your passion in your current role?​

Seeing our product concepts become valuable products to our customers which helps them solve some of their most difficult challenges. The culture and people at Phenomenex are infectious too, even during the most challenging of situations we have a supportive and friendly team who make working a pleasure.

What is your current work ethos/style?​

I have three non-negotiables in each week: 1) walking my children to school each morning - I do not work before they go to school, 2) twice weekly karate lessons with my girls, and 3) reading to my younger children at night.

As long as I tick these boxes my schedule is extremely fluid. I get great pleasure from the position I currently hold and enjoy almost every element of my role which can make work-life balance a challenge. Working across multiple time zones also makes scheduling balance within the day hard but I also believe everything you put into a position gives you something back and truly do not mind those times where long hours are needed. In periods where work is quiet, I will happily start later and invest more time in things outside of work but when long hours are needed, I try to work as efficiently as possible and ensure my time is only spent on the most valuable projects. Vacation is protected too; I do not take any work communication with me when I leave for vacation, so no one can contact me during PTO.

Could you share some advice for young women starting to develop an interest in science or wanting to pursue a career like yours? ​

If you are interested in science, here in the U.K. there are a lot of organizations who offer STEM days for young people to help support their career ambition in these fields and provide unique insights into different elements of STEM. I would strongly recommend looking for opportunities within the industry as early as you can, as the valuable work experience you gain will help shape the direction you take. I would also suggest you really try to understand what motivates and excites you and don’t be afraid to follow a non-traditional pathway or career ladder. If something doesn’t feel right for you, it probably isn’t – and it is okay to wait until you find what is right.