Katarína Pšenáková

Katarína Pšenáková, Ph.D.

Head of Biology at IOCB Tech s.r.o. - PharmTheon

Expertise and focus:

I am a scientist and translational research leader with a PhD in Chemistry who intentionally pivoted into Genetics during a postdoctoral stay at Harvard University. Over six years at Harvard, I built expertise in science as well as in entrepreneurship. After returning to Prague, I helped establish PharmTheon, a drug development translational research center focused on transforming breakthrough basic research into clinically relevant therapies. My work combines scientific leadership, strategic business development, and operational management. I currently lead the biology lab, drive translational programs, and negotiate partnering and licensing opportunities with major pharmaceutical companies around the world.

Form of mentoring meetings:

Either way, online or offline

Has an experience in:

Academic career

Career in the private sector

Link to CV

Previous mentoring experience:

Motivation:

I am a passionate advocate for women in science and for translational research. I believe mentorship can make a real difference in helping young scientists recognize the broad range of career opportunities. Having built my own career across disciplines and countries, I hope to inspire others to pursue ambitious paths and to see the potential of working at the best research institutions in the world while translating scientific discoveries into real clinical impact.

Career guidance topics you can discuss with the mentor:

Career change, change of field

Asking essential life questions

Differences between academic and non-academic careers

Research related experience the mentor is ready to share with the mentee:

Path to an academic position abroad

Transition from academia to the private sector

Project management

Navigating the job market in the sector I operate in

Validating a business idea

Starting a company

Utilizing the potential of international internships, conferences, etc.

Open to discuss topics related to family and work–life balance:

Yes

Language:

English

Last change: October 8, 2026, 12:44

Responsible for site content: Research Support Office

Expertise and focus:	I am a scientist and translational research leader with a PhD in Chemistry who intentionally pivoted into Genetics during a postdoctoral stay at Harvard University. Over six years at Harvard, I built expertise in science as well as in entrepreneurship. After returning to Prague, I helped establish PharmTheon, a drug development translational research center focused on transforming breakthrough basic research into clinically relevant therapies. My work combines scientific leadership, strategic business development, and operational management. I currently lead the biology lab, drive translational programs, and negotiate partnering and licensing opportunities with major pharmaceutical companies around the world.
Form of mentoring meetings:	Either way, online or offline
Has an experience in:	Academic career Career in the private sector
	Link to CV

Previous mentoring experience:
Motivation:	I am a passionate advocate for women in science and for translational research. I believe mentorship can make a real difference in helping young scientists recognize the broad range of career opportunities. Having built my own career across disciplines and countries, I hope to inspire others to pursue ambitious paths and to see the potential of working at the best research institutions in the world while translating scientific discoveries into real clinical impact.
Career guidance topics you can discuss with the mentor:	Career change, change of field Asking essential life questions Differences between academic and non-academic careers
Research related experience the mentor is ready to share with the mentee:	Path to an academic position abroad Transition from academia to the private sector Project management Navigating the job market in the sector I operate in Validating a business idea Starting a company Utilizing the potential of international internships, conferences, etc.
Open to discuss topics related to family and work–life balance:	Yes
Language:	English