Dr. Andrew Sinclair

Name
Dr. Andrew Sinclair
Grad Year
1981
Degree
BSc
Program
Biochemistry
Chemistry
Role / Title
Senior Director
Organization
MaRS Innovation

Q: Briefly describe your current position and responsibilities, including challenges/rewards. How did you go about your job search upon graduating -- what strategies were most successful and why do you think you were hired?

Involved in the commercialization of University-based research after 25 years in commercial R&D. While technical competence is important, getting ahead in all jobs relate to your interpersonal and communication skills.

Q: List the key positions you have held since graduation, and any post-graduate degrees/diplomas you earned after graduation. If applicable, list any other ways you are involved in your profession or in your community (member of a professional association, involved as a leadership volunteer, etc).

  • 1986 PhD U of T Dept of Chemistry
  • 86-87 Xerox Research Centre of Canada
  • 87-90 Ecoplastics (small start-up)
  • 90-99 Ortech
  • 99-08 Bodycote - Vice President
  • 09-11 MaRS Innovation - Senior Director

Q: What personal characteristics/skills are most important for success in your job/field?

  • Technical Breadth
  • Thinking on your Feet
  • Communication and Interpersonal Skills

Q: What have been the keys to your success? What advice would you give to students who wish to pursue a similar career path? If you had the chance to plan your studies and your career path again, what would you do differently (if anything)?

Don't worry about a career path. Get a job and see where it takes you. Life is an adventure, you cannot plan it out. Good things happen if you work hard and are well-liked.