By Cameron Barrus (Senior Director of RPO & Project Management) and Jared Nease (Senior Director of Project Management)
Rare Disease Day is a time to recognize the millions of individuals affected by rare diseases and the scientific advancements that offer them hope. At PharmaLogics Recruiting, we are proud to support groundbreaking companies working to develop life-changing treatments for these conditions. One of our most impactful partnerships has been with a biopharmaceutical company at the forefront of rare disease research, particularly in the field of neuromuscular disorders.
Advancing Treatments for Rare Diseases
Our client is pioneering a novel approach using Antibody Oligonucleotide Conjugates (AOCs) to develop therapies for patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), Facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD), and Myotonic Dystrophy Type 1 (DM1). With a growing pipeline addressing additional rare neuromuscular and precision cardiology conditions, their work is shaping the future of medicine for patients who previously had limited or no treatment options.
The Recruiting Challenge in Rare Diseases
Finding the right talent in the rare disease space presents unique challenges. Unlike fields such as oncology, where a larger talent pool exists, rare disease research requires highly specialized professionals with deep expertise in niche areas. From clinical development to regulatory affairs, quality, and technical development, every team member plays a crucial role in overcoming the complexities of bringing these treatments to market.
Our partnership with this client began in 2021, and since then, we have placed over 100 professionals within their organization—accounting for roughly 25% of their workforce. Just last year, we facilitated 45 hires, making up over 10% of their team. Their rapid growth, including a 37% expansion in the latter half of 2024, underscores the demand for top-tier talent in this evolving sector.
A Seamless Partnership Built on Trust
We don’t just recruit for our clients—we operate as an extension of their internal team. By embedding ourselves within their hiring process, we collaborate closely with their HR and talent acquisition teams, gaining a deep understanding of their company culture and objectives. We utilize their applicant tracking system, work alongside their C-suite executives, and support first-time hiring managers in identifying the best candidates for critical roles.
Our expertise spans the entire recruitment lifecycle, from sourcing niche candidates to conducting reference checks and ensuring compensation alignment. Whether it’s filling standard roles like Research Associates or highly specialized positions in AOC process development and oligonucleotide technologies, we are trusted to deliver the right talent. Our ability to find these “needle in a haystack” candidates has been a cornerstone of our partnership.
Fueling Innovation Through Strategic Hiring
Recruiting for a company in the rare disease space means understanding the intricacies of drug development in uncharted territories. Many of these conditions have no precedent for treatment, requiring teams with a unique blend of scientific expertise and problem-solving abilities. Each hire strengthens our client’s ability to advance clinical trials, navigate regulatory hurdles, and ultimately bring their therapies to patients in need.
Beyond just filling roles, we provide a quality-driven recruitment process that protects and enhances our client’s brand. Every interaction we have with potential candidates reflects their mission and values, ensuring they continue to attract the best talent in the industry. Our five-year relationship with this company is a testament to the trust they place in us as their primary recruiting partner.
Partnering for Progress: A Commitment to Rare Disease Breakthroughs
The fight against rare diseases is far from over, but we are honored to play a role in supporting the companies leading the charge. As our clients continue to expand their pipeline and explore new treatment possibilities, we remain committed to finding the experts who will help drive these innovations forward.
On this Rare Disease Day, we celebrate the scientists, clinicians, and industry professionals working tirelessly to bring hope to patients and their families. We are proud to stand alongside them, ensuring that the right people are in place to turn groundbreaking research into life-changing therapies.
Whether you’re a life sciences candidate looking to apply your expertise in the rare disease space or a company searching for specialized talent, we’re here to help. Let’s collaborate to drive innovation, advance treatments, and bring life-changing therapies to patients who need them most. Connect with us today!
About Cameron Barrus
Cameron Barrus is a Senior Director of RPO and Project Management at PharmaLogics Recruiting. She has 6 years of experience within the life sciences sector. Cameron specializes in placing exceptional talent that aligns with both the strategic goals of companies and the career aspirations of individuals. From identifying hard-to-find candidates to supporting organizations in scaling operations, she takes great pride in facilitating connections that drive success.
By leveraging a strong network, industry insights, and a passion for matching talent with opportunity, Cameron empowers both professionals and companies to reach their highest potential. Whether supporting fast-growing startups or established enterprises, Cameron is committed to driving results that help clients and candidates thrive.
About Jared Nease
Jared Nease is a Senior Director of Project Management at PharmaLogics Recruiting. He has 7 years of experience focused within the life sciences sector and holds a Master’s in Biotechnology. Jared specializes in bridging the gap between science and recruitment, ensuring companies find top-tier talent that not only meets technical requirements but also drives positive culture
Jared is dedicated to supporting a wide range of organizations, from emerging startups to established enterprises. He helps teams identify and secure highly skilled professionals who align with long-term strategic goals. His commitment to fostering meaningful connections helps both clients and candidates in today’s market.