KARSTIN WEBBER, PH.D.
Scientist by Training. Commercial Strategist by Experience. Relationship Builder by Nature.
Life Sciences Business Development | Strategic Partnerships | Scientific Commercialization | Commercial Strategy
I translate complex science into commercial opportunities. With a Ph.D. in Biochemistry and experience spanning biotechnology, molecular diagnostics, and enterprise business development, I help organizations identify growth opportunities, build strategic relationships, and connect innovative technologies with the researchers who need them.
Houston, Texas
01 / Results that matter
Scientific understanding. Measurable outcomes.
$2M
BenchSci
80%
PEPperPRINT
90%
PEPperPRINT
40%
BenchSci
55%
BenchSci
27%
Thermo Fisher Scientific
Achievements reported from previous roles — each metric belongs to the employer and period noted, not a single company or year.
02 / Who I am
My career began in scientific research, where I developed a deep appreciation for the complexity of biological systems, the importance of rigorous experimentation, and the challenges researchers face in moving discoveries forward.
Through my doctoral research in neural stem cell biology, genomics, and molecular regulation, I learned how to approach complicated questions, evaluate evidence, and translate data into meaningful conclusions.
Moving into industry introduced me to a different set of challenges: How do scientific innovations reach the researchers who need them? How do organizations identify meaningful commercial opportunities? And how can strong partnerships accelerate progress?
Those questions now shape my work in business development: earning credibility with researchers, understanding what they actually need, and building partnerships that last beyond a single transaction.
03 / How I contribute
“The best solutions rarely begin with an answer. They begin with asking a better question.”
I start with curiosity, not assumptions. I look for evidence, challenge conventional thinking, and work to understand the underlying problem before proposing a solution.
Scientific discoveries, commercial opportunities, and customer needs rarely exist in isolation. I enjoy connecting ideas across disciplines and recognizing opportunities that might otherwise be overlooked.
The strongest partnerships are built on trust, scientific credibility, and shared goals. I believe understanding what someone truly needs is far more valuable than simply having something to sell.
I immerse myself in information, allow ideas time to connect, and return to complex challenges with fresh perspectives. Some of my best solutions emerge when I'm doing something completely unrelated.
Featured case study
When the Data Doesn't Support the Hypothesis, Ask a Better Question
Transplant immunology · Biomarker discovery · Scientific collaboration
04 / Professional journey
From scientific research to enterprise relationships and commercial growth — a career built on scientific depth, strategic thinking, and collaboration.
September 2024–Present
Represent high-density peptide microarray technology for research, diagnostics, and therapeutic development. Develop relationships across academic, biotechnology, and pharmaceutical markets, identifying scientific opportunities and supporting applications from epitope mapping to immunogenicity profiling.
05 / Expertise
The business development strengths I lead with, each backed by results from my roles.
Expanded the PEPperPRINT territory by 80% in FY2025 across academic, biotech, and pharma markets.
Evaluate research segments and application areas, from epitope mapping to immunogenicity profiling.
Built executive stakeholder relationships across six international enterprise accounts at BenchSci.
Negotiated industry-sponsored research agreements and supported pricing strategy.
$2M in FY2023 sales, 40% biotech account growth, and 90% client retention.
Qualify scientific fit before commercial fit, including contractual and risk assessment.
CRM & pipeline management · Scientific prospecting · Territory development · Cross-functional collaboration · Budget & project-scope alignment · Technical training & product adoption
06 / Scientific insights
Where scientific research, commercial strategy, and real-world questions meet — original summaries linking to my public writing on LinkedIn.
Commercial strategy
An exploration of why technical credibility, customer understanding, and trust matter more than short-term sales.
Read on LinkedInGenomics
How next-generation sequencing, molecular research, and high-density peptide microarrays can complement each other.
Read on LinkedInScience & society
The role of patient advocates and citizen scientists in shaping research, with examples from HIV/AIDS and Long COVID.
Read on LinkedInMolecular biology
Using familiar examples, including X-chromosome inactivation and cat genetics, to explore emerging discoveries in molecular biology and aging.
Read on LinkedInIndustry perspective
Perspectives on scientific commercialization, industry growth, emerging biotech hubs, and the intersection of research and business.
Read on LinkedIn07 / Research & education
The scientific foundation behind my commercial perspective: rigorous research, peer-reviewed work, and a lifelong curiosity.
University at Buffalo
Buffalo State University
Genesee Community College
Stem Cells and Development
Arthritis Research & Therapy
08 / Mentorship & science engagement
Contributing beyond the immediate project through mentorship, scientific education, and communication that brings people and ideas together.
Guiding early-career scientists through experimental design, data interpretation, and professional growth.
Community outreach and volunteer docent experience at the Houston Museum of Natural Science.
Making sophisticated scientific ideas accessible to varied audiences, from researchers to executives to the public.
Building the professional relationships that help science — and scientists — move forward.
08 / LET'S CONNECT
I'm always interested in meaningful conversations about scientific innovation, biotechnology, commercial strategy, and the partnerships that help great ideas move forward.
Whether you're exploring a professional opportunity, interested in scientific collaboration, or looking to build a strategic partnership, I'd welcome the opportunity to connect.
karstin.webber@gmail.comHouston, Texas