In this Scientist Spotlight, we sit down with Lenka Sinik, Head of the Science Team in Colorado, to discuss her journey into science, the excitement of working at the intersection of technology and precision medicine, and how her expertise is helping biopharma partners push the boundaries of drug development. From early aspirations of journalism to a passion for uncovering answers in the lab, her story is a testament to the power of scientific inquiry.
Can you describe your role at Flagship Biosciences and how your work contributes to advancing digital pathology?
Currently, I lead our science team in Colorado, but I collaborate closely with nearly every other team and department. I believe both internal and external collaborations are essential to advancing digital pathology. While we stay up to date with the latest literature, some of the best ideas arise from conversations with our clients about their needs and how we can meet them. Our scientists—being scientists—often develop their own questions, which our data scientists then work to answer. The goal remains constant: advancing the field while maintaining a strong focus on quality.
What excites you most about working at the intersection of science, technology, and precision medicine?
Being in the know about the latest in pharma research and technology! It’s like having a subscription to exclusive content.
How does your research or scientific expertise help biopharma partners drive innovation in drug development?
My training and educational background in immunology, oncology, translational research, and drug development make me well-suited to engage in discussions about drug development—ranging from target validation and biomarker discovery to hypothesis testing.
What inspired you to pursue a career in science, and what led you to Flagship Biosciences?
Believe it or not, I didn’t always plan on becoming a scientist. I initially wanted to study literature and become a writer or journalist. Some people even thought I should be a lawyer—not sure why, haha. Looking back, my interest in journalism should have been a clue: I loved investigating. However, it wasn’t until I moved to a new country and had to learn English that I realized fluency in science doesn’t require fluency in English. And here we are—no regrets. What I love about science is its ability to provide answers—or at least attempts at answers—to my never-ending questions. And if those answers, even in the smallest way, contribute to potential therapies for patients, that’s truly inspiring.
How has your role at Flagship helped you grow as a scientist?
Working in a CRO environment is very different from academia or biopharma. Here, I’ve gained a deeper understanding of regulatory requirements for research and data—an essential skill in this industry. The fast-paced nature of the work teaches you how to focus and deliver efficiently. Having direct reports has also taught me a lot about leadership and teamwork, and as I grow in this role, I hope to support my team’s growth as both individuals and scientists.
What makes Flagship Biosciences an exciting place to work for scientists?
Many scientists enjoy research, but at Flagship, they aren’t confined to a bench or a single project. They actively participate in project development and data generation for multiple clients, diving deep into different research areas and leading scientific discussions. It’s an exciting time to be scientifically curious.
What’s one thing about working at Flagship that has surprised or inspired you?
I’ve been inspired by the collaboration between different teams to bring projects to fruition. Each project (or potential project) brings together representatives from operations (lab, image analysis, project management), pathology, and science, ensuring a comprehensive and multidisciplinary approach.
What’s something about your field that you wish more people understood?
I wish the general public understood the immense time, effort, dedication, and funding that go into developing a drug that might help patients. It takes an army of scientists and specialists—not only to generate innovative ideas and approaches but also to execute and bring them to reality.
About Lenka Sinik
Lenka earned her PhD in Immunology from the University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus. A Serb from former Yugoslavia, she now resides in Denver, Colorado. When she’s not supporting scientific endeavors, she enjoys hiking the Rocky Mountains with her German Shepherd, Violet.