When people think of pharmacy careers, most imagine working behind a counter, filling prescriptions, or maybe consulting in a hospital. But the truth is, the field of pharmacy is full of diverse, exciting paths—some of which you might never have considered.
To spotlight these lesser-known roles, we’ve launched a new section on our website: Novel Pharmacy Practice Settings—a place where you can explore unique pharmacy careers beyond the traditional mold.
And today, we’re thrilled to share the story of Dr. Kaitlin Bova, PharmD, who’s doing incredible work as the Manager of R&D Quality at Moderna—yes, that Moderna.
So, what exactly does she do?
Dr. Bova works in clinical development, a vital branch of the pharmaceutical world. It’s a space where pharmacists’ skills in clinical knowledge, critical thinking, and a deep understanding of patient care are crucial.
In her role, she ensures quality and integrity in clinical trials—keeping data clean and reliable, while always safeguarding the rights, privacy, and safety of every single participant. Her team handles everything from managing issues that come up during trials to conducting audits and prepping for regulatory inspections.
It’s high-stakes, detail-heavy work—but also deeply meaningful.
How did she get here?
Interestingly, Dr. Bova’s journey didn’t begin with the industry in mind. Like many students, she pictured herself working in a hospital setting. Early on, she gained experience at a compounding pharmacy and in a hospital pharmacy, with dreams of becoming a clinical specialist.
But things shifted during a pivotal internship with the Investigational Drug Service at Johns Hopkins Hospital. That’s when she discovered her passion for clinical research and the drive to bring new treatment options to patients in need.
She found her niche during a fellowship in quality assurance, a role that perfectly aligned with her interests in patient protection and safe system design. And that’s what eventually led her to Moderna.
What’s a typical day like at Moderna?
In short—there’s no such thing as a “typical” day.
Dr. Bova works in an office environment and spends most of her time collaborating with both clinical trial teams and the quality team. There’s a good amount of project-based work, and while she enjoys some flexibility in managing her time, the team also rises to the occasion when something urgent comes up.
The best part of the job?
Problem-solving.
Dr. Bova and her team tackle new challenges almost every day. It’s fast-paced and dynamic, but that’s where the reward lies—improving systems, preventing issues, and pushing the entire process forward with better safety and efficiency.
The hardest part?
Working with complex systems and high-stakes processes isn’t easy. But Dr. Bova is surrounded by experts in every part of the development process—people she learns from every single day.
Want to follow a similar path? Here’s her advice:
Even if you don’t have direct experience in the pharmaceutical industry, don’t count yourself out. Dr. Bova didn’t either. What mattered more was that she could highlight the skills she had built—like communication, teamwork, and project management. And those skills? You can develop them anywhere—from sports to volunteer work.
If you’re curious about industry roles like this, a great place to start is the Industry Pharmacists Organization (IPhO). It’s packed with resources and info for both students and professionals.
For younger students thinking about pharmacy careers:
Pharmacy is flexible. It offers countless career paths that can grow and evolve with your interests. Don’t be afraid to explore and shift direction as you learn more about what excites you.
A moment that meant the most…
Even though her work at Moderna usually impacts patients on a large scale, Dr. Bova recalls a moment from her fellowship that made it all personal.
A teenage patient in one of their phase two clinical trials wanted to go on his high school class trip—but he also needed his treatment on schedule. Dr. Bova helped coordinate the shipment of his medication so he could stick to the trial protocol and enjoy his big trip.
That moment, she says, was a reminder of why this work matters—combining science, heart, and human impact.
Want to explore more unique pharmacy careers?
Head over to our Novel Pharmacy Practice Settings page to dive deeper into stories like Dr. Bova’s. Whether you’re a pharmacy student or just starting to explore your options, you’ll find inspiration and insight into where a pharmacy degree can take you.
Also Read : Bharat Institute of Pharmacy, Kurukshetra: Admission 2025, Courses, Fees, Placements, and Facilities
