Petya Ivanova

As a strategic and results-driven professional with extensive experience in leading large-scale initiatives across the biomedical and pharmaceutical sectors, I excel in driving strategic programmes from concept to execution. My expertise lies in implementing streamlined processes, optimising resource allocation, and fostering cross-functional alignment to exceed organisational goals.

With a holistic leadership style, I am adept at enhancing operational efficiency, maintaining regulatory compliance, and ensuring consistent project oversight. My career is marked by delivering high-impact solutions, reducing audit findings, and achieving substantial improvements in team performance and client satisfaction.

Key Highlights

Leadership & Team Development: Proven track record in mentoring and developing high-performing teams, fostering a culture of trust and collaboration.

Drug Development & Clinical Trials: Extensive experience in managing drug development projects from discovery through clinical trials, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards.

Project Management Oversight: Skilled in strategic planning, risk management, and implementing project oversight systems to improve transparency and accountability.

Stakeholder Engagement: Strong ability to build and maintain relationships with internal and external stakeholders, driving successful project outcomes.

Process Optimisation: Expertise in developing and standardising processes to enhance efficiency and ensure traceability of intellectual property.

Currently, I lead the Analytical Chemistry team at Owlstone Medical Ltd., where I have successfully increased project deliverables by 30% and maintained a 100% staff retention rate. My previous roles at LabCorp and various biotech start-ups have equipped me with a comprehensive understanding of the pharmaceutical industry, from R&D to clinical trials and regulatory compliance.

I am passionate about driving innovation in drug development and am always looking for new challenges and opportunities to make a significant impact in the pharmaceutical industry.

Owlstone Medical Ltd. (Biotechnology), Cambridgeshire, UK Head of Analytical Chemistry TeamJan 2024 – Jan 2025

• Led the establishment and implementation of departmental processes for experimental design control, risk management, and project oversight.
• Provided leadership to cross-functional teams, ensuring alignment with project goals and timelines.
• Fostered relationships with internal and external stakeholders to drive successful project outcomes.
• Developed and maintained process documentation and provided necessary training to end-users.

Key Achievements:

• Increased project deliverables by 30%.
• Maintained a 100% staff retention rate through effective team development and leadership.
• Successfully implemented a project oversight system to track roles, responsibilities, and progress.

LabCorp (Pharmaceutical Industry Corporation), Cambridgeshire, UK Team Leader/Manager, Dose Analysis Department Jan 2022 – Jan 2024

• Directed a team in managing 2K+ GLP cross-functional projects.
• Provided leadership and strategic planning to exceed research obligations.
• Fostered interdisciplinary collaboration and developed a project oversight system.
• Ensured compliance with ICH/GCP and global regulatory guidelines.

Key Achievements:

• Enhanced customer satisfaction by 30%.
• Reduced audit findings by 20%.
• Led cross-functional teams in the successful development and implementation of new drug formulations.

Team Leader/Manager, CMC R&D Department Apr 2019 – Jan 2022

• Managed R&D teams supporting GMP-regulated projects.
• Conducted root-cause analysis and implemented corrective and preventative measures.
• Developed and maintained process documentation and training materials.
• Fostered interdisciplinary collaboration and improved transparency.

Key Achievements:

• Boosted operational efficiency by 20%.
• Drove revenue delivery for pharmaceutical clients, contributing to 60% of CMC revenue.
• Led successful development and implementation of new drug formulations.

Intelligent Fingerprinting Ltd. (Biotechnology Start-up), Cambridgeshire, UK Senior R&D Scientist Jan 2019 – Apr 2019

• Led the design, development, and optimisation of fluoro-immunoassays point-of-care diagnostic devices.
• Conducted compliance investigations to ensure adherence to regulatory standards.

LabCorp (Pharmaceutical Industry Corporation), Cambridgeshire, UK Senior R&D Scientist Nov 2018 – Jan 2019

• Fixed term contract in GMP-regulated research laboratory.
• Conducted investigations into regulatory compliance and product quality issues.

AgPlus Diagnostics Ltd. (Biotechnology Start-up), Bedfordshire, UK Senior R&D Scientist Aug 2016 – Oct 2018

• Led R&D projects specialising in biosensors and point-of-care diagnostic devices.
• Conducted investigations into product quality and regulatory compliance.
• Facilitated technology transfer to ensure alignment with client requirements.

Concepta Diagnostics Ltd. (Biotechnology Start-up), Bedfordshire, UK Senior R&D Scientist Jul 2014 – Aug 2016

• Directed R&D for point-of-care diagnostic device focused on early health detection.
• Conducted investigations into compliance breaches and product quality issues.
• Oversaw successful transfer to manufacturing and launch in the Chinese market.

Doctor of Philosophy in Chemistry Jan 2009 – Mar 2012 Cranfield University, Cranfield Health, Bedfordshire, UK

• Thesis: “Development of advanced nanosized molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) via surface initiated “Living” radical polymerisation.”

Master of Science in Chemical Engineering & Medicinal and Pharmaceutical Chemistry Jan 2009 – Mar 2012 University of Chemical Technology and Metallurgy, Sofia, Bulgaria