Episode 4 - George Skillin and Mastering Life Science Facility Projects

My guest in this episode is George Skillin. George is VP of Strategy Services with Project Farma, a Perkin Elmer Company. George has over 35 years of BioPharmaceutical Experience in all aspects of manufacturing including Bulk Active Ingredient, Biotech Drug Substance, Aseptic Processing & Filling, Packaging and Serialization.

In this conversation, George and I discuss the intricacies of designing, building, and delivering life science facility projects. We explore the importance of speed and quality in project delivery, effective budget management, and the critical role of operational readiness. Our discussion also highlights changes in the industry post-COVID, the significance of local sourcing for talent, and the challenges of scaling up processes. Additionally, we touch on the potential impact of AI in validation and commissioning, future trends in facility design, and the need for robust training programs to address the talent shortage in the life sciences sector.

Key Takeaways:

• Good planning and scheduling are crucial for speed.
• Managing scope tightly minimizes project changes.
• Operational readiness should start during facility construction.
• Life science facilities are increasingly modular and prefabricated.
• Local sourcing of talent is becoming a priority.
• AI has potential but lacks real-world applications in validation.
• Training programs are essential for new hires in GMP environments.
• The industry faces a talent shortage as investments increase.
• Process development must align with facility capabilities.
• Future trends include a focus on smaller, more efficient facilities.

Quotable quotes:

• "Good planning and scheduling are crucial for speed."
• "Managing scope tightly minimizes project changes."
• "Local sourcing of talent is becoming a priority."

I have known George for many years and worked with him during our Pfizer days.
I thoroughly enjoyed talking to him in this chat. Hope you do too.

Here's George Skillin.