Every step forward in healthcare starts with people who believe science can change lives. Divya V is one of those people. As a Technical Application Specialist at Leader Life Sciences, she brings together deep scientific knowledge and a clear focus on real-world impact. Rather than treating patients herself, Divya focuses on getting biotech innovations to the people who benefit most.
Her work bridges complex technology and everyday healthcare challenges — turning innovation into practical solutions. In a region where healthcare is evolving fast, with precision medicine and AI becoming the norm, Divya’s role is crucial. She helps build systems that don’t just advance science but make it usable, effective, and patient-centered.
Divya’s story is a reminder that progress isn’t just about new discoveries — it’s about making those discoveries count where it matters most.
Let’s delve into the interview details below!
Could you tell us about your professional journey and what inspired you to pursue a career in biotechnology and healthcare?
If you had asked 17-year-old me what I wanted to be when I grew up, the answer would’ve been simple: a physician! However, I couldn’t make it. But I guess that was also the moment that pivoted my life in a direction that has been far more aligned with who I am and what I wanted to achieve, considering my deep-rooted interest in healthcare!
I chose biotechnology because I strongly believed that it was the next big frontier in healthcare innovation! I realized that if I couldn’t be on the front lines treating patients, I could be working behind the scenes, driving the scientific advancements that could improve lives at scale!
Over the years, I’ve built expertise in genomics, molecular and cellular biology, and lab automation — all critical pillars in modern healthcare. My career has since then evolved from research into roles that merge science with real-world impact!
Through each transition, my focus has remained the same: to bring science closer to people, connecting the dots between the lab, the clinic, the bench, and the bedside!
You have worked extensively in Genomics, Molecular, and Cellular Biology, supporting both government and private sector initiatives. Can you share a project or moment in your career that you feel has had the most impact?
It’s hard to choose one, as every national scientific initiative I’ve been part of has left a mark! With a strong focus on automation and smart workflows, I’ve had the privilege of contributing to projects across biobanking, regenerative medicine, and IVF!
What’s been most rewarding is the opportunity to collaborate with renowned organizations, driving innovation and supporting initiatives that are shaping the future of healthcare.
The real impact for me lies in witnessing how these technologies move from concept to clinic, from data to decisions! Moments like these remind me exactly why I do what I do — to help science reach the people who need it most!
As a Technical Application Specialist at Leader Life Sciences, you play a pivotal role in bridging science with real-world solutions. How do you approach aligning advanced scientific technologies with client needs?
As a Technical Application Specialist at Leader Life Sciences, I see myself at the interface between cutting-edge innovation and practical application — because it’s all about turning technology into tangible results! Having been a researcher myself, I understand the client’s workflow, the pain points, bottlenecks, and expectations! Whether it’s streamlining NGS pipelines, automating cellular workflows, or integrating data-driven platforms, I strategically align and position technologies not just by what’s new, but by what’s necessary!
Every lab, every workflow, every dataset is different. Often, that means I start by reverse-engineering the problem to turn complexities into simple solutions that fit the lab’s ecosystem! For me, success lies in that sweet spot where science meets usability — that not only solves the issue but future-proofs their operations.
Healthcare and life sciences are evolving rapidly, especially in the Arab world. From your perspective, what are some of the most exciting trends or breakthroughs shaping the future of this field?
The Arab world is witnessing a drastic transformation in healthcare, directed towards precision medicine powered by genomics, real-world data, and personalized therapeutics for targeted, patient-specific interventions. Not to forget the buzzword making rounds — longevity medicine!
Biobanking is another game-changer, and the region is investing heavily in national biorepositories, creating rich data ecosystems that will fuel disease research, drug discovery, and population-based health strategies.
Of course, AI and digitization are the backbone tying it all together — from predictive diagnostics to smart lab automation and data analytics — accelerating insights at an unprecedented pace. Together, these trends are redefining the standard of care across the region!
Transitioning from a research scientist to a client-facing technical leader requires adaptability. What leadership qualities have helped you succeed in both roles?
Transitioning from a research scientist to a client-facing technical leader demanded more than just scientific fluency — it required a shift in mindset! One leadership trait that’s served me across both roles is radical ownership! It’s about taking full accountability not just for the outcome, but for anticipating roadblocks, aligning stakeholders, and seeing it through to resolution!
The other one is to think with perspective! It’s always the “why’s” that make the difference! Is it operational? Strategic? Clinical? It’s that blend of ownership and perspective that’s helped me earn trust, drive outcomes, and lead with purpose from wherever I stand!
How do you foster collaboration across multidisciplinary teams, clients, and stakeholders in the healthcare ecosystem?
I bridge science and strategy by aligning each stakeholder’s priorities — whether it’s data integrity for scientists, ROI for decision-makers, or patient-centric outcomes for clinicians! Collaboration, to me, is about driving toward impact together with a shared goal and clear objectives!
What challenges have you faced as a woman in the healthcare and life sciences sector, and how did you overcome them?
Not the usual narrative, but honestly, I’ve been incredibly blessed! Firstly, UAE as a nation supports women in workplaces, and I’ve had the privilege of working in environments where I was constantly encouraged to evolve. I’ve been surrounded by colleagues — mostly men — who opened doors rather than closed them.
Three people deserve a special mention:
Mr. Nirmal Kumar, Managing Director, Leader Life Sciences,
and Mr. Santhosh Attur Selvaraj, Head of Sales GCC, Leader Life Sciences.
They have played a pivotal role in helping me find my balance between ambition and composure, science and strategy. Their mentorship has shaped how I show up today, and I carry that forward.
Last but certainly not least, I’m grateful to our Global CEO, Mr. Sukhdeep Sachdev, for giving me the right platform to step up.
When supported in the right way, women don’t just succeed — we thrive!
What advice would you give to aspiring women leaders and young scientists who wish to make a meaningful impact in healthcare and life sciences?
Don’t limit yourself. Some of us are wired for science, some for the business hustle, and some of us — for both! The healthcare and life sciences space aren’t just evolving — it’s exploding with opportunity. So, say yes to things that challenge you and trust that your career doesn’t have to fit a template! Real impact happens where your skill meets your curiosity!
Be bold. Be versatile! Elevate other women as you rise!!
