The “ForwardTrack”TM Program at the Pennsylvania Drug Discovery Institute
Workforce Reentry Assistance for Qualified Biomedical Research Scientists
The mission of the Pennsylvania Drug Discovery Institute (PDDI) is to help scientists and other professionals
understand and expedite the drug discovery and development process. The PDDI promotes reentry into the
workforce of qualified scientists who are presently unemployed via the “ForwardTrack”TM Program which
allows them to integrate into the knowledge-based community at our facility and start collaborations while
soliciting extramural funding from the NIH or elsewhere.

Qualified research scientists who wish to start their own small companies or affiliate with others who
are doing so are given career development advice and assistance, especially regarding the availability
of federal and other research funding and how to apply for it.

Program members are encouraged to participate in the seminars, journal clubs, research rounds and
ad hoc interactions that are hallmark features of the collaborative spirit fostered by the PABC.

Candidates accepted into the program are provided with a desk, internet and phone access, and
affiliation with the PDDI. There are also two dedicated conference rooms and a reception area to
promote informal discussions and brainstorming.

Program members can network freely with entrepreneurs and small-business owners to find mentors
and role models. They can also network with others who are currently un- or underemployed to
compare experiences and plan for the future.

Acceptance into the program is a two-step process that involves first a written application (attached)
following by an on-site interview for selected candidates.
The PDDI has a unique leadership structure comprised of both an accomplished industrial research
management professional and an expert in business development and technology transfer in biomedical
research.
Director: Allen B. Reitz, Ph.D. Dr. Reitz has 27 years of demonstrated accomplishment as a medicinal chemist
in the pharmaceutical industry, including nearly 26 years with Johnson & Johnson. He has ca. 130 scientific
publications and 43 issued U.S. patents, and is the Editor-in-Chief of the journal Current Topics in Medicinal
Chemistry. He has founded two funded biotechnology companies (ALS Biopharma, LLC and Fox Chase
Chemical Diversity Center, Inc.), and is also Adjunct Professor at Drexel University, College of Medicine.
Director: Kathleen Czupich, M.B.A. Ms. Czupich has founded Artemis Solutions, Inc. (www.artemisfinance.com) to provide business development support, grant administration and financial management for
emerging biotechnology companies at the PABC. Prior to joining the PDDI, Ms. Czupich was the Chief Financial
Officer of the PABC, Institute for Hepatitis and Virus Research and the Hepatitis B Foundation and was the
point of contact for all NIH grants and other government funding.
09/24/2010
"ForwardTrack" TM Progam Application
Workforce Reentry for Scientists
1. Attach resume with full description of experience and list of publications.
2. In ca. 200 words describe your current situation and career goals in both the short- and long-term.
3. In ca. 500 words describe the most satisfying and productive contribution you have made in your
research career so far.
You will be contacted by the PDDI within one week of submission, which can be done online to either:
Allen.Reitz@PAdrugdiscovery.org
KCzupich@PAdrugdiscovery.org
09/24/2010