April O'Connell, PhD, DABT

Critic
DISC Type : C

Scientific Associate Director Translational Safety and Risk Sciences at Amgen

United States

Overview

April OConnell is a Scientific Associate Director at Amgen, specializing in the nonclinical safety evaluation of molecules for rare diseases, antivirals, and inflammation. A Doctor of Philosophy from the University of Arizona and a Diplomate of the American Board of Toxicology, she has extensive experience in managing IND-enabling studies and drafting regulatory documents.

She is passionate about fostering the next generation of scientists, with a focus on helping trainees develop transferable skills and professional networks for careers in industry. Her long-standing, active leadership within the Society of Toxicology reflects a deep commitment to her professional community.

Unique fact: April is the Vice President-Elect for 2025 for the Society of Toxicologys Regulatory and Safety Evaluation Specialty Section.

Personality Overview

ROI Driven

Critic

Precise

They are quite likely to negotiate on pricing or other key terms.  They prefer to do logical analysis and value evidence over emotions. They don’t appreciate bells and whistles unless backed by data.

Topics They Care About

Nonclinical Safety
Her entire career, from Gilead Sciences to Amgen, has been focused on nonclinical safety, pathobiology, and toxicology for new therapeutics.
Regulatory Science
Holds multiple leadership roles, including VP-Elect, in the Society of Toxicology's Regulatory and Safety Evaluation Specialty Section (RSESS).
Drug Development
Experienced in supporting R&D project teams from early to late-stage development, including drafting INDs, BLAs, and IBs for regulatory submission.

Media Appearances

April has no verified media appearances

Work History

10-2023
Scientific Associate Director Translational Safety and Risk Sciences at Amgen
9-2021 - 10-2023
Associate Director & Interim Toxicology Leader at Horizon
4-2015 - 9-2021
Nonclinical Safety and Pathobiology, Toxicologist at Gilead Sciences
1-2014 - 4-2015
Oakridge Institute for Science Education (ORISE) postdoctoral participant at US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
8-2013 - 1-2014
UNC and ORISE Postdoctoral Trainee at the EPA at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Education

2008 - 2013
Doctor of Philosophy - PhD from University of Arizona
2004 - 2007
B.S. from University of Arizona

More Information

Social Presence :

Prographics :

Exp : 12 Location : United States Job Level : Mid-senior Designation : Scientific Associate Director Translational Safety and Risk Sciences at Amgen
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Insights For Selling To April

During A Call Or A Meeting

DO's

  • If you can, show them industry reports or analyst comments instead of sharing anecdotal stories
  • Leverage facts and figures wherever possible; use percentages, numbers etc.
  • Keep some extra margin while sharing pricing, they are likely to negotiate later

DONT's

  • Don’t rush them till they have clearly gotten all the necessary information
  • Make extra effort to not seem pushy or confrontational
  • Don’t try too hard to build a relationship with them

When Cold Calling

When Writing An Email

While Negotiating & Closing

    The secret to closing fast with April is

  • Strong evidence of ROI, effective pricing, and proven data points matter the most to them.
  • Will you ever get a clear answer from April

  • It is not very hard for them to say no if they are not convinced about the decision.

Insights For Deal Planning

    How fast (or slow) will April move?

  • They are neither the fastest nor the slowest decision makers, they are somewhere in the middle.
  • Can April take some risk or not?

  • They can bear some risk if their analysis backs the decision.

You And April

Personality Compatibility


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