Panda Perspectives: Khanyi Mabena

Meet Khanyi Mabena, a Senior Recruitment Consultant at Panda, who has become a trusted partner for scientific hiring across Europe. 

With a passion for connecting people and a deep-rooted admiration for science, Khanyi Mabena has carved out a space where purpose meets precision. Since joining Panda with no recruitment background, she’s become a trusted advisor to scientific teams across Europe, helping clients build high-performing labs and supporting candidates as they navigate the transition from academia to industry. Whether it’s staffing an entire cell therapy unit or guiding an immunologist through their first industry interview, Khanyi brings insight, empathy, and a fierce commitment to impact.

Introduction & Growth at Panda

What originally drew you to recruitment, and to life sciences in particular?
I’ve always been drawn to careers where effort directly shapes outcomes, and recruitment does exactly that. From day one, I realised I could build something meaningful, not just for myself, but for clients and candidates alike.

Life sciences, specifically, hold personal significance for me. I’ve long followed HIV research and treatment advancements from companies like GSK and ViiV Healthcare. The idea that I could support the people behind that kind of impact, even indirectly, was powerful. Connecting scientists with the right environments helps push innovation forward, and that’s a mission I’m proud to be part of.

What’s your Panda journey been like so far?
I joined Panda 2.5 years ago with no sales or recruitment experience - just determination and a strong learning mindset. Since then, I’ve placed scientists across the Netherlands, Belgium, Switzerland, Spain, and the UK, and learned to navigate the intricacies of biotech, pharma, and diagnostics hiring.

One highlight was helping build a newly opened lab from the ground up three managers, three scientists. Seeing that team go from concept to full operation was incredibly rewarding.

 

Market & Industry Insights

What trends are you seeing in the scientific hiring market across NL, BE, and CH?
I’m seeing three major key shifts:

• Niche expertise is in high demand. Whether it’s CAR-T development, GPCRs, or analytical method design for biologics, companies want hyper-focused specialists.

• Flexible lab models are gaining traction. Hybrid roles are increasing, especially for bioinformatics and LIMS-related roles, while lab-based roles like QC or flow cytometry still need on-site presence.

• DEI is moving from talk to action. Companies are setting real goals, using structured interviews, and actively trying to diversify their teams across gender, background, and thinking style.

Which scientific skills are especially in demand right now?
Several areas stand out:

• Cell & Gene Therapy: GMP vector production, process development, and QC for advanced therapies.
• Immunology: Scientists who can bridge assay design and translational biomarkers.
• Analytical Development: Especially for complex biologics - LC-MS/MS, HPLC, and assay validation.
• Antibody Engineering & GPCR: Structural biology, bispecific design, and phage display experience are highly sought after.
  

Have there been recent shifts in hiring priorities?
Definitely. Companies are moving away from single-skill hires and want agile scientists, people who can pivot between lab work, data analysis, and cross-functional projects.

They also care more about values alignment: sustainability, innovation, and patient-centricity. Behavioural interviews and scenario-based assessments are becoming the norm.

Speed also matters more than ever. The best candidates have multiple offers, so clear timelines and fast feedback give companies a competitive edge.

 

Tips for Hiring Managers

What do the most effective hiring managers do differently?
They communicate clearly with HR and recruitment partners, give fast feedback, and stay realistic about their list of criteria they are looking for in talent.

They also build long-term networks and prioritise candidate experience. A quick follow-up after an interview can set you apart, especially in competitive areas like cell therapy and QC.

What mistakes should companies avoid in the hiring process?

• Slow timelines, they lose great candidates to faster movers.
• Unclear expectations, especially between hiring managers and HR.
• Silence post-interview, it damages your brand, even if the candidate doesn’t get the job.

Clarity, speed, and respectful communication go a long way.

Khanyi’s Perspective

What do you enjoy most about your role?
Honestly? The people. I get to speak with scientists doing game-changing work, like designing a new CAR-T process or refining a diagnostic assay. Being part of their journey, even behind the scenes, is incredibly motivating.

And the variety keeps me learning. One day it’s market mapping for Swiss immunology roles, the next it’s coaching a postdoc on their first industry interview.

Can you share a recent placement story you're proud of?
One of my favourites was placing a QC Cell Therapy Tech Specialist in Leiden. I introduced him to a new lab opening, but before things even progressed, his former manager reached out. She had heard he was open to new opportunities and wanted to bring him onto her new team.

Even without a job spec, we coordinated fast-track conversations. Less than two weeks later, he was hired. It was a reminder that relationships and reputation are everything in this industry.

If you had one message for scientific leaders and candidates, what would it be?
For scientific leaders: Build relationships early. Interns, collaborators, and past colleagues often make the best hires.

For scientists: Stay proactive and persistent. Every conversation moves you closer. And don’t forget - your story matters. Learn how to tell yours.

Looking to scale your scientific team or explore your next career move?

Whether you’re a hiring manager looking for rare talent or a scientist exploring new opportunities, connect with Khanyi below, who will be able to support your needs:

📞 Call Khanyi on +31 (0)20 2044 502

📧 Or email on: k.mabena@panda-int.com