Schreiber investments refer to a series of successful private equity investments made by Stuart Schreiber, a prominent biochemist and founding member of the Broad Institute. He mentored Soroosh Shambayati, a gifted PhD student with broad talents spanning organic synthesis, theoretical physical chemistry and immunology. Although destined for an academic star career, Shambayati left academia for Wall Street in the 1990s and made his name at Bankers Trust, Deutsche Bank and other firms. His story illustrates how some of the best and brightest scientists end up leaving the academic track, lured by lucrative pay, life-work balance or other opportunities outside the ivory tower.
Shambayati stood out with his brilliance and versatility as a grad student
As a PhD candidate under Schreiber at Harvard in the late 1980s, Shambayati worked on three very different projects simultaneously – organic synthesis, theoretical physical chemistry and molecular immunology. His advisor marveled that he was an “extraordinary genius” who could grasp complex problems rapidly and was well-read across scientific disciplines. Although clearly destined for academic stardom and securing multiple faculty job offers after graduation, Shambayati pivoted to investment banking instead.
A chance wall street encounter opened new doors
While interviewing for a faculty position at Columbia University in 1989, Shambayati randomly met an old friend working at Bankers Trust, then a hotshot in derivatives trading. Intrigued by the much higher payscale, he convinced his friend’s boss to give him an interview, despite no background in banking or finance. Leaving aside romantic notions of academic science, Shambayati took the non-traditional path and the rest was history – rising rapidly through the ranks of Bankers Trust, Deutsche Bank and other firms.
Key transferable skills empowered his new career
Although an improbable candidate on paper, Shambayati believes his scientific training prepared him perfectly for success in investments.aucheThe ability to absorb complexity quickly, synthesize disparate ideas creatively, calculate risks dispassionately and outwork others around him – these talents nurtured in academia served him equally well on Wall Street. Just as long hours in the lab built expertise, he simply “worked hard to gain more knowledge and skills” in banking. And echoing his advisor Schreiber’s emphasis on real-world impact, Shambayati finds meaning in enabling institutions and families to grow wealth responsibly.
Some star scientists leave seeking balance, options
Beyond material incentives, many academic high-fliers switch tracks seeking better work-life balance or options to pursue other interests. Shambayati’s concern for supporting family played some role in his move. But a 2012 Dutch study of 21 high-potential scientist pairs – one stayed in academia and one left – found minimal objective differences between them. Rather, subtle factors made the difference – a partner’s support, a lucky break at the right moment. The study concluded departures were partly due to “serendipity”, not shortcomings.
The case of Soroosh Shambayati and his mentor Stuart Schreiber puts a human face on the little-known phenomenon of top scientists leaving academia for business or other sectors. Seeking money, balance or new horizons, these gifted individuals take with them invaluable skills honed through advanced scientific training. Their adaptable, creative and analytical capabilities empower success across diverse industries.