Connect Life Sciences was founded by a team with deep experience in life sciences recruiting and a clear point of view about how the work should be done.
We believe specialized hiring deserves recruiters who understand the science, know the functions, and stay engaged after the placement.
Our leadership team brings years of experience across life sciences talent, client partnership, delivery, and workforce strategy. That experience shapes how CLS works with every client and candidate.
Scott has spent the last 20+ years supporting the careers of clinical researchers and helping life sciences companies solve their most important challenges. He has built and scaled staffing firms from the ground up, bringing deep experience in Functional Service Provider (FSP) models and other flexible resourcing solutions. Today, he continues that mission at CLS, partnering with life science innovators to design next-generation talent solutions that scale with their growth.
Scott is the proud husband and father of three. He picked up playing ukulele as a way to quit scrolling his phone, and found a love for it. A lifelong Chicagoland resident, he is a long-suffering fan of the Cubs, Bears, Bulls and University of Illinois. Hope springs eternal.
Jim brings more than two decades of experience in life sciences staffing and resourcing. Since beginning his career in 2001, Jim has developed deep expertise in talent strategy across executive search, contract staffing, and project-based solutions. His leadership is rooted in a commitment to helping life sciences organizations access top-tier talent with flexibility and speed, supporting innovation across drug development and clinical trials. Through Connect Life Sciences, Jim continues to partner with clients to build scalable, high-performing teams in an evolving industry landscape.
Outside of work, Jim enjoys spending time with his family water skiing, fishing, and being on the water, whether it’s a lake or ocean.
With nearly 25 years of recruiting experience in the Life Sciences industry, Noemi brings deep expertise across both contingent and corporate staffing models. She has held progressive leadership roles (from Executive Recruiter to VP of Recruiting), building and scaling recruiting functions at both startup and established organizations. Her work has supported global FSP models, high-growth biotech companies, and strategic staffing programs for top CROs and sponsors. Her approach is rooted in relationship-building, market insight, and precision sourcing to deliver high-caliber candidates across all phases of clinical development.
Outside of work, Noemi loves spending time on the lake with family and friends: it’s where she feels most relaxed and recharged. One of her greatest joys is watching her daughter compete in equestrian events. Supporting her daughter’s passion and dedication to the sport has become a meaningful part of Noemi’s life, and she truly enjoys being part of the equestrian community.
With almost two decades of experience in the staffing industry, Jess brings expertise in Human Resources, Payroll Administration, and Software Implementation. She is adept at problem-solving, consistently delivering creative solutions across various departments. Her background predominantly involves assisting growing companies in establishing systems crucial for growth and regulatory compliance. She is committed to developing foundational processes that foster sustainable organizational development.
Outside of work, Jessie from Toy Story is her ultimate digital soulmate. When she’s not geeking out over Pixar computer animations, you’ll find her globetrotting with her amazing significant other, who also happens to be her best friend! She’s pretty much always the designated photographer, capturing memories for everyone (even strangers!).
Fun fact: Jess once worked at an amusement park and lived on their campus during a summer break from the University of Pittsburgh!
Mike is a licensed CPA with accounting industry experience that spans the software, life sciences staffing, and healthcare industries. He specializes in financial reporting, account reconciliations, and building dynamic financial models to support strategic decision-making. Throughout his career, he has developed and implemented accounting workflows and internal policies that enhance efficiency and ensure compliance. Mike’s hands-on approach and attention to detail allow him to manage everything from day-to-day operations to high-level financial analysis. He thrives in environments where he can streamline processes and drive results through accurate, insightful financial data.
Outside of work, Mike enjoys spending time with his three children (Everett, Teagan, and Beckham) and playing and watching soccer.
Fun fact: Mike can solve a Rubik’s Cube!
Stevie DiNardo resides in Chicago where she was born and raised. She took a hiatus from the city life to study at the University of Tennessee, where she explored the Smoky Mountains, became a die-hard Vols fan and earned her bachelor’s degree in communications, specializing in public relations. She honed her skills at three regarded public relations agencies before joining the No Barriers team as Associate Director of Festivals and Events.
Stevie brings to the team a breadth of experience in consumer-focused content and digital marketing, influencer engagement, international integration, and event planning and execution. Stevie has helped strategize and implement campaigns for several Fortune 500 companies including General Motors, ALDI, Mars Petcare and MillerCoors. Through Stevie’s work with MillerCoors, she was introduced to No Barriers and immediately knew she wanted to join their amazing team.
When she isn’t working, you can find Stevie with her husband hiking and fishing in the north woods of Wisconsin, traveling across the world, or training for her next marathon on the Chicago lakefront.
Client partnerships, recruiting, and the people who keep every engagement running.
See what that looks like in practice, from the first conversation to the months after someone starts.
