Alberto Parras, PhD - Entrepreneur

Alberto Parras, PhD - Founder of VivoArchitect

Where are you from and what is your educational background? Where did you study?

I'm from Spain, with a background in biotechnology. I completed my undergraduate studies in Sevilla and then pursued my PhD in neuroscience in Madrid.

Why did you decide to pursue the PhD/Post-doc journey?

I decided to start a PhD and postdoc because, upon finishing my degree, there was a crisis in Europe, and the only viable job option was to do a PhD. Additionally, I wanted to expand my knowledge and develop new skills.

It is often said that the PhD is a marathon, not a sprint race. What are your thoughts about it?

Interestingly, in the acknowledgments of my thesis, I mentioned that earning a PhD is not just a marathon; it's more like an Ironman triathlon. Unlike a marathon, which presents a singular challenge, an Ironman involves swimming, biking, and running, symbolizing the diverse set of skills and knowledge areas one must master during a PhD.

When did you decide that you didn’t want to pursue an academic career? Was it before starting your PhD journey or during your PhD Studies (at the start, mid, at the end or after)?

I always knew that I didn't want to follow an academic career. However, I believed it was necessary to engage in academia to learn and develop essential skills until the right moment came to transition to industry.

When did you transition into industry?

My transition occurred here in Lausanne in 2022. I initially came to the lab for a postdoc, knowing that my supervisor had a very translational approach to research. I believed it was the right environment for me, especially if I decided to move to the industry.

What is your current position? What was/were your previous job(s) (If this is not your first job in private)?

I'm currently working as a scientist; however, I'm leaving my company to start my own business. Initially, it will be a sole proprietorship, where I'll be self-employed, but my goal is to grow the business step by step.

Is your job related to what you have done during your PhD/Post-doc?

Yes, my job is closely related to my past academic work. Both my PhD and postdoc focused on in vivo studies, and I continue conducting in vivo experiments. Furthermore, my new company will offer in vivo services and consultancy aligning directly with my expertise and experience.

Which are the aspects that you like the most about your job?

What I appreciate most about my job is its translational nature. We work on projects addressing societal problems directly. This contrasts with academia, where the focus often lies on basic science, which, while necessary, doesn't align as closely with immediate practical applications. Although I recognize the importance of foundational research, I personally find it less engaging than the applied, problem-solving approach.

How has your work-life balance changed since moving to industry?

I'm much happier with my life now. In academia, there's a creative and team-oriented environment, similar to sports like football or basketball, where innovation and variety prevail. In contrast, the industry can be more repetitive, like cyclic sports, running or swimming, focusing on repetition to improve, optimize, and lower costs. I practice triathlon, 3 repetitive sports, so I align more with the industry's efficiency and goals, but I recognize that this view may not be universal.

How did you adapt to the cultural and operational differences between academia and industry?

My adaptation was surprisingly easy and smooth, primarily because my approach during my time in academia was already akin to that of the industry, I always emphasized cost-efficiency in my work, which is a very critical aspect.

Were there any new skills or knowledge areas you had to develop for your role in the industry?

Absolutely, starting something new always requires the development of new skills and learning. I particularly improved my abilities in managing people and handling large volumes of data and multiple experiments simultaneously.

 How difficult was it, to gain the required knowledge when you first started your job(s)?

The transition wasn't overwhelmingly difficult, nor was it easy. The key factor that made the difference was motivation. Each day brought new ideas and a strong desire to implement them. While this meant more work initially, the satisfaction and fulfillment from learning something new every day were immense.

What was your experience concerning the transition into industry? What were some of the challenges you faced during your transition?

My experience was very positive, and I'm extremely happy with my decision. Having always possessed an industry-oriented mindset, making this transition was among the best decisions of my life. Of course, change brings challenges and newness, but as I mentioned earlier, the motivation and desire to pursue this path made every challenge worth facing.

What helped you before the transition (career events, workshops, contacting people on LinkedIn, friends)?

The transition was significantly aided by my supervisor and colleagues. When I joined the lab, I immediately recognized that the environment was exactly what I needed for a smooth transition.

According to you what are the personal/soft skills that are mostly needed to undergo a successful transition into industry?

The essential skills include being a team player, as you are part of a team working towards a common goal. Additionally, the ability to perform repetitive tasks efficiently—improving, optimizing, and accelerating processes while reducing costs—is crucial.

In your case what personal/soft skills helped you during your transition into industry?

I am persistent in my efforts to enhance and perfect tasks. This mindset parallels an athlete's dedication to training intensely to improve their performance in races. My ability to focus on continuous improvement and work collaboratively within a team has been instrumental in my successful move.

What advice made a difference in your professional development?

The most impactful advice was to be open to change, especially in a world that tends to be conservative. Embracing the opportunity to do something different is crucial. Don't be afraid to develop new skills and step out of your comfort zone, even though it involves sacrifices such as moving abroad, and immersing yourself in new cultures, languages, and people.

 What aspects of your academic studies helped you during your transition in industry (ppt presentation, public speaking, teaching, scientific project management, teamwork, multitasking etc)?

Every skill and aspect of my academic background has facilitated my transition. Academia cultivates a wide range of competencies, from project presentation and execution to scientific experimentation, data analysis, critical thinking, and research.

It is also said that networking plays an important role in transitioning into industry. Was it the case for you?

I completely agree that networking is essential for transitioning. After my PhD, I attempted to move to the industry but struggled due to a lack of contacts. Despite applying for many positions, it was impossible to land one. Ultimately, being known by others who are aware of your skills and capabilities makes a significant difference.

 Did you do one or multiple internship(s), traineeship(s), BNF project(s), in the private sector after your PhD studies or Postdoc before being hired for a more “permanent” job in this sector? If yes, was it via the unemployment program?

 No, I didn't participate in any internships. However, as previously mentioned, I joined a lab with a clear trajectory toward industrial application and the ambition to create a startup. This strategic decision served as a bridge to the industry.

 What advice would you give to PhDs and postdocs who are willing to look for opportunities outside research academia or in industry?

 My advice is to pursue what truly fulfills you. Follow your dreams and don't let fear of change hold you back. It's crucial to seek out a job that you're passionate about and that brings you happiness. Many people settle into comfortable positions, fearing change, without realizing the potential happiness that pursuing their dreams could bring. Embrace the possibility of change, as it could lead you to a more satisfying career and life.

If you could go back, would you change anything about your career path?

 I feel positive about the choices. However, I wish I had experienced differently the opportunity to work in a lab abroad during my PhD. I missed out on the chance to improve my English, see different methodologies in action, and experience diverse lab cultures.

What can I wish you for the next coming years?

 Wishing me good luck. Enjoyment would be greatly appreciated as I embark on this new adventure of starting my own business. While the possibility of failure exists, it's not something that frightens me. I hold a strong belief in success, I see this new adventure more like a step forward.

Alberto’s LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/alberto-parras-ph-d-a11940175