Fabio De Martino, PhD - NGS Scientist
Fabio De Martino, PhD - NGS Scientist at Sophia Genetics
Where are you from and what is your educational background?
I was born and raised in Naples, Italy, where I pursued both my bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Medical Biotechnology at the University Federico II. Afterwards, I moved to Lausanne, Switzerland, where I completed my PhD in Molecular Life Sciences at EPFL.
Why did you decide to pursue a PhD?
During my bachelor’s studies, I seized the opportunity to immerse myself in a research laboratory as an intern, where I took my initial steps as a molecular biologist. Here, I met people who shared with me their enthusiasm towards research, and this was instrumental for my subsequent steps! Following the completion of my bachelor’s degree, I opted to remain in the same laboratory, contributing to a few research projects meanwhile further testing my passion for research. This experience allowed me to gain clarity on my career path and eventually led me to pursue two international research traineeships. By the conclusion of my graduate studies, I had developed the willingness to continue in academia, aspiring to lead my own research project by pursuing a PhD abroad.
It is often said that the PhD is a marathon not a sprint race. What are your thoughts about it?
I totally agree with the above statement. Completing a PhD requires a sustained effort over a (sometimes quite long) period, thereby making this experience relatable to a marathon race. It involves facing challenges, setbacks, and moments of doubt along the way. Just as in a marathon, pacing oneself, maintaining focus, and staying resilient are crucial aspects of completing a PhD journey.
When did you decide to not pursue an academic career?
Although not an easy decision, I reached to the conclusion to transition away from academia towards the end of my PhD. Despite maintaining a deep enthusiasm for academic research throughout my doctoral studies, I found myself questioning the personal stability offered by an academic career. While I had developed confidence in my research field and was drawn to the prospect of pursuing it further through a postdoctoral fellowship, the desire for improved life conditions led me to explore opportunities in the private sector. Nonetheless, I cherished the privilege of being an academic researcher immensely. Even now, I remain engaged with the latest advancements in cancer research, continuing to follow the field closely.
When did you transition into industry?
I transitioned into industry immediately after completing my PhD.
What is a current position?
Currently, I work at SOPHiA Genetics as NGS Scientist. This is my first job in the private sector.
Is your job related to the field of your PhD?
In my current position, I continue to delve into concepts of cancer biology and data analytics as I contribute to the development of new NGS-based products that serve patient diagnostics. However, I have encountered the need to familiarize myself with experimental techniques that were unfamiliar to me. This learning process has been essential, as it has required me to acquire new skills and to deal with the very regulated environment of product development.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
What I find most gratifying about my job is the chance to contribute to the development of products that directly benefit the medical community, fostering a sense of impact on patients worldwide. In fact, despite their crucial importance, only a few academic projects progress to the point of offering tangible clinical assistance to patients.
How has transitioning to industry impacted your work-life balance?
I feel that my work-life balance has significantly improved now compared to my time during the PhD. Nonetheless, the private sector comes with its own set of pressures, often leading to intense working hours. As more stakeholders are interested in the success of a given project, responsibilities and pressures similarly increase in scale. Despite this, in my experience conducting industry research provides me with more flexibility, and it is typically easier to disconnect from work obligations during holidays and weekends when compared to academia.
How did you adapt to the cultural and operational differences between academia and industry?
Navigating through an entirely unfamiliar environment presented numerous challenges. I found myself lacking understanding of the intricacies of company structures and the pivotal roles essential to its operations. However, this steep learning curve has been essential in my development. With the guidance of my colleagues, I have gradually gained a deeper understanding of the company's framework, allowing me to interact more confidently with co-workers from diverse backgrounds. The emphasis on inter-departmental collaboration in the private sector, vital for a project’s success, highlights a significant contrast from academia.
What was your experience concerning the transition into industry? What were some of the challenges you faced during your transition?
One of the main challenges that I had during my transition to industry included having a better understanding of the various roles within an organization. Coming from a research lab and its vertical hierarchy, I discovered myself to be quite naïve about the organization of a more horizontally structured organization as a private company.
What helped you before the transition?
Before making the transition, I attended several events to connect with people already established in the private sector. Additionally, I sought advice from friends who had already made similar career shifts, which proved invaluable in gaining insights into what to anticipate during the transition.
According to you what are the personal/soft skills that are needed to undergo a successful transition into industry?
Across all workplaces, I have noticed that some of the traits that more commonly define success include adaptability, curiosity, and a passion for continuous learning. These qualities serve as essential components that cut across various career paths.
In your case which personal/soft skills helped you during your transition into industry?
PhD students are tasked with excelling in various domains, navigating through a multitude of unique challenges. The journey involves not only acquiring knowledge but also pushing the boundaries of one's research domain, often with minimal guidance. In my experience, this dynamic experience fostered the development of essential soft skills such as flexibility and problem-solving.
What advice made the difference in your professional development?
The advice that truly made a difference in my professional development was to cultivate a growth mindset. Embracing the idea that my abilities and intelligence can be developed through dedication and hard work rather than being fixed traits opened a world of opportunities for me. It encouraged me to persevere through challenges, seek out new learning experiences, and continuously strive for improvement in my skills and knowledge. This mindset shift has been important in propelling my career forward and achieving success in various endeavors.
It's often said that networking is crucial when transitioning into industry. Was that true for you?
I did not land in my current position due to my network of friends and colleagues. However, I strongly believe in the importance of having a wide network to be able to have a broad idea of possible viable options. In general, I have noticed that many job opportunities remain undiscovered by PhD students.
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?
No, I did not participate in any internships before starting my current job.
Which advice would you give to PhD students and postdocs who are willing to look for opportunities outside academia?
The job search process can be quite hard, and sometimes exhausting - being resilient is key!
If you could go back, would you change anything about your career path?
I am happy about the decisions I have taken so far. However, if a change in career direction becomes necessary in the future, I am optimistic about the prospect of being able to adapt and make adjustments as needed.
What can I wish you for the next coming years?
Growth and improvement, but above all joy and happiness!
Fabio’s LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fdemarti/
