Firuza Bayramova, PhD - Senior Quality Assurance Specialist

Firuza Bayramona, PhD - Senior Quality Assurance Specialist at Lonza

Where are you from and what is your educational background?

I am originally from Azerbaijan. I have a bachelor's degree in Biology from Azerbaijan, Baku State University. Master’s degree from the University of Bern, Switzerland. PhD from the University of Lausanne Switzerland. My Master’s thesis was “ Engineering of remote-controlled enteropathogenic bacteria” using Salmonella enterica  Typhimurium as a model. My PhD thesis was on “Cell division mechanism and regulation of the Chlamydia-related pathogen Waddlia chondrophila”.

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

During my master’s studies/thesis at the University Hospital of Bern, I was fascinated with research and decided to learn more and stay in the scientific field.

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

The PhD is a life lesson rather than an academic degree. I value a lot all the experiences I had during that time.

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?

As we all know science can be sometimes frustrating. It was exciting at the beginning. In the mid of my PhD journey, I was a bit frustrated, at the end of it I was tired but still looking forward to completing my journey. I would say that during my mid-thesis, I started to question myself and after my PhD defense, I was sure I didn’t want to pursue an academic career.

When did you transition into the private?

Directly after my PhD defense I already knew that would not pursue a career in academia and I was looking for jobs in industry.

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

I am still working for the same company but in a different position. My current position is Senior QA Specialist (QA=Quality Assurance). My 1st job was Quality Systems Documentation Specialist.

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

Not at all. But knowledge in general helps to understand different cases I see during the work.

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

I do like working in the fields of pharmaceuticals, drugs, and substance production. I know that the end product will help patients out there.

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

The work is very busy, it took most of my time during the week. But the evenings and weekends are always free for my hobbies, friends and family.

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

I had time to get used to the different ways of working, working with colleagues, dealing with problems, and so on. But as I said, PhD study is a good training that makes us fast learners and resilient to different situations.

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

Yes, I had to learn a new world of Quality Assurance. New systems, applications, guidelines, and regulations.

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

It was not difficult, it was interesting and exciting. Sometimes tiring, but there are always timelines to get trained and deliver the expected results.

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

I did my PhD defense in March 2020, during the 1st lockdown of the Covid-19 Pandemic. There were no job opportunities. I decided to keep checking online on how to apply for jobs in the private. I slowly but steadily kept applying for new job openings. It took me 6 months to get my 1st job. Funny story, I started working for a company that was producing Covid-19 vaccines and I was involved in its production.

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

 It is a good question. During the last year of PhD I was actively participating in different workshops, career events, company visits. I was checking on LinkedIn for any tutorials, trainings, recruiter interviews, and so on. It helped me to land my 1st job in the private.

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

Open-mindedness, persistence, and curiosity, these three will do. 

What advice made a difference in your professional development?

None. You can discuss with your family and friends. Colleagues are not really the right people for advice. I would say, check your situation, talk to your very close person (boyfriend, husband) and make a decision.  

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

I would say PPT presentation, public speaking, and teaching.

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

It was not my case. I would say networking helps a lot to move inside the industry, within companies.

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?

None. I started as a 7-month temporary position, then I got a permanent position.

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

I believe LinkedIn is a powerful tool for job hunting. Also to know people already in industry could help. 

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

Nothing.

What can I wish you for the next coming years?

Good health, good luck.

Firuza Bayramona’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/firuza-bayramova/