Céline Lemoine, PhD - Head of VFI Laboratories

Céline Lemoine, PhD - Head of VFI Laboratories - Sr. Scientist at Vaccine Formulation Institute

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

I'm from Holland. I studied bio-pharmaceutical sciences for both my Bachelor's and Master's degrees at the University of Leiden in the Netherlands.

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

I did not specifically want to pursue a PhD, although I knew it was relatively common for students completing their Master's degrees. This opportunity came up at the end of my 6-month Master internship.

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

This depends on the subject of the PhD. You can also see it as many consecutive sprints. Giving your best energy to do an experiment, solve a problem to either then go back to the start or towards a different direction.

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 did not feel very attracted to the academic career since the research internships I had during my Master studies, so before starting the PhD.

When did you transition into industry?

I had a unique opportunity to be co-supervised by UNIGE and the Vaccine Formulation Institute (VFI). Throughout my thesis, I had the privilege of working concurrently at both the university and the company.

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

In my current role at VFI, I serve as the Head of Laboratories (Lausanne & Geneva) and hold the position of Senior Scientist. Previously, I was the Head of the Lausanne laboratory and worked as a Junior Scientist at VFI.

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

Yes, my PhD project focused on developing delivery systems for pandemic influenza vaccines in combination with adjuvants. This aligns with the current mission of the VFI, where we research and develop adjuvant technologies for open access to benefit global health vaccines.

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

I particularly enjoy the collaborative atmosphere and the opportunity to work on technologies that can really benefit the vaccine community.

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

My work-life balance has improved since transitioning to industry, but that is logical as you are not solely responsible for advancing your own project, i.e., your PhD thesis. Due to my unique PhD project, I already had flexibility in managing my time, which has remained the same.

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

Adapting to the cultural and operational differences between academia and industry requires open-mindedness and a willingness to learn. One way to learn is to ask for feedback and guidance from colleagues and take the initiative to understand what is important for the company and your colleagues.

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

From the PhD, I was able to build on the experience of overseeing research projects. However, I also had to quickly develop skills in people management, HR, and how to foster a collaborative team environment. Additionally, I needed to better understand business concepts, legal implications, and strategic considerations. Finally, as the head of a laboratory, there were new responsibilities regarding laboratory operations and safety measures.

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

If you are enthusiastic and curious, and not afraid to ask for help when you don’t know something, it’s easy to learn everything you need.

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

In my unique situation, I had over a year of transition from PhD into a management role. This was challenging because I had to wear ‘two hats’. It was most difficult to stay motivated to finish the PhD as there are many more exciting new things you could be doing.

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

Attending networking events often organized by the universities, attending scientific conferences and discussing with peers to share experiences.

According to you which are the personal/soft skills that are mostly needed to undergo a successful transition into industry? Or in your case what helped you during your transition into industry?

Soft skills such as adaptability, communication, and problem-solving are crucial for a successful transition into industry. Additionally, having a proactive mindset and a willingness to embrace change were essential in navigating the transition.

What advice has made the difference in your professional development?

The advice to continuously seek learning opportunities and to network effectively. Additionally, receiving feedback and being open to constructive criticism have helped me grow and improve in my role.

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

There are quite a few, but mainly understanding how and where to find the resources to answer questions, also having learned how to dissect a question and finding a balance in doing research and direct problem-solving. To some extent, scientific project management, teamwork, and the ability to effectively communicate complex ideas.

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

Yes, networking was important to secure my first position in Switzerland, which was 'via, via.' Throughout the PhD, and also in my current position, the time spent building relationships with professionals in the field helped me gain insights into industry practices, and to start establishing myself within the vaccine research community.

 Did you do one or multiple internship(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?

I did one 6-month internship at the company, which led to a co-supervised PhD, and then a permanent role in the company.

Which advice would you give to PhDs and postdocs who are willing to look for opportunities outside academia/in industry?

I would advise PhDs and postdocs interested in transitioning to industry to actively network, seek mentorship from industry professionals, and gain relevant experience through collaborative projects.

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

I am content with the decisions and experiences that have led me to where I am today. Each step in my career path has contributed to my growth and development, and I still have a lot to learn!

Céline’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chlemoine/