Magdalena Rausch, PhD - Field Application Specialist

Magdalena Rausch, PhD - Field Application Specialist at Miltenyi Biotec

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

I am from Austria, more precisely from a small town called Völkermarkt, which is close to the Slovenian border. From there, I moved to Graz (also in Austria) to study Molecular Biology for my Bachelor’s degree at the Karl-Franzens University Graz. For my Master’s degree, I studied Biochemistry at the same university and did my Master’s thesis in collaboration with the German Cancer Research Center in Heidelberg. After all that, I moved to Geneva and obtained my PhD degree in Pharmaceutical Sciences at the University of Geneva.

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

The honest answer (reflecting back on it, it is a naïve answer) is that I thought at the time that the PhD degree would give me an advantage in my career track. Fair enough, this is partially the case, but not to the extent that I thought at the beginning. I was quite naïve about it, I have to admit. At the same time, though, I liked the idea of having my own scientific project with a hypothesis and the freedom to shape this project and work on its realization. Finally, I decided to do it, I did it, and I do not regret it at all.

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

To me, this is true; I would say so as well, but more like an Ultramarathon. You have to keep on running/going, no matter how exhausted you feel. It’s worth it, you may trust my words.

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 decided after 1.5 years of Post-doc, when I was on my third 4-month contract. I started to have private difficulties because of that. I wanted to switch to a C permit, and the cantonal office refused, seeing the short-term contracts. Same issue when searching for an apartment and so on… Therefore, I decided to step out and search for a permanent contract, which you find more easily in industry than in academia (at the age of < 30).

When did you transition into industry?

I transitioned after my Post-doc in May 2023.

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

This is my first job in the industry. I work for Miltenyi Biotec Swiss AG as a field application specialist for flow cytometry. I support scientists all over Switzerland when they have technical questions or appreciate advice for their applications.

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

Partially. I used flow cytometry during my PhD and Post-doc, but it was not my main occupation.

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

I appreciate staying at the forefront of innovation all the time. I accompany projects from different research fields in academia and industry. It is so versatile, and the discussions with scientists are so fruitful. What I like most about my job is that I get to know so many people, who all share the passion for science and the pleasure of driving innovation.

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

It’s similar to what it has been before. In my opinion, it is not the “work” defining the work-life balance. It is me balancing work and life at the same time.

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

By paying attention to my colleagues and superiors as well as by asking questions. For example, I asked what the expectations of the company are, what the aims are, how it would be perceived if… I accompanied my colleagues to shadow them and to learn from their cultural and operational knowledge.

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

I had to learn to prioritize appointments and tasks based on the strategy of the company. I also had to learn to deal with confidential information.

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

The company I work for offered all courses needed to obtain the necessary knowledge. During my first year, I spent more time doing courses than working.

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

It was difficult to understand what is expected. The transition actually starts when reading the job offer and trying to figure out what the company is searching for, what the tasks are going to be, what the “perfect fit” is. In most of the adverts, there is not much information. In the next step, you need to reflect on your application. What to put in your CV, how to write your letter of motivation. It is a terrible question: “What motivates me?” If you manage this step, the interviews start, and you have to be sure about every answer. You have to figure out yourself if what you applied for is really the job you are going to do. If what you expected is going to happen. The next difficult part is to be honest with yourself in this process. Do you want this job because it is a renowned company, or because this is a great job, a great place to spend a lot of your time at? This is the most difficult part of the transition, to realize that YOU are important in this and that YOU are doing this for yourself and your life. Fair enough, not only in the transition from academia to industry. This is also important if you stay in academia.

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

I underestimated how much information and support one may receive simply by contacting people and asking questions. When I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do, I started contacting people and asked them what their profession is about, what their tasks are. I received way more transparent answers than I expected. In addition, friends (networking).

What advice made a difference in your professional development?

The best advice was to reflect on my words. The way you phrase a sentence makes a difference. This aligns with cultural perception and understanding.

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

None of the above, it was all about soft skills, especially communication. During my transition, it helped to listen and to ask a lot of questions. Expertise plays a role, but much more, how you fit into a team, into the process you are responsible for, and your soft skills.

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

No, it was not the case for me. However, yes, networking helps a lot and plays an important role in any hiring process, regardless. Networking will help you in academia as it does in industry.

Did you do one or multiple internships 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.

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

Be sure to be looking at what you really want.

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

NO.

What can I wish you for the coming years?

To always experience pleasure in what I am doing.

Magdalena’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/magdalena-rausch/