Manuela L., PhD - Field Application Scientist
Manuela L., PhD - Field Application Scientist at Labgene Scientific SA
Where are you from and what is your educational background?
I grew up in the north of Italy and pursued on most of my studies in molecular biology at the University of Padua. I did my last year of the master’s degree at the University of Munich (DE) as part of the Erasmus program. After that, I moved to Vienna (AU) for my PhD in Plant Molecular Biology which was followed by a Postdoc on the same topic at the University of Geneva (CH).
Why did you decide to pursue the PhD/Post-doc journey?
After my master's internship, I realized how much I liked working in a molecular biology lab and carrying out experiments. I also enjoyed research and loved plant science. Doing a PhD was an opportunity to keep doing what I liked. Same for the Postdoc, even if I was not sure I wanted to pursue an academic career - doing a Postdoc allowed me to continue a job I enjoyed.
It is often said that the PhD is a marathon, not a sprint race. What are your thoughts about it? I think doing a PhD is an important journey in a scientist formation. You learn a lot of skills and it teaches you to become an independent scientist. It should not be about the PhD project (being successful or not) but rather about what we learn.
When did you decide that you didn’t want to pursue an academic career?
I was never sure I wanted to be a PI, I liked working in a research lab, thus I kept doing it until I felt I had no more to learn from this experience.
When did you transition into the private sector?
After my PhD, I did 4 and half years of Postdoc. After that, I decided to move to the private sector.
What is a current position?
I am a Field Application Scientist for a Swiss distributor of molecular biology instruments. And this is my first job after almost 10 years at the university.
Is your job related to what you have done during your PhD/Post-doc?
Yes, I provide customer support and training for molecular biology-related instruments and applications.
Which are the aspects that you like the most about your job?
Every day is different, I keep learning and developing new skills. Science and innovation are still part of my job and I get to be in contact with scientists from many different fields.
How has your work-life balance changed since moving to the industry?
Not much. I always tried to keep a good life-work balance also during my time at university.
How did you adapt to the cultural and operational differences between academia and industry?
It is a learning process, but my peers and supervisors helped me through that.
Were there any new skills or knowledge areas you had to develop for your role in the industry?
Yes, as it any new job there is always something new to learn and improve but after years in academia, you become a fast learner.
How difficult was it, to gain the required knowledge when you first started your job(s)?
It took several months but I felt it was also expected and did not feel pressured
What was your experience concerning the transition into industry? What were some of the challenges you faced during your transition?
It was a very smooth transition. The biggest “challenge” (even if I would not call it a real challenge but rather a good learning experience) was to learn how to work in a team (as at university even if you are part of a team, you are alone in your project) and how daily communication about how things go is essential.
What helped you before the transition (career events, workshops, contacting people on LinkedIn, friends)?
Networking helped me with my transition.
According to you which are the personal/soft skills that are mostly needed to undergo a successful transition into industry?
The term 'transition' implies a significant shift, but in reality, the skills required for success in industry aren't drastically different from those needed in academic settings. Whether you're starting a new job in an industry or a different university lab, adaptability, communication, problem-solving, and a willingness to learn remain essential.
In your case which personal/soft skills helped you during your transition?
The motivation to learn.
What advice made a difference in your professional development?
One advice that made a difference was to not regret your choices. Even if you decide to do a PhD or a Postdoc but do not want an academic career, as long as you enjoy those years and they bring something positive into your life, then there is no reason to look back and wish differently (i.e. the classical “I should have left academia earlier”).
What aspects of your academic studies helped you during your transition in industry (PowerPoint presentation, public speaking, teaching, scientific project management, teamwork, multitasking, etc)?
All of the above.
It is also said that networking plays an important role in transitioning into industry. Was it the case for you?
Yes, often knowing people helps you get the first interview – then it is still up to you to get the job.
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.
Which advice would you give to PhDs and postdocs who are willing to look for opportunities a non-academic environment?
I remember for me it was hard to know what to do after (for which kind of positions should I apply?), but what I would say, is just to try. Apply for various roles that are appealing to you even if some of them are not clear or you do not think you are skilled for that. Once you start the interview process many questions or doubts get already answered
If you could go back, would you change anything about your career path?
No.
What can I wish you for the next coming years?"
Keep doing a job that brings me joy and fulfillment!
Manuela Leonardelli’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/manuela-leonardelli-51b8ab156/
