How did your journey with science begin?

Initially, I didn’t know I wanted to be a scientist. I thought I would become a doctor but after completing my first year of Biology studies I realized I had found my path. I was fascinated by discovering the mechanisms of molecular biology and biomedicine. Conducting scientific research became my true passion which led me to focus on a career in science. It was a natural progression and continuation of the traditional academic path not necessarily a conscious decision. Continuing biological studies instead of starting medical school was a turning point that shaped my further academic and professional path. I engaged in all possible scientific circles and spent my vacations at biological summer schools. During my master’s studies I applied for the BioLab program which allowed me to spend two years at a university in the United States. I think it was there that I truly understood what academic work entails and felt that it was my destiny.

What were the biggest challenges you faced during your scientific career?

One of the biggest challenges was spending long nights and weekends in the lab which didn’t always translate into positive results in the research project. As a student working with living organisms, I was dependent on the experimental schedule, which was often unpredictable and time-consuming. A lack of assertiveness made me agree to every new project disregarding the needs of my personal life. In one of the labs, instead of receiving mentoring support and constructive criticism, I often faced destructive criticism that undermined my skills and motivation. I think my experiences were typical for most PhD students following an already established pattern. Despite these difficulties these experiences taught me resilience and the importance of a healthy and supportive work environment. These skills proved invaluable in my later career in the private sector where I also faced challenges but with greater confidence and experience.

Why did you decide to leave scientific work and move to the private sector?

It wasn’t until halfway through my PhD that I understood the enormous risks associated with staying in the academic environment. Low chances of obtaining scientific grants, the risk that ongoing research wouldn’t yield expected results and immense international competition were just a few factors that concerned me.

The most important thing for me was finding a place where I could experience more regulation and predictability while still staying connected to science and medical issues. The realization that I would have little chance of a career in academia despite excellent results and publications led me to seek alternatives. The decision to move to the private sector was well thought out. I chose a career in clinical research because it allowed me to use my scientific knowledge in a more structured and predictable environment. Working in clinical research offers the opportunity to work on projects that have a direct impact on patients’ health and lives which was extremely important to me. This change also allowed me to develop my skills in new areas, such as project management, collaboration with various teams and applying my knowledge in clinical practice. All of this made me feel more professionally fulfilled while having greater stability and predictability in my career.

How does the work of a scientist in Poland differ from scientific work abroad?

It won’t surprise anyone to say that I experienced a shock when I moved from a Polish lab to an American center and later a Swiss one. Access to larger funds allowed for more advanced research projects and the use of modern equipment. Another significant difference was the international environment and work culture. In Poland, I knew only one foreigner at my university, whereas labs in the USA and Switzerland were mainly based on international students. This cultural diversity enriched research experiences and fostered creativity and the exchange of ideas.

What factors might have motivated you to continue your scientific career?

In an ideal world scientific laboratories would not exploit young researchers and would guarantee permanent positions to a greater number of academics. Information flow would be clear, and competition would be replaced by collaboration. Working conditions, salaries, and benefits would be improved. In such a world I might consider returning to an academic career.

How do you assess the financial support provided by the state and universities to young scientists?

Unfortunately, a young scientist is often an example of a volunteer. Individuals with extraordinary education who dedicate most of their time to work do not receive adequate compensation. This situation is not unique to Poland. A PhD student in Switzerland earns around 3500-4000 francs per month, which is the lowest national salary I’ve encountered here. The situation improves after completing studies but funding is still not comparable to the earnings of peers without higher education who started working much earlier, for instance, in pharmaceutical companies.

What is the transition from a scientific career to the private sector like? Was it easy for you to find a job in the private sector?

Unfortunately like many other PhD students I spent years in an academic bubble with all my knowledge focused only on life and career in the scientific sphere. Finding the first job after a PhD usually involves a long period of unemployment. When someone finally decides to hire a PhD without any “work experience” it often leads to guaranteed downgrading starting in positions that often don’t require higher education. A young scientist is highly specialized, often with a family, expecting managerial positions and accustomed to a broad spectrum of responsibilities. Unfortunately employers (usually rightly) cannot take the risk of assigning higher positions to such candidates because the private sector operates on different principles and requires different skills.

In my case I got acquainted with the CEO of a startup who was looking for new employees. This led me to discover an ideal job as a Clinical Scientist. Similarly, in my next three jobs, connections played a key role. I must add that forced and artificial networking never helped me.

What advice would you give to young scientists who are hesitating between continuing their scientific career and moving to the private sector?

Statistics clearly show that only a small number of young scientists have a chance for a stable academic career. Additionally, I believe that working in the private sector is much more attractive which is why I have been encouraging other scientists to leave academic work for years. For those who are undecided or taking their first steps in recruitment for pharmaceutical/biotechnological companies I offer a mentoring program and online training (applications directly through LinkedIn).

How do you utilize the experience you gained during your scientific career in the private sector?

I think the aspect of utilizing your academic experience in the private sector is the biggest challenge for young scientists. It took me a long time to discover positions and types of companies that are within my reach and simultaneously make use of previously acquired knowledge and skills. Some people believe that managing research projects qualifies them for managerial jobs in the industry, but unfortunately, this is a very mistaken approach.

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