Name: Orion Tong (he/him)
PhD: Oncology, Oxford University, 2023
What was your main area of research?
I did transcriptomic and single-cell RNAseq experiments and analysis of peripheral blood immune cells from patients receiving immune checkpoint blockade, and I tried to identify novel circulating biomarkers and mechanisms of treatment resistance. A large part was developing analysis pipelines for big datasets (especially single-cell, and genetics), and then extracting biological significance amongst the TBs of data.
What is your current job?
I am the Chief of Staff at Infinitopes Limited in Oxford, United Kingdom.
My job is very varied. It involves supporting my principle (CEO) in strategic projects, and acting as a bridge between the commercial and R&D elements of the company.
I love how multidisciplinary it is. I get to have a lot of hypotheses and thoughts as it is science adjacent. I enjoy the strategy elements the most, and being much closer to therapeutics development & translation compared to academic research.
How did you find this position? What were the career steps you took to get to where you are now?
I was introduced to Infinitopes by an external contact as a biotech start-up working in cancer immunotherapy (a similar field to my PhD). I initially started working using my bioinformatics skills, but then moved in a more Strat/Ops direction after I joined the company.
PhD graduate ➡️ Data Scientist/Interim Lead ➡️ Chief of Staff
Why did you decide to not pursue a career in academia?
The conditions for academia are not fantastic. Lack of clear career progression and structure also doesn't 'reward' the hours and effort that you put in. I also don't enjoy how far removed it can feel from 'real life' - and seeing funding and time dedicated to niche research + how long the publication system takes, were further discouragers. It was a relatively easy decision although some brilliant people I know have or will continue in academia, and I can see them definitely succeeding and being fulfilled.
What advice do you have for someone getting their PhD and looking to pursue a career outside of academia?
(Even if you want to continue in academia) Go to events around biotech, industry, and start-up. You'll find yourself inspired by things you've never seen before, and the energy and vision can be really helpful. Getting a bigger view of the horizon is essential, and the earlier the better.
Think about doing extracurriculars that demonstrate interest in something outside of your PhD - i.e. student-run organisations/programs, like entrepreneurial or consulting challenges or projects.
Find a career mentor (not easy) - from outside of your institute or discipline. Having an independent person to talk to and get career advice from is super helpful. Even if it's someone on the PhD Paths Portfolio list. LinkedIn connections are also helpful - a lot of post PhD grads are very active on LinkedIn with advice and posts. Follow and connect with some of them who have regular content and they're likely going to be approachable or connect you further with someone.