Content Acquisition Specialist Makes Science More Impactful

Name: Chandrika Konwar (she/her)

PhD: Biomedical Science, University of Delhi, 2024

What was your main area of research?

In my PhD research, I studied how specific proteins regulate cell death and aging by turning genes on and off. I focused on a protein called SIN-3, which influences many genes and is similar to a protein in humans associated with cancer.

Using tiny transparent worms (C. elegans) as models, I investigated how SIN-3 controls key cellular processes, helping us better understand gene regulation in human diseases like cancer. This work involved research techniques in genetics, molecular biology, microscopy, bioinformatics, and systems biology.

Although my current role in scientific publishing is quite different, this background gives me valuable domain knowledge that enhances my work.

What is your current job?

I am a Content Acquisition Specialist at Wiley in India.

As a Content Acquisition Specialist, my role primarily revolves around identifying and securing high-quality content for research journals, particularly in the life sciences. I work closely with researchers, journal editors, and academic societies to understand emerging trends and important topics in fields like cell and molecular biology, geology, and environmental sciences.

My responsibilities include commissioning special issues and soliciting submissions from leading researchers, as well as collaborating with guest editors to shape content that aligns with the journal's vision and meets the needs of the scientific community.

One of my favorite things about my job is the opportunity to bridge the gap between research and publishing, helping to bring scientific discoveries to a wider audience. My job allows me to stay connected to the research world, gain insights into emerging trends, and foster collaborations that can shape future research directions.

It’s incredibly rewarding to know I’m part of a process that makes science more accessible and impactful.

How did you find this position? What were the career steps you took to get to where you are now?

I found this position by consistently checking job postings on the Wiley Careers website. As a leader in research and scholarly publishing, Wiley stood out to me as an ideal organization to start a career in publishing.

Knowing that I wanted to enter this industry, I made a point to regularly follow the career pages of reputable publishing companies to stay informed about relevant opportunities.

PhD graduate ➡️ Content Acquisition Specialist

Why did you decide to not pursue a career in academia?

I decided to explore careers adjacent to research rather than pursuing an academic path because I wanted to develop skills and expertise beyond active research itself. I was keen to find roles that allowed me to stay connected to the research community without being in the lab focused on a single specialized area.

Making the decision itself was not particularly difficult, as I knew I wanted a different experience. However, following through with this choice was challenging at times because most of my peers continued on to postdoc positions and traditional academic trajectories. This often left me feeling like I was forging my own path, but ultimately, that independence reinforced my commitment to exploring the broader landscape around research.

What advice do you have for someone getting their PhD and looking to pursue a career outside of academia?

1. Managing Lack of Support in Pursuing a Non-Academic Career:

   1. In academic settings, the path ahead is often narrowly defined, and there is a pressure to keep to that path. I managed my pursuit of a non-academic career by actively seeking out mentors outside my immediate academic circle — alumni, professionals in industry roles, and even former researchers who had switched careers. This helped me gain perspective and reassurance that my skills and experience would bring value beyond academia. Surrounding myself with people who understood and respected my goals was crucial.

2. Interview Tips and Showcasing Transferable Skills

   1. When applying for non-academic roles, it is vital to focus on the transferable skills gained during PhD like problem-solving, project management, critical thinking, and data analytics. I will recommend taking some time to translate your research experience into terms that resonate outside academia. For instance, if you played the key role in a collaboration across research groups, you can frame it as managing a cross-team collaboration which shows initiative and organizational skills. Practicing this will allow you to feel more confident even in a non-academic environment.

3. Resources That Were Invaluable:

   1. LinkedIn was key in finding contacts, learning about industry roles, and even developing my resume. I applied my research skills to identify top companies in my field of interest, regularly checking their career pages and LinkedIn job postings for opportunities. Additionally, I found great value in joining communities and attending webinars tailored to PhDs transitioning to industry, such as those organized by the Genetics Society of America. These resources provided both insights and support during my career shift.

Are there any components of your identity you would like to share, including how they have impacted your journey?

As a Fulbright Scholar and scientist representing India in the United States, I had the privilege of being both a researcher and a cultural ambassador. This experience deeply enriched my perspective, allowing me to see myself — and science itself — through a global lens. I began to appreciate the power of my soft skills alongside the scientific expertise and felt inspired to expand my skill set to empower STEM on a global scale. Embracing this identity as a global citizen transformed my career path, motivating me to support the scientific community on a broader, more impactful scale.