Name: Aditi Bhattacharya (she/her)
PhD: Molecular Neuroscience, Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, 2009
What was your main area of research?
During my PhD, I studied the mechanistic differences between human and rat serotonin receptors that can limit how much cross-species extrapolation can be done from a drug discovery context. In my postdoc, I studied how protein synthesis gets disrupted in the autistic brain.
What is your current job?
I am the Scientific Director of Ultrahuman, and I work remotely.
I anchor all things science at a globally emerging wearables company. I help in ideating ways to analyze human user data for better outcomes of wellness and preventive health. I also work on forging industrial and research scientific partnerships.
The best part is the faster lead time to work I do making an impact in people's lives.
How did you find this position? What were the career steps you took to get to where you are now?
This is a long story. I’ve had many career pivots and learned a lot of skills while retaining subject matter expertise that I had gathered in my PhD and postdoc.
PhD ➡️ Post doc ➡️ Independent Researcher ➡️ Associate Director at a global medical communications company ➡️ Independent consultant
Why did you decide to not pursue a career in academia?
It was an evolving decision precipitated by external factors. I never was very married to the academic life so it was easier to transition.
What advice do you have for someone getting their PhD and looking to pursue a career outside of academia?
Speak to people outside academia - banking, start ups, tech, communications, etc.. This provides context to the challenges in your life. They are also the best networks to have.
Look at your transferable skills on your CV once every 6 months. Do you find a gap? Then fill it.
Be active on LinkedIn to understand evolving job and thought patterns in industry.
Go for job interviews even if you don't fit the job description. This helps learn the process.
Are there any components of your identity you would like to share, including how they have impacted your journey?
Your life and commitments shape your objectives and goals. These are unique. Don't compromise on them. Your career has to grow in sync with your life.