Name: Yara Reis (she/her)
PhD: Cell Biology, University of Heidelberg, 2011
What was your main area of research?
My research involved the development of live-microscopy imaging and modeling pipeline to analyze single-cell mitochondrial morphology in response to drug treatment in breast cancer cells.
What is your current job?
I am a Strategic Alliances Manager for Global BioImaging - EMBL in Heidelberg, Germany.
My job involves a few things.
Strategic Engagement and Relationship Management: Develop and execute strategies to engage with international partners, funders, and stakeholders. Enhance visibility through communications strategy, active participation in community events, conferences, and industry forums. Maintain and strengthen relationships while expanding connections to new geographic regions, including managing numerous Zoom meetings to facilitate collaboration.
Political Advocacy and Funding Exploration: Engage with national and international policymakers and funders to advocate for bioimaging research and secure funding opportunities. Explore and pursue sustainable funding mechanisms to support network activities and ensure financial stability.
Strategic Planning and Reporting: Lead strategic initiatives to identify growth and innovation opportunities. Support the organisation of annual meetings and report progress to senior leadership, ensuring alignment with organisational objectives and effective communication of results.
The privilege of working on a global scale allows me to connect with diverse experts, engage in innovative projects, and make a meaningful impact across different regions. Being able to facilitate collaborations and drive strategic initiatives worldwide is both an exciting and fulfilling aspect of my job.
How did you find this position? What were the career steps you took to get to where you are now?
A good friend of mine was familiar with the network and core team and knew I had been searching for the right position for some time. When he came across this opportunity, he forwarded it to me. He was aware of my job search because, once I decided to look for a new role, I reached out to several people in my network, including some who weren’t particularly close but were engaged in interesting work.
PhD student (1y) ➡️ QUIT ➡️ PhD graduate (4y) ➡️ Lab Operations Manager (9y) ➡️ External Relations Manager (2,5y) ➡️Strategic Alliances Manager (2months)
Why did you decide to not pursue a career in academia? Was this a difficult decision or one you felt came easily?
Transitioning from a resource-constrained environment, where I worked on parasitology diseases primarily affecting tropical and subtropical regions (now also present in parts of Europe), I encountered a significant culture shock upon witnessing the waste of resources at a high-level institution. During my PhD, I was actively engaged in extracurricular activities such as organising conferences, supervising undergraduate student projects, and participating in science outreach. These experiences underscored my passion for community-driven initiatives and my commitment to building platforms that empower scientists, particularly those facing substantial challenges. Moreover, having been exposed to toxic environments in academia multiple times—including leaving my first PhD— it was an easy decision!!
What are three pieces of advice you have for someone getting their PhD and looking to pursue a career outside of academia?
Choose Your Mentor Wisely (for before PhD or early Postdoc?): It’s essential to recognise that not all mentors or supervisors will support your decision to pursue a career outside of academia. If you encounter someone who views non-academic careers negatively, they are likely holding onto outdated values and may not provide the guidance you need. When selecting a PhD supervisor or mentor, ensure they are open-minded and supportive of diverse career paths. Surround yourself with people who understand the evolving job market and can offer advice and resources aligned with your goals.
Leverage Your Network and Practice Interviewing: When preparing for non-academic job interviews, it's crucial to leverage your network. Connect with people who are already in the roles you’re interested in, and learn from their experiences, listen to their vocabulary and take notes of new concepts. Ask them about their daily tasks, challenges, and what they enjoy or dislike about their job. This information will not only help you tailor your job applications but also give you insight into the realities of different career paths. Additionally, consider applying for a job that you may not intend to take—such as one requiring relocation to a distant country—simply to practice your interview skills. This low-pressure approach allows you to gain experience, reduce nerves, and improve your performance for the job you truly want. You might actually get a job offer, giving you a comparison on salary offer and negotiations stand.
Engage in Extracurricular Activities and Networking: Getting involved in extracurricular activities, initiatives, and professional networks during your PhD can significantly enhance your skill set and expand your opportunities. While you might not participate in these activities with the explicit goal of landing a job, the broader range of skills and experiences you gain—especially when you're passionate about them—can make you a more attractive candidate in the non-academic job market. Additionally, platforms like LinkedIn are invaluable for networking. Use them to connect with professionals outside academia, understand job descriptions, and explore opportunities. Don’t hesitate to reach out for introductions or inquire about potential job openings; many people are willing to help or provide guidance.