Aditi Jain brings diverse experience and cultural insight to engage India’s research community, building meaningful multi-stakeholder collaborations and advancing inclusive, globally connected science.
PhD | Scientific Partnerships Manager | Editorial & Strategic Engagement | Biotech | Bioengineering | India
🔬 Career Konnect: Job Profile – Partnerships Manager
Featured Professional: Aditi Jain
Current Role: Scientific Partnerships Manager, American Society for Microbiology (ASM), India
Education:
B.Sc. (Hons) Chemistry, Hindu College, Delhi University
M.Sc. Biotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay
PhD, Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bangalore
Part 1: General Information
Q. What is your current job title and a brief description of your role?
Scientific Partnerships Manager, American Society for Microbiology (ASM)
I work at the crossroads of science and society, leading strategic initiatives to build partnerships, create outreach programs, and open doors that amplify the voices of Indian researchers to the world. Together with academic leaders, clinicians and industry professionals, I strive to ensure that microbiology is not only advanced in the lab but also recognized as a force for solving the challenges that shape our future.
Q. Which company are you currently working for?
American Society for Microbiology (ASM)
Q. In which city and country are you based?
India
Part 2: Career Path and Education
Q. What was your PhD specialization? From which university did you obtain your PhD?
Ph.D. in Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru.
Q. Could you briefly outline your career path since completing your PhD? What were the key steps and decisions that led you to your current position?
My advisor, Prof. Kaushik Chatterjee, introduced me to scholarly publishing as a career path, recognizing that it aligned with my strengths and interests. I was drawn to the opportunity to make science more accessible and impactful beyond the lab. I began my career with the American Chemical Society, where I gained experience in editorial workflows and author engagement. Over time, I saw that while there were ample opportunities for deeper engagement between global publishers and scientists in India, they were not widely known or fully leveraged. I was inspired to lead initiatives that addressed this necessity, fostering cultural understanding along the way, which brought me to the American Society for Microbiology (ASM). I now drive ASM’s strategic initiatives across India, building partnerships and spearheading efforts to ensure that scientists have a voice and expand their exposure to the international scientific community.
Q. How important was your PhD in securing your current position? Did it provide you with specific skills or knowledge that were essential for your role?
My PhD training was foundational to my current role. Beyond subject-matter expertise, it trained me to think critically, work independently, and solve complex problems – skills that translate directly into strategy, publishing, and stakeholder engagement. The rigor of research also taught me resilience and adaptability, which are essential when navigating the varied priorities of scientists, institutions, and policymakers. During my doctoral journey, I also saw powerful examples of empathetic leadership, lessons that continue to guide me in how I collaborate, build trust, and lead initiatives today.
Part 3: Job Role and Responsibilities
Q. Could you describe a typical workday for you? What are your primary responsibilities and tasks?
Most days are a combination of strategic planning, collaboration, and execution. I chart out plans that help shape editorial programs, organize scientific events, and build collaborations that link institutions, scientists, and ASM’s global network. At the core, my job is to ensure that our engagement reflects both global standards and regional priorities. I also review author requests, monitor research trends, and share insights that guide decision-making, while representing ASM at various forums such as Young Investigators’ Meeting by IndiaBioscience. The role involves relationship-building, strategic outreach, and hands-on execution to amplify scientific findings and strengthen global connections in microbiology.
Q. What key skills (technical and soft) are essential for your role? How did your degree help you develop these skills?
Such roles demand a healthy blend of technical and interpersonal skills. On the technical side, I draw on analytical thinking and a broad understanding of scientific concepts across disciplines. Equally important are soft skills such as strategic thinking, relationship-building, cultural fluency, and clear communication.
My educational training was instrumental in developing many of these capabilities. It taught me how to approach complex problems systematically, work independently while collaborating effectively, and adapt to changing circumstances. Additionally, exposure to diverse collaborators helped me appreciate cultural perspectives, which has become central to my work today.
Q. What are the biggest challenges and rewards of your job?
One constant learning is intercultural communication, which requires understanding the perspectives of researchers who may approach science and publishing in different ways, and meeting their needs beyond what is explicitly expressed. Another important aspect is knowing where my involvement will add the most value and empowering others where they can make the strongest contribution.
It is deeply rewarding to see research from India reach international audiences. Helping early-career researchers gain confidence in publishing and fostering impactful collaborations that contribute to an inclusive, more connected global microbiology community.
Q. How do you balance your work and personal life? What strategies do you use to manage stress and maintain a healthy work-life balance?
I see work-life balance as being intentional about where my time and energy go. I make time for activities that bring joy, such as staying in touch with my family and friends, as those connections keep me grounded and offer viewpoints beyond the echo chamber one can easily get caught in. I also enjoy rewatching some of my favorite movies and cooking Jain meals.
Feeling stressed is human, and I try to focus on what I can influence and to take responsibility for my own happiness. That mindset, whether at work or outside it, helps build resilience and bring in positivity.
Part 4: Future Opportunities
Q. What are the potential career paths and opportunities for someone in your position?
Such roles can grow in many directions, depending on one’s experience and exposure. Within publishing, they can evolve into senior leadership positions in editorial strategy and engagement, overseeing journal portfolios, or directing global outreach. The skills are also highly transferable to research management in universities or funding agencies, science policy roles within government or international organizations, academic administration, and industry positions that interface science, communication, and stakeholder engagement.
Q. What are the current trends and challenges in the biotech industry? How do you see your role evolving in the future?
The biotech sector is gaining the attention it deserves by launching new initiatives and attracting talent, and locally via platforms like IndiaBioscience that connect and support researchers. In this environment, my role will increasingly focus on ensuring that microbial sciences and medical biotechnology is well represented in international priorities. I see a growing scope to facilitate partnerships that not only advance science but also translate discoveries for societal benefit.
Q. What advice would you give to early-career researchers who are aspiring to work in the biotech industry?
My mantra is that career choices are most fulfilling when they are anchored in our own lives, abilities, and values. In the biotech industry, which means matching skills and interests with opportunities while staying open to both learning and unlearning. It also means seeking experiences that broaden our perspectives and challenge us, building relationships that inspire, and pursuing work that leaves a positive impact.
Q. Are there any resources, networks, or training programs that helped you in your career that you would recommend?
Attending department seminars as a student helped me develop broad scientific comprehension and articulation. Of course, AI has been a game changer, alongside learning content on platforms like YouTube and LinkedIn. Discipline-specific workshops from professional societies add depth, while in-person learning and meaningful interactions continue to be central to building an active professional network.
Part 5: Salary
Salary range (annual) for Freshers:
Entry-level salaries in this space vary widely depending on the organization, role, location, and skill set. In general, freshers can expect competitive packages, and those who combine academic training with some industry and/or international exposure often enter at the higher end of the range.
Salary range (annual) for someone with your experience:
Professionals who combine relevant scientific expertise, both regional and global perspectives, publishing experience, strong professional ethics, and credible recommendations attract stronger packages. This is reinforced by the ability to deliver results that meet the role’s requirements, adapt quickly, make informed decisions, take ownership, and bring unique value to the organization.
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