Career as a Scientist in Industry after PhD | Dr. Meenakshi Ghosh | Biopatrika
Brief Introduction
Career Konnect highlights diverse career journeys for life science professionals. In this edition, we feature Dr. Meenakshi Ghosh, a Research Investigator working in the biotech industry. With a strong academic background from Presidency College, Madurai Kamaraj University, and a PhD from the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), her journey reflects a transition from academic research to industry through campus placements. Her story provides valuable insights into building a career as a scientist in industry and navigating the transition from PhD to applied research.
Currently: Lead Data Specialist, Integra Connect, Bangalore
Interview
Q1. Meenakshi, could you tell us about your academic journey and what motivated you to pursue research?
Meenakshi:
I completed my undergraduate studies at Presidency College, Kolkata, and later pursued my Master’s from Madurai Kamaraj University. My interest in research began toward the end of my graduation when I started reading scientific papers. I found it fascinating how experiments are designed and how they lead to new discoveries.
During my Master’s, I worked on crystallography, which involved protein purification, crystallization, and solving protein structures. This experience sparked my interest in structural biology and played a key role in my decision to pursue a PhD.
Q2. Where did you pursue your PhD, and how was your experience?
Meenakshi:
I completed my PhD at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc). My experience during the PhD was very enriching. I had a supportive advisor who encouraged discussions and helped me think critically about scientific problems.
The lab environment also played a significant role. Having supportive colleagues and friends made the journey enjoyable. Of course, there were challenges—experiments often failed, and there were times of uncertainty—but these are part of the learning process. Looking back, the experience helped me grow both scientifically and personally.
Q3. What role did family and friends play in your journey?
Meenakshi:
The support from my family and friends has been immense. During a PhD, there are times when emotional support becomes very important, and having people who understand and encourage you makes a big difference.
I believe that without their support, it would have been much more difficult to navigate the challenges of my academic and professional journey.
Q4. How did you transition from academia to industry?
Meenakshi:
Initially, I was considering postdoctoral positions and had applied to several labs. However, due to personal reasons, I decided to stay in India and explore opportunities in industry.
At that time, I was applying for jobs but did not receive responses initially. Fortunately, my institute offered campus placements, and I secured my first job through that process at Dr. Reddy’s. This opportunity helped me transition into industry soon after completing my PhD.
Q5. What motivated you to choose an industry career over academia?
Meenakshi:
One of the key motivations was the desire to work on translational research—where scientific work has direct real-world applications. Industry roles offer the opportunity to contribute to applied research, which can have a tangible impact.
Additionally, my personal circumstances influenced my decision to stay in India and pursue industry opportunities.
Q6. What was the interview process like for your roles?
Meenakshi:
For my first job through campus placement, the process was straightforward and involved a single panel interview. I prepared a presentation summarizing my PhD work and tailored it according to the job description.
For my subsequent role, the process was more elaborate, involving multiple rounds, including panel interviews, one-on-one technical discussions, and an HR round.
One key learning from these experiences is the importance of aligning your presentation and CV with the job description. It is better to highlight relevant work rather than including everything you have done.
Q7. What advice would you give for preparing CVs and interviews?
Meenakshi:
Your CV should be concise, relevant, and tailored to the job you are applying for. Avoid including unnecessary details, and focus on showcasing skills and experiences that align with the job description.
During interviews, be prepared to answer questions about everything you mention in your CV. It is important to include only what you truly understand and have worked on.
Preparing a clear and focused presentation of your work can also make a strong impression.
Q8. What skills from your PhD are most useful in industry?
Meenakshi:
Apart from technical expertise, several soft skills gained during a PhD are highly valuable in industry. Time management is one of the most important skills, as it helps in handling multiple tasks efficiently.
Planning is another critical skill. A well-planned experiment often leads to better outcomes and saves time. Additionally, having backup plans for experiments is essential, as not everything works as expected.
These skills are not only useful in industry but also in everyday life.
Q9. What would you do differently during your PhD if given a chance?
Meenakshi:
If I had the opportunity, I would try to gain some industry exposure during my PhD, such as through internships. This would have provided a better understanding of industry workflows and expectations.
At the time, I was not fully aware of how industry operates, and gaining early exposure could have made the transition smoother.
Q10. How important is networking for career growth?
Meenakshi:
Networking is very important. Connecting with professionals, especially seniors in the industry, can provide valuable insights and guidance.
Platforms like LinkedIn are useful for reaching out to people, learning about opportunities, and even discovering roles that may not be publicly advertised.
Even if direct help is not always available, advice and shared experiences can be extremely beneficial.
Q11. What does a typical week in your role look like?
Meenakshi:
My work typically begins with planning experiments for the week. This includes protein purification, standardizing protocols for new proteins, and performing related experiments.
In addition to lab work, I am involved in reviewing project proposals, analyzing cost sheets, and interacting with clients to ensure project timelines and deliverables are met.
The role involves a mix of experimental work, planning, and communication, making it both dynamic and engaging.
Q12. How do you maintain work-life balance?
Meenakshi:
I enjoy traveling and often plan short trips during weekends to relax and recharge. I also have an interest in stargazing and recently started using a telescope to observe celestial objects.
These activities help me unwind and maintain a balance between my professional and personal life.
Dr. Meenakshi Ghosh’s journey highlights how curiosity, resilience, and adaptability can shape a successful career as a scientist in industry. Her experience emphasizes the importance of planning, networking, and aligning skills with industry needs to navigate the transition from academia to applied research.
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