Transcript No Slide Title
Workshop II: Preparing for the Next Level Lyndon J. Mitnaul, PhD
Principal Scientist Division of Cardiovascular Diseases Thrombosis Research Group 2008 UNCF/Merck Honorary Fellow MercK Research Labs Rahway, New Jersey
Outline
Brief review of my Education & Career Path
Basic (requirements, suggestions, recommendations, advice and tips) for a Career in Academia, Government or the Pharma Industry
Group Discussions!
Benedict College, Columbia, SC Obtained a BS degree in Chemistry Summer Internships:
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Roswell Park Memorial Institute
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Argonne National Labs Merck Research Labs – Mr. Hollis Williams Dr. Ken Alston - Mentor
Penn State University Hershey, PA Obtained a PhD in Biological Chemistry “Learned how to think & solve research problems” Dr. Ross Shiman - Mentor
My career path
St. Jude Chilidren’s Research Hospital Memphis, TN
Postdoctoral Trainee in the Dept of Virology & Molecular Biology
Influenza A Virus pathogenesis Got external funding (ALA Fellow) Dr. Yoshihiro Kawaoka - Mentor
Merck Research Labs
1997-1999 Senior Research Immunologist
Department of Inflammation Research
1999-2010 Research Fellow & Biology Program Team Lead
Division of Cardiovascular Diseases
Atherosclerosis Research Group
2010- present Principal Scientist
Division of Cardiovascular Diseases
Thrombosis Research Group Had a desire to do “practical and applied” research that had a large public application (HIGH IMPACT)
Careers in Biomedical Research
Academia: college/university professor any research area; basic-applied grant writing, lecturing, mentoring Government: NIH, FDA, CDC, NCI, etc government-health-related research positions are lifelong Pharmaceutical or Biotech Industry: MERCK, etc… basic/health-related research practical/applied research many options for alternative scientific careers Others: contract research organizations (CRO) consulting and management companies non-basic research (clinical, regulatory, marketing, legal, project management, etc)
Ideas for a successful Postdoc experience
Ask for the opportunity to manage science and scientists
Mentor a undergrad/grad student/technician Ask to contribute to the overall direction and strategy of the lab
Extend your research project so that you can help PI write R01 grants Ask to manage the finances of the lab
Its better when you bring in your own money, but even if its not, learn how its done Make a name for yourself in your field of study
Work hard!
Don’t be a technician!
Its not ONLY about the publications!
Pharmaceutical Industry
1. Demonstrated that you are a good “problem-solver” (show you’re a good “scientist”)
Show that you can perform research in different disease areas and innovate Show that you can fit into different research team cultures, and in the culture of the company Show that you are flexible in what areas of research you work
2. Provide a unique skill-set that is lacking in the company/dept
You have the know-how to generate complicated in vivo models siRNA and/or AAV skills Unique in vitro skills (eg., LC/MS, reverse genetics, etc)
Academia & Gov’t?
1. Research science should be complementary to the dept you are applying
Identify depts that you feel your research could add value Look for internal collaborations that could help lead to external funding 2. $$!
Best if you can bring funds with you during the interview process Show clear track record of receiving funding in past 3. Teaching/Lecturing skills
Must have the desire (and the ability) to teach undergrads/grad students
Basic recommendations for a career in research science
Prepare yourself for opportunities & take advantage of given opportunities!
1. Have a good publication record – PDs: 3 yrs = 3 papers – “quality publications” 2. Obtain external funding while a Grad Student and PD 3. Compete and win research science-based awards travel awards, poster/oral awards, etc..
4. Demonstrate that you can perform and succeed in different environments and in different fields of study
You must look good on paper!
1. Have a neat, clear Resume/CV – many different styles - make it clean – state all relevant skill-sets – don’t over-sell yourself 2. In cover-letter, state how you can contribute to their organization – what do you bring that is different?
3. Reference letters are very critical, as well as “who” you select to be your references – your work-relationships are vital – “flags” will be raised if obvious references are not obtained 4. Paper will always “precede” your physical presence!
You must give a GREAT Seminar & Interview
1. Practice your seminar with many people, many times before the interview – prepare clean, concise slides – well thought-out flow of your work 2. During the interview, show that you can fit into the “culture” of the company, dept and team – sometimes you need to 1st understand these cultures 3. Be sure to ask them prepared questions; remember, you are also interviewing the company!
You must “learn” how to SURVIVE!
1. Immediately obtain company mentors and meet with them on a regular basis – – find out who the “movers and shakers” are and how to influence them 2. Set-up a monthly meetings with your immediate supervisors’ boss gives you face time with upper management
1.You must have “thick” skin!
2.You must be able to take rejection, but learn from why you were rejected
– 3. Continuously “smell your cheese” – – allows you time to personally explain your work and your professional ambitions understand when things are changing and how these changes may affect you 4. Be “forward-thinking” @ your career always keep an eye out for your next position – always look for how you can contribute to the company goals
3.You must keep applying – you will get to where you are supposed to be
In Summary
Be Productive & Good at what you do
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Be sure to look good on Paper
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Give a GREAT Seminar and Interview
– practice; present a clean story
Learn survival skills as soon as you get in
– – work hard and publish!
clean Resume/CV immediately seek mentors
Build your professional NETWORK!
start now, and keep it going!
Don’t give up!