Newsletter
From genetics research to the biotechindustry to shaping policy in the publicsector, I have learnt that a career pathdoesn’t have to be linear. Each turn taughtme to transfer skills, embrace rejection, andstay curious. My story shows how crossingsectors can build resilience, open newperspectives, and connect science with real-world impact.
Bionote
Marta Niedzicka got her PhD degree in evolutionary biology at the Institute of Environmental Sciences at the Jagiellonian University. During her doctoral research, she studied Lissotriton newts: prepared their genetic linkage map, and designed, mapped and genotyped markers. In the meantime, she has also finished two statistical courses and a molecular ecology course. Marta has learned Python and R programming languages and has been working in the Linux environment. Marta currently works at the Teagasc, the Agriculture and Food Development Authority in Ireland.
Marta Niedzicka
Starting with research and academia
I didn’t pursue a PhD immediately after my Master’s programme. I had a vision of my career that didn’t require one. I had things figured out — or so I thought.
Two years later, I changed my mind. I was good at genetics — always my favourite field — and quickly realised that all my dream jobs required a PhD. I started looking for a suitable programme that would strengthen my skills.
As a PhD candidate, I have developed so much. I thrived, although with an occasional dread of being an impostor. I learnt so much: hard skills, like population genetics and bioinformatics, but also soft skills, like problem-solving, time management, balancing working independently and in a team, and project management. Thus, I would do all of it again.
Switching to the industry
Yet, after my viva, I didn’t see my future at the university. I started to apply for different industry jobs and remember it feeling overwhelming at first. But there was a biotechnological company looking for scientists with bioinformatics experience, and I was one.
My bioinformatics skills developed when I used them outside of my PhD expertise. I loved seeing how I could reshape the same skills to answer various biological questions. I like challenging my own point of view and seeing from another perspective. I learnt so much about different questions, interests, and trends across various fields.
It was not only my scientific experience that was transferable. Adapting to new situations, finding other options during a crisis, communicating and organising my time more efficiently, documenting processes in detail, and even teaching adults — all these skills were extremely valuable, and I used them every day during my time in the industry.
"Can my plant catch the flu?" event in An Gairdin Beo, Carlow, Ireland
Making way back into research
After some time, I wanted to go back to research. I had the experience, wider skills, and confidence I lacked before, as well as much better knowledge about alternative career paths. I knew I could change my mind, although it might not have been easy to find the right option.
There is nothing wrong with having different needs at different stages of our lives. However, finding the right people to work with is essential, and I was privileged to find the right mentors.
My first MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowship submission was rejected, although it was classified for the Seal of Excellence, so we tried again the next year. I barely made it the next year, as the project was accepted from the reserve list.
To whoever needs to hear this: rejection doesn’t reflect badly upon you. Sometimes you are rejected not because you are a bad candidate, but merely because there might be someone better suited at that particular time. It doesn’t make you the wrong person for the position.
Being rejected is not a failure.
Trying it all
Now, I am back in research, but not in academia. This time I am a postdoctoral researcher in the public sector, in a research- performing organisation.
I didn’t stop learning about different career paths and how my experience fits different roles, as now my postdoc includes a secondment in a non-research governmental agency. I have been making my way through academia and basic research to industry, applied sciences and policymaking in the public sector.
I didn’t stop learning about different career paths and how my experience fits different roles, as now my postdoc includes a secondment in a non-research governmental agency. I have been making my way through academia and basic research to industry, applied sciences and policymaking in the public sector.
Communication and mutual understanding are the first steps in allowing us all to work better together.
How to start the change?
It is rarely obvious how to change your career path. There is no solution that fits all, but from my experience, talking with people helps.
The other helpful thing is to try to look at yourself from an outsider’s perspective. Look at your CV like it is of your friend from academia whom you have always admired, or maybe a younger colleague you want to mentor. Would you tell them to give it a go? Would you be able to recognise their strengths and realise how they can be applied in other fields?
Bringing new perspectives and thinking outside of the box is valued— and career transitions help with that.
Marta Niedzicka
Orcid
LinkedIn
Teagasc
marta.niedzicka@teagasc.ie
Research, or there and back again