Beyond the laboratory: Career transitions between academia and industry

More than just strategy and planning, different professional options require attention to opportunities and the courage to face challenges

Alyne Teixeira

A person walks through a futuristic curved tunnel, illuminated by colored lights, which leads to an as-yet unknown place

When I graduated in pharmacology, I never imagined that one day I would be leading on projects at a biotechnology startup, working with science communication, and operating at some of the world’s biggest pharmaceutical corporations.

My path was not linear, and it is exactly this multifaceted journey that now allows me to advise young researchers who, like me, seek purpose, impact, and professional achievement.

I share a little about my journey through different ecosystems: academia, the pharmaceuticals industry, startups, and science communication, with some practical tips on how to move between these areas using transferable skills and professional positioning strategies.

Silent discomfort

I had my first experience in the pharmaceuticals industry while still an undergraduate, taking up a post in Research & Development. I enjoyed the research, but felt that my curiosity went beyond the laboratory.

Nevertheless, I pursued my academic journey with a master’s, and then a PhD in biomedical engineering in Canada.

During my doctoral work, I became restless: although academic research was intellectually challenging, something inside me was looking for more practical impact and connection with the real world.

It was then that I decided to explore other professional possibilities, still within research, but outside the lab. I felt that it was time to change something, and I risked a first step.

I started to get involved in science communication, volunteering with organizations such as Science Writers and Communicators of Canada (SWCC), and the Royal Canadian Institute for Science (RCIScience).

I took part in face-to-face and virtual events, developing skills in writing, storytelling, and connection with different groups.

Concurrently with this, I began working at a medical marketing and communication agency, which enabled me to fuse technical know-how with the ability to translate science into accessible language.

The experience I gained in Canada also opened doors in Brazil, broadening my work in science communication geared toward health professionals. Drawing upon that knowledge to develop content at one of the world’s biggest medical communication agencies was a very fulfilling challenge.

Discovering new possibilities

It was then that I received an unexpected invitation to return to Canada and join a healthtech startup. The timing was perfect: I had just finished my doctorate, and was open to new challenges.

I wore many different hats at the startup: I managed science projects, developed business plans and marketing strategies, and actively participated in studies with Canadian Olympic skating athletes.

I ran biochemical analyses, interpreting data and transforming them into practical reports for the optimization of sporting performance. During this experience, it became very clear to me that my scientific training could generate direct and immediate impact on people’s lives.

This transition was only possible because I recognized and valued the transferable skills I obtained from academia:

Critical and analytical thinking;
Management of complex projects;
Written and oral technical communication;
Adaptability in multidisciplinary environments.

I currently work in the commercial area of a multinational pharmaceutical corporation, focusing on gastroenterology and rheumatology. Even with all this experience, I keep moving.

My next goal, when the time is right, is to transition to the Medical Affairs area of the pharmaceutical industry.

My current work combines strategy, education, and relations with health professionals—this has been a great entry point for this future transition, because with a better understanding of the industry ecosystem, I have seen that my scientific training, combined with my experience in marketing, science communication, and multidisciplinary projects, represents an invaluable edge.

Three pillars for career transition

1. Strategic networking: Your network of contacts is one of your greatest assets. It’s not enough just to have connections on LinkedIn; you need to cultivate authentic relationships. Request a twenty-minute conversation, listen to stories of transition, and be ready to learn and to contribute. Remember: opportunities arise from connections with people.
2. Sell your transferable skills: Don’t just say “I’m a researcher” or “I have a PhD.” Make it known that you solve complex problems, lead projects, communicate science clearly, and adapt to dynamic environments. Translate your value into the language of the desired sector.
3. Work on your personal brand: Be genuine in telling your story. Share learning points on social media, participate in webinars and lectures. These days, your digital presence is an extension of your résumé. Be consistent with your values and goals when you position yourself.

Career transition is not abandonment, it’s evolution

Science is still my basis, but now it’s applied in different ways: in business strategies and education of health professionals.

If you feel you’re ready for something new, have faith: the world needs scientists outside the lab too.

Five quick tips for anyone embarking upon their transition:

Make an inventory of your skills. List what you do well and like to do—this is the beginning of your repositioning.
Seek out models. Follow people who have made the transition that you’re looking to make, and find good mentors.
Participate in communities. Join groups on LinkedIn, Slack, or events in your new area of interest.
Practice your storytelling. Talk about yourself clearly and purposefully, always mindful of value generation for others.
Take care of your emotional health. Transitions bring uncertainties. Cultivate a support network and keep up with your self-care.

Finally, remember: science is power! And when aligned with purpose, it becomes transformation.

Alyne Teixeira is a pharmacist, with a master’s in biosciences and bioactive products from the University of Campinas (UNICAMP), and a PhD in biomedical engineering from Dalhousie University (Canada). She has international experience in R&D and medical communication, and currently works in the commercial area at Pfizer Canada, focusing on gastroenterology and rheumatology.

Opinion articles do not necessarily reflect the views of Science Arena or Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein

* This article may be republished online under the CC-BY-NC-ND Creative Commons license.
The text must not be edited and the author(s) and source (Science Arena) must be credited.