Expertise and focus:

I was trained as a biochemist/molecular biologist at UCT (masters) and at the Charles University (PhD). Afterwards, during my postdocs at EMBL Heidelberg and Max-Planck Institute in Dresden, I further specialized in evolutionary/developmental biology working with non-model invertebrate organisms as well as zebrafish. Apart from academic experience, I have a 1 year experience in H2020 project management and 2.5 years experience from preclinical R&D in a pharma company. Currently I am working as a senior scientist in RNA biology at IOCB Prague.

Form of mentoring meetings:

Either way, online or offline

Has an experience in:

Academic career, Career in the private sector

Link to CV

Previous mentoring experience: 

After gaining experience in industry and transiting back to academia, I encountered students thinking about leaving academia to industry, coming to me and asking about my decisions and experience, not only from industry but also from international research institutes. I was happy to share my experience and helped several students with job hunting, preparing their CV and cover letters for their applications. 

Motivation: 

My motivation to become a mentor has three parts: 

1) I would have appreciated if a mentoring program was around the time I was finishing my PhD studies and someone guided me through the transition to PostDoc, made me aware of necessary steps (applying for grants timely etc). I find this formation very important in researcher’s life and would like to help young scientists in this respect.

2) Having experience both from international academic institutions and industry, I might help the young scientist to be aware of the situation and duties in both settings.

3) I generally enjoy discussing these topics with people in a one-to-one (protected) setting and became positive feedback on my advices. 

Career guidance topics you can discuss with the mentor: 

• Career change, change of field

• Differences between academic and non-academic careers

• Navigating the job market, employment opportunities

Research related experience the mentor is ready to share with the mentee: 

• Preparation of scientific publications - how to do it correctly, efficiently, and with quality

• Management of science and research in an academic institution

• Consultation on preparation for a job interview

• Path to an academic position abroad

• Transition from academia to the private sector