Much has been said about the pyramidal structure in academic science. But what if budding scientists discover halfway into their PhD that they're climbing the wrong career ladder? I was fortunate enough to find a way to change the focus of my career without having to compromise.
I believe that established scientists generally share a passion for science. Like Archimedes making his most famous discovery while bathing, their research questions stay with them even outside the lab. Near the end of my master's studies I worked in the cell-biology lab of one such scientist. His endless enthusiasm fostered a great lab environment. I accepted an offer to stay for my PhD. I don't regret this decision; my PhD was exciting and successful. But towards the end I struggled with what to do next.
Up to that point, I hadn't had moments of crisis like many PhD students who fear they'll never publish. From the start we formed exciting, successful collaborations. Still, I did not have the passion for cell biology that I saw in my supervisor on a daily basis. Then I started to develop an interest in programming. Along with a friend and fellow PhD student, I developed several scientific applications to help molecular biologists analyse and construct DNA sequences. It became my passion. Outside the lab, I stopped thinking about cell biology and started thinking about my programs.
What to do next? I considered a hybrid subject, such as electron microscopy, but had difficulty devising a grant proposal. My rescue came in the form of the annual postdoc retreat organized by the Netherlands Cancer Institute. A break from the lab bench and stimulating lectures helped me think about my options. A talk about community-based software that might lead to a more open discussion and valuation of scientific articles sparked lots of research ideas.
Two months ago, I started at the text mining group at the European BioInformatics Institute in Hinxton near Cambridge, UK. I already feel right at home in this completely different field. I now realize that pursuing some 'hybrid' postdoc would have been a mistake. My creativity and passion lie with computers and bioinformatics. If I'd compromised rather than making the leap to a new field, I would have been unhappy and less enthusiastic. When I discovered I was climbing the wrong ladder I had to make the jump to one that suited me more.