I hold a Bachelor's degree in biomedical sciences from Sao Paulo State University (UNESP) in Brazil. Following that, I completed a two-year Master's degree in health sciences, where my research focused on utilizing bioinformatic tools to identify prognostic biomarkers for cervical cancer. In 2020, I joined the first batch of the EuReCa doctoral program at Institut Curie, supported by a prestigious international MSCA fellowship. In Stéphan Vagner’s Lab at the Orsay campus, my research focused on uncovering the unconventional roles of metabolic enzymes as RNA-binding proteins, investigating their novel functions in melanoma biology. Currently, I am working as a Research Engineer in Photoprotection at L'Oréal's Advanced Research centre in France.
I chose to study biomedical sciences because I always knew I wanted to become a scientist and conduct research, with the ultimate goal to bring hope where it is most needed. As a matter of fact, I wanted to dedicate my work specifically to human cancer. After having worked exclusively in cancer genomics research for two years during my master, I recognized the need for wet lab experience. This led me to apply for a PhD position that involved primarily benchwork, allowing me to broaden my skill set beyond the dry lab.
I started applying for positions in October, after my contract ended, and approached the process with dedication, sending out CVs over a month and a half. For my current position, I received my first interview invitation by the end of November. After two very engaging interview rounds—one with HR and another with my manager—I was accepted mid-December. The most challenging aspect of the process was learning how to thoughtfully adapt my CV format for different organizations, such as understanding when a traditional French CV format was appropriate versus an AI-friendly format for large international corporations.
Companies specifically requested strong communication skills and a clear presentation style. Additionally, they placed a high value on the ability to work with autonomy. I prepared myself for the job market by taking advantage of institutional courses offered by Curie, most notably a course focused on writing a scientific CV and navigating the transition to industry. This specific training was incredibly helpful for my preparation, as it taught me how to structure my CV, translate my academic skills to fit various company formats, and build a strong, professional LinkedIn profile.
The day-to-day work environment is quite different now, primarily because of the distinct pace of academic research versus the corporate world. During my PhD, I was deeply immersed in my projects, which sometimes meant working flexible but intense hours, including occasional evenings or weekends to meet deadlines and drive the science forward. In my current role, the environment is highly structured, with set working hours typically between 8:30 AM and 6:00 PM. The corporate site policies encourage leaving the campus by a specific time and limit weekend access, which really helps foster a healthy disconnect and a strong work-life balance.
On the technical side, I rely heavily on a combination of bioinformatics for analyzing Omics data, cell culture, and molecular biology, effectively utilizing the comprehensive skill set I built across my Master's and PhD. In terms of soft skills, I depend heavily on clear communication for delivering presentations, the autonomy to learn my job quickly, and the organizational ability to strategically handle multiple side projects in parallel.
The most significant professional adjustment for me was adapting to a highly structured corporate schedule and fully embracing a different rhythm, where holidays and weekends are strictly dedicated to personal time. Additionally, I had to adjust to a new career trajectory; while I am currently spending my first year working at the bench and networking, the long-term goal is to progressively step into a more managerial role overseeing technicians and larger projects.
What truly differentiates my experience at the institute is the incredible social environment we had at the small Orsay campus. My most memorable moments involve the strong sense of community we built, sharing frequent barbecues on the grass, playing games outside in the sun, and enjoying karaoke sessions with everyone.
Looking back, I really wish I had known to just trust myself more. Because I entered a wet lab PhD program with primarily bioinformatics experience, I constantly had doubts about whether I belonged or if I was the right choice for the position. Ultimately, I learned that trusting myself and simply keeping going leads to producing excellent work that I can be truly proud of.
My main advice is to take full advantage of all the courses and transition opportunities that the institute offers. Furthermore, you need to network extensively by talking to as many people as possible in both academia and industry. Finally, learn how to translate your daily academic tasks into highly valued industry skills; for example, the work you do managing your PhD experiments is directly applicable as professional project management.
Interviewed by Batuhan Altay, July 2026
