In this chapter of Career Stories, we bring you the story of Surya Sekhar Pal, who is an aspiring PhD student and currently working in the field of translational biomedical sciences.
In this candid chat, he talks in detail about his academic journey so far, spanning across three continents and sheds light upon how his experiences of working in India, Germany and USA have shaped his personal and professional growth.
Could you tell us more about your current position at Georgia State University?
When I was hired at GSU, I had just come from Germany, where I was working in the field of tropical medicine. The lab at GSU has a direct collaboration with a biopharmaceutical company, which played a significant role in my hiring process. Based on this collaboration, I was hired as a skilled personnel, and the necessary visa support was provided to facilitate my employment.
I also wish to pursue my Ph.D. in collaboration with the biopharmaceutical company that has a direct partnership with GSU. This setup allows me to pursue my studies in an environment that has a unique blend of academic and industrial research, providing practical relevance to my studies. It offers me an opportunity to work on real-world problems and contribute to advancements in the field while benefiting from the resources and expertise of both the academic institution and the industry partner.
How and when did you realize that your passion was in research, despite having pursued a technological degree at the undergraduate level?
I completed my B. Tech degree in biotechnology from SRM University and subsequently undertook an internship at Biocon. It was during this time that I developed a strong desire to pursue my higher studies abroad. I observed that international universities offer specialized programs in fields like molecular biology and biochemistry, unlike in India where the focus is more on technological courses like M. Tech. As a result, I decided to apply to universities in Germany, and I was fortunate to be accepted into a biochemistry program at the Eberhard Karls University of Tuebingen. The program aligned well with my subject of interest and included relevant modules. This led me to continue my studies in Germany, where the degree is typically referred to as an MS (Master of Science). Given my preference to explore studies outside India, pursuing an MS degree in Germany seemed like the logical choice for me.
What were some of the key factors or considerations that influenced your decision to specialize in molecular virology considering the fact that you pursued biotechnology at an undergraduate level and biochemistry during your postgraduate studies?
During my master’s program in biochemistry, virology was not included in the curriculum. However, my interest in virology sparked when I had the opportunity to work in tropical medicine for nearly six months. During this time, I collaborated with CureVac in Tübingen, Germany, where I was involved in virus-related research. This experience ignited my passion for working with viruses.
When I received an offer from GSU and the collaborating company, I was thrilled to embark on this new opportunity. Although I didn’t have extensive expertise in virology, the techniques I had previously learned during my master’s program and subsequent work aligned with the requirements of the lab here. Techniques such as flow cytometry, western blot, and animal handling were familiar to me, and the lab also utilized similar mammalian cell culture techniques.
Whether it’s working with bacteria or delving into virology, the foundation of basic laboratory techniques remains the same. This made the transition smooth and manageable. With a solid understanding of fundamental lab techniques, switching between different areas of research is easier.
In your LinkedIn profile, you mentioned that you worked as an intern volunteer at Biocon. Could you provide an insight into the experience and responsibilities the post entails, and why you chose to do it? Also, how is the experience different from that of an internship?
During my internship, Biocon organized various volunteering activities in which I actively participated. One such activity involved the restoration of Hebbagodi Lake in Electronic City, Bangalore, which was led by our lab. Additionally, I took part in a campaign organized by another agency. The term “intern volunteer” refers to the participation in these voluntary initiatives during the internship. These activities were an integral part of the internship experience.
I was assigned to the Environment, Health, and Safety (EHS) department at Biocon. As a bachelor’s student, I had a strong desire to work at Biocon, but the company had stopped conducting campus interviews since 2017, so I applied externally. When I was offered the internship, there were no vacancies in the molecular biology or microbiology labs, but I was offered a position in EHS, which had connections to molecular biology through the life cycle analysis of raw materials used in insulin manufacturing. This provided me with exposure to the field of biology. I saw it as an opportunity to enter Biocon and accepted the internship role. For the first five months, I primarily worked in the EHS department, visiting the molecular biology lab twice a week. In the final month I had the opportunity to work with HPLC instruments and engage in biological work. Overall, the six-month internship at Biocon provided me with valuable hands-on experience in both EHS and molecular biology.
I understand that you made the decision to move abroad after completing your undergraduate studies. Can you tell us about the factors that influenced this decision?
The decision to move abroad after my undergraduate studies was influenced by several factors. First and foremost, I had a keen interest in pursuing a master’s degree in the pharmaceutical industry.
However, when I looked at the salary prospects at some renowned companies in this field, the compensation seemed to be quite low for my expectations. Even with a Ph.D., the salary only showed an incremental increase. This made me contemplate the idea of exploring opportunities abroad.
Moreover, I had colleagues and friends who were already working, and they shared similar sentiments. They emphasized that pursuing a career in the same field abroad would offer significantly higher compensation and better growth prospects compared to India.
Considering these insights, I decided to explore the option of studying and working abroad. The international scope and the nature of the work seemed more promising and appealing to me. I believed that by venturing abroad, I could broaden my horizons, gain exposure to cutting-edge research, and access advanced resources, ultimately contributing to a fulfilling career in the pharmaceutical industry.
So, all of these factors collectively motivated me to apply abroad and eventually led to my decision to move and settle in a foreign country. It has been an enriching experience so far, and I’m excited about the opportunities that lie ahead.
How do you leverage your extensive experience across different regions of South East Asia, Europe, and America to help researchers and biotechnology students?
Working in different countries has provided me with valuable insights into the variations in research practices, work culture, and educational systems. In light of the research scenarios in India, Europe, Japan, and the United States, I have observed significant differences in the cultural nuances, work patterns, work-life balance, and hiring practices. When students or researchers approach me with questions about cultural differences, work environments, or education systems, I am able to provide them with detailed explanations based on my first-hand experiences. For example, I can discuss the distinct working patterns, work-life balance, and educational approaches in America compared to European countries. I also draw from my knowledge of the biotechnology landscape in India and Japan, having worked and collaborated there. This enables me to categorize and explain the nuances of education, work experience, and research in different regions, helping students and researchers make informed decisions.
How do you leverage your extensive experience across different regions of South East Asia, Europe, and America to help researchers and biotechnology students? Have these experiences influenced your professional development and shaped your perspective as a global scientist?
Working in different countries has provided me with valuable insights into the variations in research practices, work culture, and educational systems. In light of the research scenarios in India, Europe, Japan, and the United States, I have observed significant differences in the cultural nuances, work patterns, work-life balance, and hiring practices. When students or researchers approach me with questions about cultural differences, work environments, or education systems, I am able to provide them with detailed explanations based on my first-hand experiences. For example, I can discuss the distinct working patterns, work-life balance, and educational approaches in America compared to European countries. I also draw from my knowledge of the biotechnology landscape in India and Japan, having worked and collaborated there. This enables me to categorize and explain the nuances of education, work experience, and research in different regions, helping students and researchers make informed decisions.
From the beginning of my biotechnology journey, I have maintained an open mindset, exploring various subfields such as biochemistry, zoology, plant biotechnology, microbiology, and molecular biology. I embraced all the opportunities that came my way and this allowed me to acquire a wide range of laboratory techniques and skills that have proven useful throughout my career, irrespective of the country I worked in. However, as I progressed and specialized, I realized the need to narrow down my field of expertise. I believe it’s essential to keep oneself open during undergraduate and postgraduate studies, as it is not the time to limit one’s scope. Gradually, as one progresses academically and professionally, such as pursuing a Ph.D. or working as a research associate or scientist, specialization becomes more relevant. My experiences have reinforced the importance of staying open to new opportunities while gradually refining one’s focus based on evolving interests and skills.
Can you elaborate more upon how your open-mindedness has helped in shaping up your career after your master’s degree?
After completing my master’s degree, I had a clear idea of the field I wanted to pursue. During my master’s thesis, I worked on gut microbiome research, which I found to be a fascinating area. It became evident to me that the gut microbiome plays a significant role in various diseases, such as diabetes, cardiovascular issues, and neurodegeneration. I thought this could be a promising path for further research.
However, life sometimes takes unexpected turns, and my career direction shifted towards virology. The outbreak of COVID-19 and the emergence of SARS-CoV-2 caught the world’s attention, including mine. At that time, I was fortunate to have a mentor who guided me during my master’s thesis and continued to support me in my current position with GSU, where we collaborate with companies like Amgen and Pfizer.
My mentor and colleagues in the industry emphasized that virology would be a booming field for the next 15 to 20 years. The work in virology research is different from gut microbiome research, as it involves handling viruses in highly controlled environments like BSL-3 and BSL-4 facilities, wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) kits, and working with reactor 3 and 4.
Despite the challenges and the initial learning curve, I found the virology field incredibly fascinating. It presented new opportunities for growth and career advancement, especially in companies with a virology focus. Having experience in virology would open doors to higher positions within the industry, which intrigued me.
Working with viruses introduced me to various techniques and methodologies that I hadn’t encountered before, such as TCID50 and plaque assays. Additionally, I had the chance to work with different animal models like ferrets, which was a unique experience for me, as I had primarily worked with mice before.
Although I had been content with my career in Europe and had no plans to move to the USA, I embraced the idea of transitioning to new challenges and opportunities. Each step in my career journey taught me something new, and I believed that gaining diverse experiences would ultimately contribute to my professional growth and expertise.
So, even though I didn’t initially plan on shifting to the USA, the allure of learning and exploring new frontiers in virology motivated me to embrace this change and pursue a rewarding career in this exciting field.
Could you share something about the types of support systems you engage in to help other students and researchers overcome the challenges they face in their career paths?
I am frequently contacted by students and research professionals via direct messages on platforms like LinkedIn, where they seek information about the possibilities available to them in Europe, specifically countries like Germany, Denmark, and the Netherlands, as well as opportunities to work abroad in America. In response to their inquiries, I arrange video calls through platforms like LinkedIn or Google Meet to provide guidance and consultation. I aim to offer direction and insights to help individuals navigate their desired paths. I provide this support voluntarily and do not charge any fees for my assistance. My intention is to assist students and fellow research professionals who are interested in pursuing opportunities abroad.
You are a science communicator and occasionally talk about many interdisciplinary subjects. How do you navigate the challenge of condensing complex scientific subjects into bite-sized posts without oversimplifying or diluting the scientific content?
My aim is to connect with students and researchers, so I write about topics that I encounter in my own lab work or based on the challenges shared by others through platforms like LinkedIn. I offer insights and guidance by focusing on the issues they face. Recently, I observed a Ph.D. student mentoring a master’s student who was struggling with maintaining a proper lab notebook, resulting in missing and conflicting data. This prompted me to highlight the importance of maintaining a meticulous lab notebook, a fundamental practice taught from an early stage of scientific education. Unfortunately, many individuals tend to be casual about this task and often procrastinate, updating their lab notebooks only on weekends. In my posts, I frequently address such common issues that I encounter in the lab and shed light on the problems faced by students.
Imposter syndrome is another prevalent challenge amongst Ph.D. students and master’s thesis researchers, and I can relate to this experience as I faced similar doubts when I first moved abroad. Witnessing others’ high proficiency and enthusiasm in their work made me question my own skills. However, I was fortunate to have kind professors and mentors who never belittled me or made me feel inferior due to my different educational background. Instead, they provided me with an open and supportive learning environment, guiding me personally and helping me overcome these doubts. I believe these experiences have given me valuable insights into the struggles that students and researchers face when entering new labs or work environments.
For example, if you are someone who performs a western blot regularly in your lab and if you were to perform the same procedure in another lab you might require training for the first few days. The settings, gels, and other factors may differ, necessitating a learning process, even if you have been working with Western blots for a year. Recognizing these challenges, I incorporate such experiences into my posts, allowing students to relate to the situations they encounter in their own labs. Additionally, during a workshop I attended, I learned the importance of communicating scientific research to the general public. For instance, when developing vaccines and drugs for COVID-19, influenza, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), it is crucial to educate the public on the significance of vaccination and medication. This involves presenting research in a manner accessible to non-scientific individuals, simplifying complex concepts, and using layman’s terms. By employing these practices, I aim to connect with a broader audience and facilitate an understanding of scientific topics.
What is something you wish you knew earlier in your career? Is there any advice you would like to give to your younger self?
If I had the opportunity to advise my younger self, I would emphasize the importance of carefully choosing the laboratories to work in and identifying the areas that align best with my skills and interests.
Additionally, I would suggest focusing more on developing bioinformatics skills, which has become increasingly essential in both research organizations and companies. The field is becoming more computerized, with automation and data analysis playing significant roles. While bioinformatics may not be extensively covered in undergraduate or master’s programs, acquiring these skills earlier on would have been advantageous. It would have prepared me better for the evolving landscape of biotechnology. Nonetheless, I am actively learning bioinformatics now and adapting to the demands of my current role.
