Field Application Scientist Loves the Interaction with Customers

Name: Yasenya Kasikci (she/her)

PhD: Functional Genomics and Cancer, University of Strasbourg, 2023

What was your main area of research?

My thesis project was focused on personalized medicine for prostate cancer patients. The idea was generating patient-specific networks by identifying differentially regulated genes through a comparison of tumor and normal tissue samples.

To do that, I performed whole exome sequencing (WES) to identify mutations, and RNA-seq to identify differentially expressed genes. After having these genetic profiles for each patient, I integrated transcription factor–target gene interactions and protein-protein interaction to generate a network.

This personalized network analysis helped us to uncover key altered pathways for precision targeted therapy.

What is your current job?

I am a Field Application Scientist for Resolve Biosciences in Köln, Germany.

Since I'm in the CRM (Customer Relation Management) team, I closely work with the customers, deliver hands on training on Molecular Cartography (MC) technology (spatial biology), helping them for their study design, gene-panel design, also training them on data analysis by using different image analysis tools. I also provide technical guidance before, during, and after experiments and work closely with the sales team to give technical support.

What is your favorite thing about your job?

I love that I get to interact with different customers, be involved in diverse projects, and also travel :)

What is the most important skill you developed or experience you had during your PhD that now helps you in your current position?

Independence, problem solving skills, multifunctional, team player

How did you build the skills necessary for your current role?

I explored different internship programs during my PhD, followed helpful YouTube channels, and took additional courses through Coursera and university-supported programs.

How did you find this position? What were the career steps you took to get to where you are now?

LinkedIn

PhD graduate ➡️ Field Application Scientist

If someone is interested in a similar role, what would you recommend they start doing now to prepare?

They should participate in internship programs at companies or build a network by connecting with people from different organizations.

Why did you decide to not pursue a career in academia?

It wasn't a very difficult decision because, during my PhD, the students often experienced a lot of pressure and even mobbing from our supervisors — that was the main reason.

The second reason was financial; despite working extremely hard, even on weekends, we were never fairly compensated.

What advice do you have for someone getting their PhD and looking to pursue a career outside of academia?

Networking is key in the industry. You should attend conferences or career fairs to meet people in person.

You should never feel inadequate - no one is perfect. It's important to trust yourself and not be shy about building connections.