Product Analyst Values Being Recognized

Name: Jordana Andrade (she/her)

PhD: Pharmaceutical Sciences, Federal University of Goias, 2024

What was your main area of research?

During my PhD, I studied how to create safe and biocompatible materials from natural tissues to build lab-grown models of human organs. I used a process called decellularization to remove cells from animal tissues, keeping only the structural part, which was then used to grow human cells in 3D.

These models, including organ-on-chip systems, were applied to in vitro toxicology - helping us study how substances affect human tissues without using animals. This research supports the development of safer and more effective medical and cosmetic products.

What is your current job?

I am a Product Analyst / R&D Scientist for Ilikia Brasil in Goiânia, Goiás, Brazil.

In my role, I lead scientific, regulatory, and market analysis to support the development and positioning of innovative aesthetic and medical products.

I contribute to technical documentation and conduct material characterization studies to ensure product quality and safety. I assess the safety and biocompatibility of raw materials in line with regulatory requirements. I also collaborate closely with Regulatory Affairs, R&D, and Quality teams to support product registrations and manage change control processes. Additionally, I maintain risk assessments, coordinate pilot testing, and ensure all documentation is up to date.

What is your favorite thing about your job?

What I like most about my job is the challenge of developing new projects and being able to apply my technical skills in a practical, impactful way. I find it very rewarding to see how the knowledge I’ve built over years of study and research now contributes directly to innovation and product development.

Above all, I value being recognized as a qualified professional — both personally and financially — which motivates me to keep growing and delivering my best every day.

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

One of the most important technical skills I developed during my doctorate was the ability to design and perform material characterization and biocompatibility tests, which are essential in evaluating the safety and performance of materials in my current role.

I also strengthened my scientific writing skills, allowing me to contribute clearly and effectively to technical documentation and regulatory dossiers.

On the soft skills side, my experience managing complex research projects helped me build strong communication, adaptability, and problem-solving skills - essential for collaborating across departments and responding to the dynamic demands of product development in the industry.

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

I developed the skills needed for my current role through a combination of hands-on lab work, specialized courses, and a strong sense of curiosity.

Throughout my academic journey, I actively sought to deepen my knowledge - constantly asking questions, exploring new topics, and looking for practical applications of my research. My international internship in Germany played a key role, not only in expanding my technical expertise but also in helping me adapt to different work environments and cultures.

I’ve always felt aligned with the industry, so I made a point of getting closer to it by participating in webinars, courses, and scientific events, and by building a strong network of professionals in the field. These experiences have been fundamental in shaping the way I approach problem-solving and collaboration in my current role.

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

I found my current position through my network of contacts and by actively staying connected with professionals in the industry.

I’ve always made an effort to talk to people, ask questions, and show genuine interest in their work. By doing this consistently, I became known to the team - and when the opportunity arose, they invited me to join. It was a combination of relationship-building, curiosity, and being present in the right spaces.

PhD graduate ➡️ Product Analyst

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

If someone is interested in a similar role, I would recommend starting by developing both technical and soft skills relevant to the field - such as regulatory knowledge, material characterization, communication, and adaptability.

Equally important is building a strong professional network: attend industry events, webinars, and conferences whenever possible. Keep an eye on job postings to understand what companies are looking for, and use that as a guide to shape your learning and experiences.

And above all, don’t be afraid to ask questions, talk to people in the field, and show genuine interest.

Curiosity and initiative open many doors.

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

I always found it difficult to fully identify with an academic career. While I loved working in the lab and participating in scientific events, I never truly connected with teaching or spending countless hours writing papers - it made me question whether that was the path I wanted to follow long-term. I also took a realistic look at the academic job market in my country, which is currently very limited and unstable.

This reflection began in the middle of my doctorate, when I started to seriously consider alternative career paths. I’ve always been interested in the corporate world, so I began researching how to translate my academic skills into industry language, identifying potential roles, and gradually building my CV to support that transition. It was a thoughtful decision and, in the end, a natural and fulfilling shift for me.

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

1. My advice is to reflect as early as possible on whether academia is truly the path you want to follow. If you decide to pursue a career outside of it, start building your resume with that goal in mind. Although there are overlaps, the industry world often requires a different set of skills and experiences than a purely academic career.

   
   

2. Use LinkedIn strategically - connect with professionals, ask questions, and learn from their journeys. Research roles in the industry that match your background and interests, and use those job descriptions as a guide to identify which skills to develop and how to position yourself.

   
   

3. Also, don’t be afraid to apply for positions and attend interviews - even if you’re not selected, they are a great learning experience and will help you understand how to improve and confidently present yourself in future opportunities.

Are there any components of your identity you would like to share, including how they have impacted your journey?

Yes - something that has strongly influenced my journey is the desire to be recognized.

Coming from a country where pursuing a research career often means living with financial insecurity, especially on a scholarship, made me deeply aware of the limitations and challenges of that path. While I truly love my culture and value my academic background, this reality motivated me to seek change.

Personal, professional, and financial recognition have always been important to me, and they played a key role in my decision to transition from academia to a more stable and rewarding career in industry.