Name: Aimee Iberg (she/her)
PhD: Molecular Biology, The University of Texas Health Science Center and MD Anderson Cancer Center, 2009
What was your main area of research?
My research concentrated on discovering dynamic epigenetic mechanisms. I utilized genetic cellular and mouse models to understand how mutations in epigenetic enzymes contribute to neurological diseases and cancer.
What is your current job?
I am a Senior Director of Oncology Industrialized Drug Discovery at Recursion in Salt Lake City, Utah.
I manage cross-functional teams composed of chemists, data scientists, and biologists to conduct drug discovery research launched on AI-facilitated hypotheses.
The best parts of my job are working with smart people, the fast pace, and the focus on clinical application.
How did you find this position? What were the career steps you took to get to where you are now?
I found this position through a recruiter.
PhD ➡️ postdoc ➡️ consultant ➡️ industry job 1 ➡️ current job
Why did you decide to not pursue a career in academia?
Due to family circumstances, I wasn’t willing to stay in my postdoc for the time needed to get the high impact publications needed for a good professorship. I wasn’t willing to take any PI job.
What are three pieces of advice you have for someone getting their PhD and looking to pursue a career outside of academia?
Use your network to help land interviews.
When you reach out for an interview, ask about their job in industry and then show up having done your research. Come prepared.
Trust your training - asking good questions and knowing when to ask for help goes a long way.