Senior Scientist Gets to Deep Dive into the Science

Name: Thomas Wattez

PhD: Materials Science, University of Toulouse, 2013

What was your main area of research?

I'm currently working on Cement and Concrete and studying the physics and chemistry behind it to eventually make it more environmentally friendly.

My PhD was about the (very) long term resistance of concrete in the context of radioactive waste confinement. My last postdoc was focused on circular economy solutions for the Grand Paris metro lines.

What is your current job?

I am a Senior Research & Innovation Scientist for ECOCEM, based in France.

I manage researchers, engage with industrial parties/clients, manage IP and scientific publications, supervise PhD candidates funded by the company, and seek grant/funding at regional/national/European level.

What is your favorite thing about your job?

I love the diversity of tasks and profiles encountered whilst still having the opportunity to deep dive into science.

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

Project and team management

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

Personal development coaching

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

Through my PhD lab contacts

PhD graduate ➡️ postdoc ➡️ associate professor ➡️ research scientist ➡️ senior scientist

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

I recommend making contacts with people in the space.

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

I did not have an affinity for teaching (which is mandatory in France), and I also had limited chances to actually get tenure (or its equivalent).

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

1. Make yourself visible in your field

2. Interact with people with similar background that shifted from academia

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

I had the chance to travel and study outside of my native country (thank you to the Erasmus program) which gave me the chance to learn three different languages and adapt to different cultures.