Embarking on an independent scientific journey as an academician heading an independent research group with teaching responsibilities comes with a set of unique challenges. Each person has a unique way of navigating this path. The background preparation and strategies one employs to get into an academia based position are also varied. As a part of SciSoup Blog Series, we have tried to collate a questionnaire that various young investigators and early career researchers have responded to and we hope that this brings in new perspectives, ideas and helps aspiring young researchers who are planning to take this path and embark on this exciting journey ahead.
May 11, 2022 | BY ROHAN J. KHADILKAR
In this mentoring Blog post, we would be sharing with you the views and experiences of Dr. Jogender Singh. Dr. Singh did his Ph.D. at the National Centre for Biological Sciences (NCBS), TIFR, Bangalore in 2015, and his postdoctoral research at Duke University, Durham, NC, USA, and the Oregon Health and Science University (OHSU), Portland, OR, USA. Subsequently, in January 2020 he joined the Department of Biological Sciences at IISER Bhopal as an assistant professor and moved to IISER Mohali at the end of December 2020. His laboratory uses the model nematode C. elegans to understand cellular stress responses and their role in maintaining organismal homeostasis.
1) How was the transition like from being a postdoctoral fellow to an independent investigator and leading a research group?
The very idea of starting your own laboratory was fascinating. It also brought some worries that there might be some gap before picking up the research again. My bigger worry was that I might not be able to spend much time on the bench. The transition was drastic: you go from being amid colleagues in the lab discussing science to being all alone by yourself figuring out the new system and writing grants. However, the excitement of making discoveries and training and motivating young minds keeps you going.
2) What advice and tips you would provide to a person who is planning on transitioning to academia and is on the academic job market?
My advice for those on the job market is that once you have been called for an interview, make sure that you do some homework on the department and the colleagues you are visiting. Try and go through some of their recent work to know their science better. For your job talk, know your audience and tailor your talk accordingly. Finally, for transitioning to academia, be mentally prepared for a considerable change. In addition to your science, you have to be good at management, finances, and bargaining.
3) What are some of the specific challenges you faced while setting up your own lab and starting a new research group?
Setting up a new lab means carrying out many activities that you have never been trained in. For example, you have to figure out how to purchase research material for your lab. You’ll probably have to design or redesign your lab space. You have to figure out most of the academic and administrative stuff on your own. Unfortunately, most places in India do not have any orientation programs for new faculty. The specific challenge for me was (still is) to get used to the pace of the system. What we used to get in a couple of days in the US usually takes several months here (no exaggeration). I have to plan everything much better and in much advance (which is not possible every time). Patience is the most required quality for setting up your lab.
4) Which are some of the fellowships/grants that an early career researcher in India can apply for in order to kick start their career?
(i) SERB Start-up Research Grant (ii) DBT/Wellcome Trust India Alliance Intermediate Fellowship (iii) Ramalingaswami Re-entry Fellowship, DBT [for researchers working abroad] (iv) Ramanujan Fellowship, SERB [for researchers working abroad]: only those who do not have a permanent position are eligible. (v) Research grant for NRIs from Department of Health Research If you’re under 35: (vi) Har Gobind Khorana-Innovative Young Biotechnologist Award (IYBA), DBT (vii) DAE Young Scientist Research Award (DAE-YSRA). Several of the fellowships/grants mentioned above are specific for life science researchers.
5) Your thoughts on teaching, mentorship and its role in shaping curious minds?
I have had the great fortune of being taught by some exceptionally wonderful teachers. Some of my teachers indeed have a huge inspirational impact on my career trajectory and my life in general. Therefore, I believe that teaching has a great potential to motivate young minds. Regarding mentoring students in the lab: I believe everybody has the ingredients to achieve greatness. My job is only to help them realize their best potential.
6) If you were to share your life philosophy or “mantra” that you believe in the most that also helps you in 'sciencing', what would it be?
“Keep it simple”. Be it your science or life, keep things as simple as possible. The most straightforward experiments (and experimental designs) are always the best.
Dr. Jogender Singh was interviewed by Dr. Rohan J. Khadilkar (INSA & Har Gobind Khorana - IYBA Awardee, Ramalingaswami Re-entry fellow), Tata Memorial Centre - ACTREC, Navi Mumbai, India.
Edited by - Ratneshwar Thakur and Dr. Rohan J. Khadilkar
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