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.
July 17, 2022 | BY ROHAN J. KHADILKAR
In this mentoring Blog post, we would be sharing with you the views and experiences of Dr. Divya P. Kumar. She is currently working as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Biochemistry at JSS Medical College, CEMR, JSS Academy of Higher Education and Research. She is the awardee of the prestigious Ramalingaswami Re-entry Fellowship from the Department of Biotechnology, Government of India. Dr. Divya has pursued her Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) at Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, USA and her postdoctoral training with an NIH T32 fellowship in Dr. Arun Sanyal's lab. After completing her postdoctoral training in the United States, she became a faculty member in the Department of Biochemistry in February, 2019
1) How was the transition like from being a postdoctoral fellow to an independent investigator and leading a research group?
It was a decision made while opting for a postdoctoral fellowship to pursue a career in academia and special thanks to Ramalingaswami Re-entry fellowship in making this come to reality and, importantly, setting up a research group in my home country. In establishing a research group, needless to say, the RLS grant amount was a boon, and like many other early-career investigators, I have had a roller coaster ride in these 3 years. Setting up a lab comes with its own challenges, and juggling between research work and administrative work was something new. Initially, I did find it tough, but with time I started looking at it from a different perspective and took up the opportunity to improve my social skills. Think that’s the beauty of being a researcher; knowing how to convey your science, interacting with administrative personnel, and having conversations with sales representatives. Above all, teaching and mentoring students is of prime importance. One must, in fact, be able to play multiple roles. It’s been a steep learning curve in mastering the skills, and so far, I am enjoying my work in building my niche in Indian academia and am aware that there is still a long way to go. That helps me stay motivated and focused every day.
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?
In planning your career path, be clear whether academia is your choice, because only then you will have the motivation to thrive and survive. If yes, then seek advice and guidance from people who are already in the field to know the pros and cons of the system, as this helps in defining your own strategy to overcome obstacles along the way. Networking is essential and you shouldn’t hesitate to seek help or pick the brains of more experienced people. To become a better mentor, get mentored. Importantly, it's not one size fits all, so keep yourself open to new ideas and always do what works best for you rather than what worked for others.
3) What are some of the specific challenges you faced while setting up your own lab and starting a new research group?
I am at a private institution, starting a new research group did not involve setting up my own lab space. It’s a shared laboratory, so working together understanding others' mindsets was very much needed. Working in a group demands good communication skills, sharing, and taking up responsibility proactively, and building good rapport. Though it seemed challenging at first, it turned out to shape my personality and be a good team player. Fortunately, I am blessed with good colleagues, and working together has always been fun.
In the process of establishing myself as an independent investigator, I am not alone when I say it did take time to understand the administrative paperwork in Indian academia and keep the research work rolling. The main challenge I faced was in selecting the right candidate who fit into the research group and today I believe it’s the key to success and to establishing one’s career at the initial stage.
On the personal front, returning to India after a decade in the USA and being a mother of a then 2-year-old was not a seamless transition. In fact, in the process, I have learned the importance of work-life balance.
Overall, this exercise has been truly humbling and made me strong enough to get up after each fall.
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?
My honest suggestion for anyone who wishes to start their career in Indian academia is to look for opportunities that provide start-up funds for your research, as this will aid to kick-start your career with confidence and strong convictions. The successful fellowships are Ramalingaswami re-entry fellowship by DBT, Ramanujan fellowship, and INSPIRE faculty fellowship by DST, and early-career fellowship by DBT-Wellcome trust.
In addition, I would like to provide my two cents to early-career researchers to choose institutions that encourage, inspire, and provide wings to fly high. Good leadership with vision and values creates an enormous impact on one’s career.
5) Your thoughts on teaching, mentorship and its role in shaping curious minds?
As an early researcher who has been mentored by good and compassionate scientists, I constantly feel that the onus is on me to pay it forward in building future scientists with good professional culture. Teaching and, at the same time, learning from young curious minds is the need of the hour to build a strong and ethical academia in India. Mentor-mentee relationships should be built on trust, faith, and mutual understanding. In the Indian setting, mentees should have no fear, be respectful but not submissive, as that aids in open-minded discussion in a group.
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?
My life philosophy and now our lab mantra(s): (i) If your wish is STRONG, the whole universe conspires in helping you to achieve it. (ii) Do what you can, with what you have, where you are- Theodore Roosevelt.
I have this posted in my office and it keeps me motivated and strong despite all odds. I strongly believe that nothing comes in life as a wholesome package, and hence, finding our own ways and creating new paths is critical. There are good researchers in India who are doing great science, and that’s inspirational and gives hope to keep moving forward. There are scientists who are approachable and ready to mentor if asked. I admire the leadership at my institution as well as my amiable coworkers and colleagues, who are all vital to the advancement of research.
Recently, a tweet by Dr. Arindam Ghosh (Physicist, IISc) that awestruck me- “Complain but yet perform despite all odds because until you complain, the system will not improve, and unless you perform no one will listen to you” has been an energy booster to keep myself focused and work towards my goals. Wishing to contribute to Indian science in my small ways making the best of every opportunity.
Edited by - Ratneshwar Thakur (Science Communicator and Writer) and Dr. Rohan J. Khadilkar (INSA & Har Gobind Khorana - IYBA Awardee, Ramalingaswami Re-entry fellow), Tata Memorial Centre - ACTREC, Navi Mumbai, India.
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