Managing Scientific Talent

This podcast interview features Barbara Janssens, head of the career office at the German Cancer Research Center, discussing her transition from molecular biology to professional career advisory. Alongside Laurence Theunis and host Pedro from Chaperone, the conversation explores the evolution of support systems for PhD students and postdoctoral researchers over the last fifteen years. Janssens det...

This podcast episode features a conversation between group leaders Pedro Moura Alves (i3S Group Leader/ERA Chair Holder) and Isabelle Kohler (CEO NextMinds/VUA Assistant Professor), who discuss the human side of scientific career development. Pedro shares his non-linear professional journey, emphasizing that perceived failures, such as leaving a prestigious position at Harvard for mental health re...

This episode features Robert Koetter, a former academic researcher turned entrepreneur who co-founded 21 Skills to provide career development for scientists. Koetter discusses the necessity of bridging the gap between traditional academic ideals and the practical demands of the modern job market. The conversation highlights the role of digital tools and AI in democratising access to essential soft...

In this episode, Chaperone host Pedro Resende speaks with Elena Hoffer , co-founder of Alma.me , about her transition from a PhD in immunology at the Karolinska Institute to entrepreneurship focused on supporting researchers’ careers. Elena explains that many PhDs struggle not because they lack skills, but because they fail to reframe their expertise in a way that resonates with non-academic emplo...

Scientist-turned-coach Dr. Hannah Roberts joins host Catarina Seabra from Chaperone, to explore what it really means to build an intentional career in science. From breaking the “Superhuman” cycle to navigating today’s tight academic job market, Hannah shares practical strategies for aligning your career with your values and making confident, proactive decisions in a changing scientific landscape.

In this first episode of Season 2, we have as guests David Giltner from Turning Science (https://www.turningscience.com/) and Ashley Moses from PhD Paths that joined on a practical and honest conversation about navigating career transitions after a PhD, building transferable skills, and making informed decisions beyond academia.

In this episode, we dive deep with Evan J. Walsh, a career development expert working at Harvard Medical School to explore the evolving landscape of science careers and the critical role of career development in scientific success.

In our latest episode from Managing Scientific Talent Podcast, we chat with Roshni Rao from Johns Hopkins University about revolutionizing career development within scientific institutions. No longer just about meeting a coach and taking a test, today’s approach dives deeper into self-discovery and building a meaningful life and career. It’s about understanding your passions, strengths, and values...

In this episode, Pedro and David had an insightful conversation with Camila Hernández Frederick, Head of Career Services at the International Max Planck Research School for Molecules of Life at the Max Planck Institute of Biochemistry, in Germany. Camila shared her journey from biochemistry research to becoming an expert in career development, and why early, proactive career support can transform...

In this episode, Pedro and David chatted with Isabelle Kohler, Professor, Scientist, and Founder of NextMinds. Isabelle highlights a blind spot in PhD training: the lack of awareness about career options beyond academia. Many students remain unaware of opportunities in industry, marketing, writing, and more, often waiting until graduation to explore their options. The result? Panic and uncertainty...

Laurence Theunis, a PhD biologist turned career development expert and co-founder of Adoc Talent Management, shared her journey from research to project management and engaged in a insightful conversation about the evolving landscape of career development for PhDs.

David Giltner, a physicist turned career development expert, discusses how scientists can effectively navigate both academia and entrepreneurship. He shares his personal journey and expertise in balancing the demands of academic research with the drive for real-world impact through industry ventures.

Welcome to Managing Scientific Talent by Chaperone, a podcast focused on enhancing scientific careers through expert insights and strategies. Join us as we interview career development specialists and industry leaders to explore the latest trends, challenges, and strategies central to scientific career development today. In each episode, find insights and actionable advice that will empower you to...