From Specialization to Diversification - Building Your Scientist Brand

Welcome to another weekly edition of Leapfrog Scientist!

In this newsletter edition, I offer a preview of my upcoming Society of Toxicology (SOT) Tiny Tox Talk, as I travel to Salt Lake City today. While this talk is tailored for toxicologists, I believe its insights resonate with anyone considering a career transition.

I've spent considerable time contemplating the content for this talk, given the limited 20-minute timeframe and wanting to allow 10 minutes for Q&A. Ultimately, I've settled on discussing what I wish I had heard as a graduate student or postdoc facing the daunting prospect of career decisions amidst uncertainty. I’d personally want to hear how they got to where they are and what they learned along the way.

It's important to recognize that each decision we make is a steppingstone to the next, paving the way for new opportunities and possibilities. There are many ways to get to where you want to be, and sometimes mistakes can be great learning opportunities.

Here's a glimpse of the slides I've crafted and the content I intend to present.

2024 SOT Tiny Tox Talk, “From Specialization to Diversification- Building Your Scientist Brand in Toxicology”

My experience and insights gained over 10+ years.

Transitioning from a narrow specialization to a broader skill set opens doors to diverse career paths. A pivotal step includes pursuing additional training beyond your specialization. In this dynamic job market, diversification is crucial for unlocking new opportunities. This is where developing your personal brand can leapfrog you forward and accelerate your journey.

In this presentation, I'll share my journey of achieving diversification and building my personal brand, serving as an example for how you can do the same.

As mentioned previously, for my PhD research project, I studied how the corticostriatal system regulates the remodeling of dendrites in medium spiny neurons within Parkinsonism models in the laboratory of Dr. Ariel Deutch at Vanderbilt University Medical Center.

Following that, I pursued a postdoctoral position at VCU's Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology under Dr. Miles' guidance. In this role, I explored the intricate molecular pathways through which glycogen synthase kinase 3beta (GSK3B) enhances alcohol consumption behavior in mice.

At the time, I narrowed down potential postdoctoral fellowships by location as I did not want to relocate afterwards again. I definitely wasn’t thinking about how I could embrace diversification…but happened to be in the right place at the right time, and shortly after starting this postdoc, I was contacted by a recruiter for a postdoctoral fellowship opportunity at Altria Client Services. This was facilitated through Lancaster Labs (now Eurofins) in their Professional Scientific Staffing division.

I transitioned from academia to industry (specifically within the tobacco sector) with my initial industry postdoc. Following this, I assumed the role of Research Scientist within the Regulatory Affairs department in the Health Sciences Group. Here, my responsibilities included conducting literature reviews on the health effects of nicotine, evaluating the potential reinforcing effects of minor alkaloids, and the chemical and toxicological characterization of denicotinized research cigarettes.

Subsequently, I transitioned to the Product Integrity group as a Principal Scientist, where I oversaw the in vitro toxicology testing of e-vapor products. Over my seven years at Altria, I diversified my skill set through various roles, gaining expertise in product development, strategic planning, vendor relations, and external communication and engagement.

Industry roles allow you to bridge science and business.

In 2019, I was let go from Altria. It served as a stark reminder that no job is entirely secure, thrusting me into uncertainty about my future. While the logical step seemed to pursue a similar role in the industry, it also meant relocating, a non-negotiable aspect. I found myself back at square one, contemplating my next move.

Fortunately, my time at Altria had equipped me with valuable skills in consumer product safety, regulatory submissions, and in vitro toxicology. While actively seeking employment, I began leveraging LinkedIn by sharing industry publications, regulatory updates, and FDA news that I believed would benefit others. This led to the inception of ToxPharm, LLC, marking my entry into the world of consulting despite not knowing the first thing about consulting.

Drawing on my professional network, I secured my first consulting project with ToxSynergy, working on toxicological evaluations for nicotine and cannabis product ingredients. Although I did not have prior experience in this area, I embraced the challenge, committing myself to extensive learning. Additionally, recognizing the importance of obtaining toxicology credentialing, I decided to pursue certification through the American Board of Toxicology. This journey spanned over two years, culminating in my achievement of becoming a board-certified toxicologist in November 2022.

After experiencing the unpredictable journey of independent consulting for about a year, where the uncertainty of the next project or paycheck loomed large, I made the decision to transition into the role of Business Development Manager at Enthalpy Analytical.

Here’s where my personal branding efforts are starting to pay off. Through consistent activity on LinkedIn, sharing valuable content and insights, I caught the attention of a recruiter who reached out to discuss this opportunity. The stability offered by this role, along with the potential network connections it promised, proved highly appealing, and I accepted.

The position of Business Development Manager presented the opportunity for me to further develop my skills in business, marketing, and contract testing organizations. After spending approximately two years in this role, I found myself longing for the challenges and satisfaction of consulting, where I could tackle complex problems and enjoy the flexibility and autonomy it offered. And so, I returned to consulting with Consilium Sciences.

Consulting has allowed me to apply my expertise while continuously expanding my knowledge with each new project. Over time, I've had the opportunity to work independently as well as collaborate with various consulting teams, each offering its own set of advantages and challenges.

Many consulting firms I've been affiliated with offer portals where consultants can upload their resumes, enabling them to be considered for projects based on specific requirements as they arise. I highly recommend looking into the companies I’ve listed if you are interested in consulting.

Consulting offers a unique platform to apply specialized knowledge across various projects and industries.  Your scientific background equips you to provide valuable insights and solutions to complex challenges.

Even as a consultant, I've managed to advance into leadership roles. I've taken on responsibilities such as Scientific Director of Toxicology and, most recently, Fractional VP of Marketing.

Despite lacking formal training or a degree in marketing, I recognized the importance of mastering the art of content creation and effectively promoting company services for successful business development in consulting. I learned through hands-on experience, relying on trial and error, along with a wealth of knowledge gained from podcasts and YouTube videos.

None of my achievements would have been possible without building a personal brand. While many scientists believe that their CV, publications, or research grants suffice to showcase their expertise, the reality is quite different nowadays.

Here are seven more reasons why building a personal brand is essential for scientists.

1. Increase Visibility Within Your Field and Beyond.

2. Differentiation in Competitive Markets. Set yourself apart from others with similar skills and experiences.

3. Enhance Professional Credibility. Establish yourself as a recognized authority.

4. Facilitates Networking Opportunities.

5. Career Advancement. Can open doors to new opportunities.

6. Brand Loyalty. Fosters loyalty among your followers and supporters, who are more likely to engage with and advocate for you.

7. Thought Leadership. Enables you to share your expertise with a broader audience, positioning you as a thought leader.

So, how do you start building your brand as a scientist?

1. Define Your Expertise.

2. Develop a Strong Online Presence.

3. Share Your Knowledge.

4. Engage in Thought Leadership.

5. Network Effectively.

6. Brand Consistency.

7. Cultivate Your Online Persona.

8. Create a Support System.

Thanks for reading, and I look forward to meeting some of you at SOT this week. Stay tuned for upcoming highlights from the SOT meeting, along with more insights into personal branding and a recap of the Q&A session from Tuesday's Tiny Tox Talk.

Chat soon,

Bonnie

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