Senior Scientist

Homepage/Career/Careers guidance/Diversity of Career Profiles in Chemist.../Career interviews/Senior Scientist

I AM: Senior Scientist

“I am fascinated by the variety of analytical questions I work on. The combination of research, project management and laboratory work makes every day new, exciting and challenging.”

Dr Karolin Sommer | Merck KGaA

Dr Karolin Sommer ...

She has always found analytical chemistry fascinating. After completing her doctorate in analytical chemistry, she joined her current employer as a QC expert in elemental analysis. Today, she works as a Senior Scientist in an elemental analysis laboratory in the Research and Development department. One of her main responsibilities is coordinating various analytical projects, including those extending beyond the laboratory.

The career interview

It was clear to me from an early age that I wanted to study a science subject after leaving school. Ultimately, I chose food chemistry, but completed all my dissertations and my PhD in analytical chemistry. Analytical chemistry was also the reason I chose food chemistry, as it forms a substantial part of the course. I have always found analytical chemistry fascinating; it can somehow be compared to solving brainteasers or puzzles. If you find the right analytical technique, you can answer (almost) any question – that still fuels my ambition to learn new things today.

During my PhD, I worked on the analysis of Gd-based contrast agents, which gave me a strong focus on elemental analysis. When a position for a QC expert in elemental analysis was advertised at my current employer, I did not hesitate for long before applying. In my view, starting my professional career in an expert role was truly ideal. In a large company, particularly in quality control, many things are different from what one is used to at university; it takes some time to understand all the processes. However, as my new responsibilities (method development, coordinating measurements, implementing new equipment) were not actually so different from those during my PhD, I found the transition from university to industry much easier than expected.

I am a Senior Scientist in a laboratory for elemental analysis, although I no longer work in quality control but in research and development. One of my main responsibilities is coordinating various analytical projects, including projects beyond my own laboratory. This includes selecting the most suitable method, coordinating samples, and evaluating and interpreting the results. I also develop methods myself and ensure that our laboratory remains scientifically up to date. Literature research and practical laboratory work are therefore also among my responsibilities. Although the proportion of laboratory work I do has decreased over time, I particularly enjoy the variety that my current position offers.

I think that, above all, working as a research associate requires a certain degree of intellectual curiosity. Although I do not have direct personnel responsibility, organisational skills and communication skills are very important for working effectively with other colleagues on projects and, where appropriate, providing professional leadership.

There is hardly such a thing as a truly typical working day – in fact, every day is somehow different. In the mornings, I generally discuss with some members of our laboratory team which measurements are scheduled and whether or how my support is needed. At times, I work in the laboratory myself, although this currently accounts for only around 10–20% of my working day. Otherwise, I am heavily involved in project teams, supervise our interns or support our laboratory management with organisational matters in the laboratory. I work in various teams, sometimes across departments as well. Good communication is therefore very important to ensure that all information reaches all the parties involved.

Day-to-day working life is quite different from studying or doing a PhD, and is probably, above all, more structured. However, the PhD was definitely very good preparation for my current work. Apart from the technical knowledge I acquired, the ability to cope with frustration is certainly one of the core skills developed during a PhD. The need to organise yourself effectively and take responsibility for your own projects is also excellent preparation. In general, I would say that the technical skills you acquire are often less important than you might think. Rather, it is the personal development you undergo during your studies and PhD.

I like the variety. Hardly any analytical project is the same, and there are always new challenges to solve. On top of that, there is the variety in everyday life created by the different tasks I have. Of course, sometimes the questions we receive cannot be solved so easily. However, working together as a team, we almost always find an answer and somehow achieve success, which naturally makes teamwork all the more rewarding.

Career progression opportunities as an expert are often limited, although in our company many new opportunities for a specialist career have also been created in recent years. Of course, you also have the opportunity to develop towards a leadership role or, for example, project management. It always depends on your own preferences and does not have to be a one-way street.

I would advise always looking beyond your own field. Whether you are interested in physics, computer science, business or something completely different, it is more of an advantage than a disadvantage to have a broad range of interests, and it sets you apart from other applicants. If you are particularly interested in a specific area of industry, do an internship there during your studies. Internships in particular offer the opportunity to get a first glimpse into a company.

You should also make use of your network of fellow students, former members of the research group or contacts you make at conferences. This may open up completely new opportunities that you had not previously considered.

Gender notice

^{For reasons of readability, the simultaneous use of gender-specific language forms is dispensed with. All references to persons apply to all genders.}

I AM: Senior Scientist

Dr Karolin Sommer ...

The career interview

Why did you choose your field? What appealed to you about it?

What was your entry into the profession like?

What are you doing today? What responsibilities do you have as a Senior Scientist?

What knowledge and qualities should one have for your profession?

Describe a typical working day. Are there any unforeseen events that require your attention? How do you collaborate with colleagues? Do you work as part of a team?

To what extent does your working day differ today from that during your studies/PhD? To what extent did your studies/PhD prepare you for your current job?

What inspires you about your work? Are there any particular challenges?

What career opportunities are available in your profession?

If someone wanted to pursue the same career path, what advice would you give them?

Gender notice

Chemistry for a better world

I AM: Senior Scientist

Dr Karolin Sommer ...

The career interview

Why did you choose your field? What appealed to you about it?

What was your entry into the profession like?

What are you doing today? What responsibilities do you have as a Senior Scientist?

What knowledge and qualities should one have for your profession?

Describe a typical working day. Are there any unforeseen events that require your attention? How do you collaborate with colleagues? Do you work as part of a team?

To what extent does your working day differ today from that during your studies/PhD? To what extent did your studies/PhD prepare you for your current job?

What inspires you about your work? Are there any particular challenges?

What career opportunities are available in your profession?

If someone wanted to pursue the same career path, what advice would you give them?

Gender notice