From Lab Bench to Career Launch
Third RNAmed Topic Day: Getting on the Job Market
On December 11 and 12, 2025, the third RNAmed Topic Day took place at TranslaTUM in Munich with the theme “Getting on the Job Market.” Organized by Maya Sugden and Noah Holzleitner (both at TUM), the event was specifically designed for the students of the RNAmed graduate program. As the first funding period of the program is coming to an end, many participants are approaching the completion of their PhD, making questions related to job applications and career transitions particularly relevant.
The first day of the event began with a career panel discussion, moderated by Maya and Noah. The invited guests, Dr Benjamin Winkeljann (Co-Founder and CEO of RNhale), Dr Philipp Beck (Team Lead Formulation Development at Ascend Advanced Therapies), and Dr Christian Dubiella (Senior Group Lead at WACKER), first presented their individual career paths and shared their experiences transitioning from academic research into industry. The discussion deliberately covered a broad spectrum of company types, from a young start-up to a mid-sized contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO) and a large, internationally operating company. During the subsequent open Q&A session, students had the opportunity to ask questions about application processes, career decisions, and professional orientation.
In the afternoon and evening, the students attended the Heinrich Wieland Prize Symposium, followed by the award ceremony in the Munich Residence. The scientific program honored the prize recipient Prof. Adrian R. Krainer (Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, USA) for his fundamental contributions to the regulation of pre-mRNA splicing and the development of the first approved RNA-based therapy for spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). Inspiring talks by internationally renowned scientists, including Prof Utz Fischer, who is associated with the RNAmed program, highlighted the importance of RNA research in advancing translational medicine.
The second day was dedicated to a full-day career workshop on “Career strategies accompanying the doctorate: Building potential – tapping professional pathways”. It was organized by GLOIN Science Management and led by Prof Eugenia Schmitt, covering topics such as application strategies, differences between academic and industry career paths, and practical networking and interview tips. The participants worked through various tasks, such as “How can you translate the academic language you are used to into a language that is appropriate for industry?”
Overall, the third RNAmed Topic Day successfully combined career orientation, scientific excellence, and personal interaction, providing students with valuable support as they prepare for the next step in their careers.
Marina Sauer - PhD student in the group of Prof Selim Corbacioglu (University Hospital of Regensburg)
