Quelle: Claudia Kästner
"It's important not to become too fixated on the one career goal and to reflect from time to time on whether the path and the goal still feel good."
Do you already know which career path is right for you? Do you know how to get there and which steps are up next? The BAM career fireside chats series invite alumni and other partners of BAM to an informal chat focusing on their career paths. Developed for BAM’s early career scientists, this series aims to help PhD students and postdocs figure out which career path would be best suited for them. We invite a wide range of professionals from different sectors, including science, industry and the public sector. Additionally, we aim to include different professional backgrounds. We ask our guests about their experiences and invite the audience to ask questions.
Claudia Kästner, what was your doctoral project at BAM about?
In my doctoral thesis, I worked on silver nanoparticles and their properties. I was able to synthesize nanoparticles with a radius of 3 nm, which were monodisperse and very stable. These were tested in various applications. I had a cooperation with the BfR, for example, to test possible clumping, antibacterial effects, and safety. We were able to prove that the catalytic activity of the silver nanoparticles was higher compared to other (silver) nanoparticles. Eventually, a reference material was even developed.
What special memory/experience as a doctoral candidate at BAM did you take with you?
At the beginning, I was concerned that it might be a disadvantage that BAM does not have a traditional university structure. But very quickly I got to know PhDs from other areas, especially through my activity in the AK PhD and my role as PhD representative. It was exciting to hear and experience what other PhDs were researching. We also helped and supported each other. We grew together and it was a fantastic horizon-expanding experience.
During your doctorate you were PhD speaker at BAM. Can you tell us a bit about your role and your activities?
I was both PhD representative of Department 6 and at times speaker for all PhD candidates. I was involved in planning and organizing PhD retreats and the annual PhD Day. Various tasks had to be completed for this, e.g. inviting guests or taking financial aspects into account. There was also an active volleyball group in my time.
After your doctorate and a stopover as R&D project manager, you spent several months at Princeton University. How did you find out about the position and what experience did you gain there?
It was an adventure. My husband had obtained a postdoc position in the USA and I had a work permit there. A few days after we arrived in New Jersey, corona broke out and I couldn't take care of the necessary paperwork for the first three months. Later I applied for an advertised position at Princeton University. The core facility for microscopy was looking for an employee. The group leader was a big fan of German colleagues. I got the job. Among other things, I was responsible for 17 microscopes, gave instructions and training courses and, what I particularly enjoyed, helped to realize research projects. Scientists came to us with different research questions and objects, such as sea snails and various plant species and specimens, for which individual solutions often had to be found. However, the new cultural environment in which I lived and worked was particularly inspiring. I learned a lot about German characteristics and about myself. I can recommend a stay abroad.
What advice would you give to early career researchers for their career planning?
It's important not to become too fixated on the one career goal and to reflect from time to time on whether the path and the goal still feel good. It may be that the goal you imagine and wish for is not the one that makes you happy after all. Then have the courage to re-orientate yourself.
Are you a former BAM researcher? Did you work at BAM while pursuing your Ph.D.? Did you partner with BAM on a research project?
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