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Dr. Lena Peter | From Immunology to Science Communication

47 Minuten
Our guest today is Dr. Lena Peter, a science communicator and content creator with a background in immunology, cancer research and gene editing.

Lena earned her PhD in Immunology and Regenerative Therapies, initially expecting to remain in academic research. During her doctoral studies, however, she began sharing food, restaurants and culinary discoveries online as a creative counterbalance to her work in the laboratory. What started as a small side project gradually developed into a community of thousands interested in food, culture and science.

In this episode, Lena reflects on how this experience led her from laboratory research to independent science communication. She explains why food became a bridge between scientific knowledge and everyday life, and how her scientific training now helps her make complex subjects accessible without oversimplifying them.

The conversation also explores the realities of building an unconventional career after completing a PhD: leaving the traditional academic path, developing a professional identity beyond research and combining scientific rigour with creative storytelling. Today, Lena helps food-tech companies, biotech startups and health brands communicate complex ideas in ways that people can understand and trust. She also creates content that brings together food, science and culture.

Looking back on her journey, Lena shares what researchers should consider when exploring careers beyond academia and why good science communication is especially important in a world shaped by trends, hype and misinformation.

The interview was conducted by Dr. phil. Christina Deloglu-Kahlert from ZEWK at TU Berlin.

Dr. Arash Azhand | From Theoretical Physics to Artificial Intelligence

43 Minuten
Our guest today is Dr. Arash Azhand, an AI and data science specialist with a background in theoretical and mathematical physics.

Arash studied physics at Technische Universität Berlin, where he also completed his PhD and subsequently worked as a postdoctoral researcher. His research focused on self-organization and nonlinear dynamics, including the emergence of wave patterns in biological systems. Although he initially planned to pursue an academic career, unsuccessful funding applications and the prospect of moving between temporary postdoctoral positions led him to reconsider his long-term path.

In this episode, Arash reflects on how he found his way from academic research into data science and artificial intelligence. He explains why the ability to analyse complex problems, quickly enter unfamiliar fields, and distinguish relevant ideas from passing trends became particularly valuable beyond the university.

The conversation also explores the personal side of this transition: adapting to new working cultures, redefining professional expectations, and finding a healthier and more sustainable approach to work. Looking back on his own journey, Arash shares what he believes researchers should consider when deciding whether to remain in academia or pursue opportunities elsewhere.

The interview was conducted by Dr. Christina Ayazi from ZEWK at TU Berlin.

Dr. Karina Zittel | Technische Universität Berlin

43 Minuten
Dr. Karina Zittel (former Cagarman) is a postdoc researcher and lecturer at Technische Universität Berlin and entrepreneur, in the field of entrepreneurship and innovation management. Her research focuses on sustainable entrepreneurship as well as the role of well-being and positive psychology in entrepreneurial contexts. She is particularly interested in how founders can build ventures that are not only economically successful but also personally meaningful and fulfilling.

In her teaching, she combines business topics with insights from psychology and personal development. Among the courses she teaches are Entrepreneurial Well-Being and Design Your Happy Life, where she explores the connection between positive psychology, innovation, and entrepreneurship. Through her work, she aims to support students in developing both innovative ideas and a strong sense of personal purpose.

Among the many tips for the postdoc period, the interview focuses on the differences between the academic world and the business world, as well as the compatibility of family and career.

The interview was conducted by Dr. Christina Ayazi from ZEWK at TU Berlin.

Dr. Rhea Machado | From Technische Universität Berlin to scientist-entrepreneur

38 Minuten
In this episode, we speak with Dr. Rhea Machado, a chemical engineer who transitioned into a scientist-entrepreneur, transforming academic research into a startup tackling some of today’s most pressing environmental challenges. 

As a co-founder of Porelio, Rhea is developing advanced materials to remove persistent pollutants—so-called “forever chemicals”—from water, contributing to a more sustainable and carbon-neutral future.

Rhea shares candid insights into what it means to step into entrepreneurship without a safety net—and why, in her case, not having a Plan B became a powerful motivator rather than a risk.

She reflects on navigating motherhood alongside building a company, and why strong support systems—both at home and professionally—are not optional, but essential.

Importantly, she highlights the role of institutional support in enabling this transition. Mentorship and early-stage programs at TU Berlin, particularly the StarTUps initiative, played a key role in helping her move from research to real-world application.

Beyond strategy and structure, this episode captures something often overlooked: the genuine joy of building something meaningful with a team. Rhea speaks about the energy that comes from working toward shared goals, and the sense of purpose that can emerge when scientific expertise meets entrepreneurial drive.

The interview was conducted by Dr. Christina Ayazi from ZEWK at TU Berlin.

Dr. Niklas Hegemann | From Charité Berlin to the Pharmaceutical Industry

47 Minuten
Our guest today is Dr. Niklas Hegemann, Medical Affairs Trainee at a leading global pharmaceutical company.

Niklas's career path is anything but straightforward. He began with business administration - a choice shaped in part by family expectations - before a six-month internship at a major pharmaceutical firm sparked a lasting passion for medical science. This led him back into academia to pursue a Bachelor's degree in Biomedical Science at Marburg and a Master's degree in Genes, Drugs & Stem Cells – Novel Therapies at Imperial College London, followed by a doctoral thesis in experimental cardiology at Charité.

In this episode, Niklas talks about how he leverages his academic training in data analysis, scientific literature review, and multidisciplinary collaboration in his current role in Medical Affairs. He reflects candidly on the setbacks he faced when first trying to move into industry, the role of mentorship and humility in finally making the transition, and what it takes to adapt to a corporate environment after years in academia. He also shares how he has maintained his ties to the cardiovascular research community as a visiting scientist and why he sees hybrid career paths as a real opportunity for scientists today.

The interview was conducted by Dr. Christina Ayazi from ZEWK at TU Berlin.
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Über diesen Podcast

We talk to researchers from the four Berlin universities who have left academia to build a successful and fulfilling career in industry, policy, science communication, entrepreneurship, and beyond. This isn't about ready-made career blueprints. We want to know what the decisive turning points were, what the transition actually felt like, and what they found on the other side. Were there moments of doubt? Which skills from their research career turned out to be surprisingly valuable? And looking back, what were the real success factors that brought them to where they are now? Postdocs from all disciplines will find honest reflections, practical insights, and inspiration for thinking about their own next steps. A podcast by the Postdoc Academy of the Berlin University Alliance. Learn more: https://www.berlin-university-alliance.de/en/commitments/promoting-talent/postdoc-academy/index.html
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TU Berlin
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Ø 44 Min.
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vor 1 Wo.
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vor 5 Mon.
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