Ever wondered how to pivot from academia into science communication? In this episode I sit down with Teja Sirec, founder of BioTheia, a consultancy helping life science and biotech companies build smart, lean marketing strategies.

After eight years as a microbiologist researching bacterial sporulation, Teja made the leap from the lab bench to the world of scientific communication and marketing. She now works as a fractional marketing director, helping startups and SMEs find their voice, and grow in competitive biotech markets.

If you’re a PhD or postdoc wondering what other possibilities lie beyond academia, or you’re keen to pivot into industry but need a bit of guidance to make the first steps, this episode will give you loads of insights on how to build your path with purpose.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

👉 How to test drive your way into a new career beyond the lab

👉 Why life science companies need storytelling and strategy to thrive and grow

👉 The surprising cultural differences between academia and industry

👉 Actionable advice for PhDs and postdocs thinking about pivoting from research into a communication career

👤 About Teja

Teja Sirec is a fractional marketing director and founder of BioTheia marketing consultancy for life science companies. After 8 years as a researcher looking into bacterial sporulation, Teja felt the call to follow a path in science communication. Little by little, she transitioned from the lab to science writing, marketing, and eventually launching her own life science marketing consultancy.

Now, she helps life science companies grow by building lean marketing strategies and communications plans that get them noticed. 

Follow Teja here:

• Website: ⁠⁠https://biotheia.com/⁠⁠ 
• LinkedIn: ⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/tejasirec/⁠⁠

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• Leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ review on ⁠⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/2XPsYmqwsY898bs2ODraDn?si=0dcbf84e5a3042a4⁠⁠ 
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🔑 Episode Highlights

01:43 The Importance of Marketing in Biotech

03:44 Target Audience in Life Science Marketing

04:38 Innovations in Life Science Technologies

06:48 The Role of a Fractional Marketing Director

07:55 Navigating Early Stage Marketing Challenges

11:11 Transitioning from Academia to Marketing

19:02 Teja's Academic Background and Research

22:04 The Journey of Career Exploration

25:29 Transitioning to Science Writing

29:39 Expectations vs. Reality in Communications

32:05 Cultural Differences: Academia vs. Industry

35:06 Reflections on the Journey

38:07 Looking Ahead: Future Aspirations

📲 Connect with The SciComm Spectrum

• YouTube: ⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@thescicommspectrum⁠⁠ 
• Linkedin: ⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/youtube-scriptwriter/⁠⁠ 

Music by⁠⁠ music_for_video⁠⁠ from⁠⁠ Pixabay⁠⁠ 18169

Animations by TinMouse Studios

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