Careers in Neuroscience: Neuroscientist and Children's Book Author
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Meet Jayalakshmi (Jaya) Viswanathan, PhD, an assistant research professor at the Indiana University School of Medicine, author of Baby Senses, and the host of the “Know Brainer” podcast. Read about Viswanathan’s non-traditional career pathway and how her passion for science education and outreach works in tandem with her research.
What initially drew you to neuroscience? How did you discover your particular interest within the field?
I was 14 when I started wondering about the brain (in an abstract way), with thoughts like, “why did my peers exhibit behaviors so different from each other?” This prompted me to start reading about the mind and brain. Once I started down the winding path of neuroscience, I very quickly became interested in the mechanistic and translational aspects of neuroscience research: (i) how does the brain mechanistically process information?, (ii) how does that change with states and disease?, and (iii) how can we leverage insights from the laboratory to improve translation to the clinic? In each of my research experiences starting from my undergrad, I’ve had the opportunity to study different aspects of this “bench to bedside” pipeline in neuroscience which now allows me to work in a translational space within the emerging precision medicine framework.
What resources, experiences, or conversations helped you clarify your direction?
During my undergraduate engineering degree, I sought out different internship opportunities, ranging from a dementia clinic to help run semantic memory tests, a biotechnology small business start-up where I observed some scale-up and manufacturing of therapeutics, to working in a research lab. These brief and yet powerful experiences clarified that I really was interested in research, but I wanted to focus on equitable research that puts patients first. Similarly, my master’s and PhD experiences and the extensive graduate school coursework helped me to develop a broad perspective which serves me to this very day. Every time I attended the SfN’s annual meeting, for example, I tried to attend at least one session in an area of neuroscience I was completely unfamiliar with, and I still try to do that now. Having a growth and learning mindset has certainly served me well in being able to think strategically and make cross disciplinary connections and helps me in my role as a podcast host when I need to engage with experts in different domains/aspects of neuroscience.
“These brief and yet powerful experiences clarified that I really was interested in research, but I wanted to focus on equitable research that puts patients first.”
Describe your current role. What are the most common skills you use on a weekly basis? Is your role "typical" to the industry?
I recently re-entered academia as an Assistant Research Professor at Indiana University (IU). I also serve as the program manager for the Microphysiological Systems for AD research center (MPS-AD) led by Jason Meyer at IU. In this type of role, research skills like attention to detail, extensive background reading, writing, data and analytical skills, and meticulousness are essential. People who apply principles of time and project management tend to success, as do people who develop strong interpersonal and communication skills. Science is a team sport, especially in large open science teams such as MPS-AD, and having these skills helps to run projects smoothly, work in collaboration, and manage reporting requirements from funders more efficiently. Strategic forward planning (such as through developing protocols and pipelines) can increase efficiency and improve rigor and reproducibility as well.
“In this type of role, research skills like attention to detail, extensive background reading, writing, data and analytical skills, and meticulousness are essential.”
What factors should someone consider when deciding between a research-intensive vs. teaching-focused academic career?
The good news is, in my experience, the two are not fully mutually exclusive. Most research tracks in academia come with mentorship and teaching opportunities in the lab, serving on committees, etc. Most teaching-track academics spend time researching content and may even partner with researchers to develop evidence-based teaching methods. Many academics have some room for professional development, and several spend part of these resources developing their resume to enable them to transition into more balanced positions. That said, being on one of these tracks means that most of your time commitments will fall under research or teaching, respectively. I wanted to go back to the lab setting (I couldn’t imagine not doing research), and I still get to occasionally wear my educator hat through my podcast and book outreach activities. Prioritizing key aspects can help individuals in job searching and interviews when considering this choice.
“Prioritizing key aspects can help individuals in job searching and interviews when considering this choice.”
What strategies have helped you in job searching? Where did you look for roles? What platforms, organizations, or communities were most helpful?
I’ve had a non-traditional career pathway. I’ve worked in different model systems, different countries, used different techniques, and even worked at the National Institutes on Aging as a contractor (non-academic scientist). My approach has always been equally based on who I wanted to work with as much as what research questions interested me. My job searching strategies also changed based on the job market. When I was looking for a postdoc, I was interviewed by multiple teams at SfN’s meeting, because many labs were hiring through SfN’s NeuroJobs Career Center. Other opportunities were a result of a more targeted approach where my skillset matched what my employers/supervisors were seeking. I find that being a collaborative and collegiate colleague in your current role is a great way to ensure future success at the same or a different job, which you can find via networking or active job searching.
“My approach has always been equally based on who I wanted to work with as much as what research questions interested me.”
If you were a hiring manager, what experiences or skills would stand out to you on a resume for a role in your field?
Having a non-traditional career background myself, I tend to look for indicators of success that fall under both soft and hard skill set categories, assuming the candidate has already met the minimum eligibility requirements. Several roles, especially those in government, industry and specialized academic areas like translational sciences have on-the-job training for some aspects (such as using proprietary software platforms). Being able to demonstrate a growth mentality and cognitive flexibility is key. In large collaborative teams, communication and management skills are also essential. Candidates who have a track record or training (from inside or outside of academia) in these areas or those who demonstrate a willingness to adapt to these requirements would likely be selected. Last but not least, candidates who show initiative and grit, such as being able to pivot and troubleshoot issues are likely to find success.
“Being able to demonstrate a growth mentality and cognitive flexibility is key.”
What advice would you give to students or early-career professionals interested in this path? Are there opportunities for people to find jobs in your industry with a variety of degrees (bachelor's, master's, PhD)?
Opportunities for research, especially research independence, depend on stage of career. Having a bachelor’s or master’s degree and being a co-author on publications may be sufficient to get started in the research track as a research assistant or laboratory technician. To be eligible for a neuroscience research faculty position in academia, a PhD, MD, or equivalent is usually necessary. Research independence may still be elusive based on funding opportunities and mentorship opportunities, so it is important for early-career faculty to seek out mentors and collaborators. However, neuroscience being an interdisciplinary field, there are different programs available for students to choose from to get to faculty/equivalent positions. For example, neuroscience regulatory professionals might get a certification specific to regulatory science (specific to clinical and translational neuroscience). Some programs offer MD/PhD or JD/PhD dual programs.
“Research independence may still be elusive based on funding opportunities and mentorship opportunities, so it is important for early-career faculty to seek out mentors and collaborators.”
Is there anything we didn't ask that you think should be included?
In addition to my research role, I work as an educator through hosting my podcast ‘Know Brainer’ and through outreach activities related to my children’s neuroscience book, ‘Baby Senses: A Sensory Neuroscience Primer for All Ages’. You can find more information about my journey to book author and illustrator, and career advice related to science communication at babysensesbook.com. Subscribe to my podcast if you’re interested and drop me a line through my website if you have any questions.
About the Contributor
