1. Career Choices: Perspectives from Different Settings
Teresa Compton, Ph.D.
Executive Director,
Head, Virology Research
Novartis Institutes for Biomedical Research

2. Brief Biographical History
Ph.D. University of Tennessee
Postdoctoral research NYU Medical Center (Southern girl goes to the big city in a big lab!)
1 year in Bay Area Biotech – hated it – about face to academics
“Senior Postdoc” The Scripps Research Institute. Stayed three years and started independent research program.
Faculty member at University of Wisconsin (12 years). Grants, students, postdocs, teaching, tenure, committees, service. Promoted to Full Professor in At that time I had, three NIH grants, a moderately large lab – academic dream life – but something was lacking…..wanted to move research into more translational direction.
Recruited to develop and head a Virology research dept at Novartis Institutes for Biomedical Research
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3. Considering career options in two distinct research settings
Academia
Industry
Now, how can I decide?
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4. Commonly held myths Academia Industry
In academia, I will have total freedom to do whatever I want. My life will be filled with scholarship and hours to think and write.
Industry
In industry, I will work 9 to 5 and make buckets of money. I won’t have to worry about publications and grants.
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5. Reality Check Myth Reality
People that can’t make it in academics go into industry
There are very accomplished and smart people in academia and industry
I will have lifetime job security once I make tenure
Most universities now have post-tenure review. Accountability in both settings
I will have complete freedom to choose what I would like to research in academia
You must secure funding from external sources for research
I will not have to publish in industry
Publication is encouraged and highly valued in industry
I like to mentor so I should go into academia
Mentoring and talent development is key part of most jobs in industry
Marketing guys in suits will tell me what to do in industry
Unmet medical needs drive strategy decisions in industry
I will not have to write grants in industry
True but there are annual performance evaluations where one must account for productivity
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6. Differences and Things in Common
Academia
Industry
Team focused
Meetings
Technicians
Flexible research interests
Very structured Envir.
Boss is a boss
Lab focused
Teaching
Students
Single research focus
Mod. Envir. Structure
Boss is a dept. Chair.
Productivity
Passion for work
Drive to achieve
Postdocs
Literature
Colleagues
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7. Teresa’s keys to success and happiness
Work hard and remember life’s important lessons
Keep your eyes open – it’s a competitive world
Treat people with kindness and respect
Enjoy what you are doing
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8. Teresa’s keys to success and happiness
Find work-life balance
Pursue your passion!
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