Noémi Thomazo, research project management
My microfluidics career – research project management
What can you achieve with microfluidics? What are the practical applications of microfluidics to a field of research, and how could microfluidics help your career?
We asked our team for you. My Microfluidic Careers pages give you a realistic, no-frills idea of various projects that can benefit from microfluidics.
What is your current job?
I work in Elveflow’s research department in research project management. Most of our research is funded by the European Commission (H2020 until 2020, and now… Horizon Europe), and my job is to ensure that we carry out enough research projects to continue developing new state-of-the-art instruments and that our partners are happy with our collaboration.
My job starts by seeking new partners (in the academic or the private sector) interested in submitting a scientific project and needing our expertise in the microfluidic part.
Once we have identified how we can help, I write the parts dedicated to Elveflow’s work in the proposal based on the discussions I had with the coordinator and the other partners and participate in the general improvement of the proposal. When it is ready, we cross our fingers and hope for the best!
When we obtain a project, I hire the best engineer or PhD student to perform our tasks.
I am also responsible for creating new content related to European funding on our website, disseminating our research, and helping researchers write successful H2020 or Horizon Europe projects.
“When we obtain a project, I am in charge of hiring the best engineer or PhD student to perform our tasks.”
How did you transition from microfluidics research to this position?
After my PhD about double emulsions, I wanted to continue working on science but in a more dynamic environment than my PhD lab.
I also wanted to get away from the bench to explore something else. This position allows me to use my scientific skills to understand researchers’ issues and, at the same time, gain new skills in international collaborations, web marketing, and recruitment. Elveflow is also a very dynamic, innovative start-up, and I enjoy having to tackle new, unexpected challenges on a daily basis.
“I wanted to continue working in relation on science, but in a more dynamic environment.“
Which task seems impossible without a minimum knowledge about microfluidics?
When I contact researchers interested in our work, they start by explaining their project to me and the challenges they are facing. I need to understand their issues and identify the solution Elveflow can develop to solve their problem. This would not be possible without a scientific background and first experience with microfluidics.
What do you enjoy in your work that would not be possible if you were still working in research?
I had the opportunity to learn about web marketing and SEO (Search Engine Optimisation), which are usually far from the concerns we have in research. However, understanding how we can gain visibility online is very interesting. I think it is very exciting to brainstorm with the team to find new ways to reach and attract researchers. Of course, building new partnerships is very useful in my current work, but I am confident it will be useful in the following steps of my career as well.
Have a look at this review written by Noémi.