Charlotte

Charlotte Kristensen has an MSc in Biology-Biotechnology and a PhD from the Department of Plant Biology and Biotechnology. The topic for her thesis was Glycosylation of small molecules. The majority of the experimental work for her PhD was done in close collaboration with the biotech company Evolva. Charlotte Kristensen is now a research scientist at Evolva where she has been employed since 2005.

 

“I work with the development of an enzyme platform which is going to be used for improvement of existing medicine and for the development of new types of medicine. It is a mixture of theoretical work designing new experiments and practical work in the laboratory. I work alone or in small groups.”

 

Do you think your education made you well prepared for the job market?

“Actually, I think so. We have learnt a lot of different laboratory techniques, and we have tried to work together in thematic projects. Furthermore, we have learnt to be critical but constructive, and ask questions, which is vital for researchers working in private companies.”

“Realizing how exciting the chemistry of plants can be is what influenced me to do what I am doing today. The plants can exploit it, and we can as well. The dedication and enthusiasm of the group leaders at the Department of Plant Biology and Biotechnology and scientists at Evolva has also inspired me.”

Was it difficult to get a job?

“For me it wasn’t. I was employed as a resear

ch scientist in the biotech company Poalis in 2003. I chose to study a PhD at Poalis and when the company shut down, my project was transferred to Evolva and I obtained a permanent position.”

“Many people say that it is hard to get a job within plant science in Denmark, but you have to have a wider perspective than your own project. You can easily use the insight and experience in biological issues in other fields.”

“The pharmaceutical and food industries, chemistry and biotech companies are good examples. It is important to get your training in something that you find interesting rather than making your choice based on what you think can get you a job. It's easiest to be good at something you care about.”