Catalin Voiniciuc

In which area did you work during your time at FZJ?

At IBG-2: Plant Sciences.

What lessons did you learn from your time at the FZJ?

Back in 2019, shortly after starting my independent lab in Halle, I shared some advice about faculty job myths and realities. The article was written with plant scientists in mind, but the advice is broadly applicable.

https://plantae.org/faculty-job-myths-realities-an-interview-with-catalin-voiniciuc/

Although 7 years have passed since I wrote this perspective, most of reflections still ring true. I would add two additional points:

1. Working in multiple institutions and countries is a scientific privilege that remains underutilized. I have seen tremendous professional and personal benefits to my transatlantic moves. I am also aware of challenges, especially in the administrative realm, that result from such moves and can slow productivity or limit family opportunities (e.g. due to visa restrictions).

2. Faculty members, in particular, are required to wear many professional hats and must continuously learn and adapt to new expectations. For example, the importance for science communication with public stakeholders and policy makers is increasingly important. This is different than speaking or writing for other scientists, so most of us require additional training and practice. Enhanced responsibilities and demonstration of distinction in research, teaching and service (also known as extension) are an integral part of the tenure and promotion process in public universities in the United States.

Where do you work at the moment and what are you currently doing there?

Since 2022, I am an Associate Professor of Plant Synthetic Biology at the University of Florida (UF). UF is an internationl leader in plant research and ranks often in the top 5-7 public universities in the United States.

Was there anything that prepared you well for your next career step?

See article above. I also contributed to a recorded panel dicussion on faculty positions:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TuYYl44xJHM&t=1s

What is the most exciting thing about your job?

Solving biological puzzles together with my students and postdoctoral trainees. Witnessing my lab members enhance their scientific abilities and receive recognition from the broader community has validated our collective efforts.

If money and time were no object, what would your next project be?

I have submitted several high-risk/high-reward projects that combine my passions for synthetic biology and plant carbohydrates. My novel bioengineering strategies for native sweeteners and antimicrobial treatments have been deemed too risky by some US federal agencies without further supporting data. With sufficient time and money, we could translate these novel strategies from the bench to the clinic to support the treatment of metabolic diseases and antibiotic resistance.

Who would you like to have dinner with and what would you talk about?

I would love to have dinner with Chris Somerville, who advised several of my mentors and is recognized as a pioneer in Arabidopsis research and plant molecular biology. Although I have listened to several of his recording talks, we have not crossed paths in person yet. I would like to hear more about his career and how he trained numerous trainees who are now leading prominent labs.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chris_R._Somerville