Can you introduce yourself and tell us a bit about your career path?
I began my career in cancer research, completing a PhD in signalling at UCL, followed by a postdoc in at the Mount Sinai Hospital in Toronto. For a decade, I was immersed in lab work, working six and a half days a week and driven by the competitive nature of the field and the culture of high-performing labs. But as I approached the point of starting my own lab, I faced a personal crossroads. I loved research but I knew the next phase would require even more time in the lab and I wasn’t prepared to sacrifice family time if success wasn’t a guarantee. Like many scientists, my career path had appeared “obvious” - GCSEs, A-levels, degree, PhD, postdoc, and had little visibility of careers beyond the bench. The idea of leaving research felt alien. But a turning point came when my lab colleagues placed a job ad on my desk for a cancer editor at Nature. They insisted I apply, tired of hearing my frustrations with lab life. I did and I got the job, marking my first step into the world of scientific publishing.
What is your current role and what does it involve?
Today, I’m the Chief Scientific Officer at Springer Nature but this journey wasn’t direct. After joining Nature as the cancer editor, I was able to remain deeply engaged with the research; assessing research papers, supporting authors through their revisions and celebrating their publications with them. After 2 years, I was encouraged to apply for the role of Chief Biological Sciences Editor at Nature. It was daunting, I had just had my first child and felt overwhelmed. But I took the leap, supported by colleagues who believed in me.
That role gave me oversight of some of the most exciting research in life and biomedical sciences, and exposure to physical and social sciences through Nature’s multidisciplinary scope. I stayed in that position for 13 years, loving every moment. Eventually, I transitioned to Vice President Nature Journals Editorial, where I focused more on strategic publishing initiatives, launching Transparent Peer Review, publicly giving reviewer recognition and supporting rejected authors find a home for their research.
Now, as CSO, I champion research excellence across all our journals. I work closely with academic editors, supporting them to be successful and staying connected to the wider scientific community as well as working across Springer Nature more collaboratively.
What advice would you give to someone at the start of their career?
Be open. A PhD is a powerful qualification; it signals critical thinking and problem-solving skills that are valued across industries. If you love research, pursue it wholeheartedly. But don’t feel confined to the bench. There are countless career paths for scientists: publishing, grant agencies like the Wellcome Trust, science writing, university research support roles, and even consulting firms like McKinsey that actively recruit PhDs.
Industry is another excellent option. Despite lingering academic snobbery, industry roles can be intellectually stimulating and creatively fulfilling.
The key is to explore. Don’t assume you’re limited to one path, there’s a whole world of opportunities out there.
How could someone find a role like yours?
Start by identifying your non-negotiables - what kind of work-life balance you want, how close you want to stay to science, and what environments energise you. Then look around: the journals you read, the equipment you use, the grants you apply for, all of these are part of ecosystems filled with scientists in diverse roles.
Networking is crucial. Universities, publishers, funding bodies, and industry all offer internships, shadowing opportunities, and entry-level roles. Even if a formal programme isn’t advertised, reach out and ask. Internships are more accessible than ever, and they’re a great way to test the waters.
You don’t have to commit forever - if it’s not the right fit, you can move on. But you’ll learn something valuable either way.
How do you approach new opportunities and career decisions?
Career decisions evolve over time. Early on, I hesitated to take leadership roles, especially while juggling motherhood. But I learned to trust others’ belief in me and to accept that “good enough” is often more than enough. Imposter syndrome is real, especially for women, and we need to support each other with encouragement and nudges.
When considering a new role, I ask myself: Will I still be connected to science? Will I enjoy the work environment? Will I grow? As you move up, you inevitably step further from the science, but that doesn’t mean you lose touch with research. Strategic roles offer different kinds of impact - shaping policy, improving transparency, and supporting the scientific community in broader ways.
For those starting out, I recommend beginning at entry level. It gives you a chance to understand the field and decide if it’s right for you. Internships and work experience are invaluable.
Don’t be afraid to try something new, you have nothing to lose and everything to gain.