Edlyn Wu, PhD - Business Development Associate
Edlyn Wu, PhD - Business Development Associate at Atinary Technologies
Where are you from, and what is your educational background?
I’m from Montreal, Canada, and I completed my undergraduate studies in Biochemistry at McGill University. In my final semester, I joined a lab focused on understanding how small RNAs regulate mRNA and gene expression, using C. elegans as a model organism. This was in 2007, and RNA interference had earned the 2006 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine, generating a lot of excitement in the field. That experience gave me my first real taste of research and sparked my curiosity about its role in early animal development.
I stayed in the same lab for my Master’s and PhD, with my interest of the field of gene regulation growing. By the end of my PhD, I recognized the growing need to bridge the gap between science and society, which shaped new goals and directions I wanted to branch off to. Wanting to expand my research experience and live abroad, I moved to Dresden, Germany, for my postdoctoral work at the Max Planck Institute for Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics. I was drawn to the institute not just for its research but also for its strong emphasis on science communication. Alongside my research on gene regulation, specifically, how genes and the genome are activated during early zebrafish development, I became increasingly involved in science communication efforts.
When did you transition into industry?
After my second postdoc at the University of Lausanne.
What is your current position, and what do you do?
My title is Business Development Associate. Being a former researcher, I understand the challenges and time-consuming efforts to get to results and discoveries. A big part of my role is creating business opportunities and bringing awareness to innovative AI technologies that can empower scientists with easy-to-use and effective tools, allowing them to focus on the science itself while accelerating discoveries and innovation.
Being part of a startup, I also wear many hats. In addition to business development, I lead marketing efforts, helping with content creation and increasing brand visibility not just for the company, but also for the broader field of AI and its transformative impact on R&D.
Is your job related to the work you did during your Posdoc?
Yes and no. The research experience and mindset I developed, such as experimental design, planning, understanding different parameters in a setup, and working with various readouts and equipment are all invaluable. However, my specific field of expertise from my PhD and postdoc isn’t so much related to my current role.
How did you adapt to the cultural and operational differences between academia and your current role?
Since moving to Europe, I’ve worked in environments that have been very international. I love being part of such diverse teams, as it provides the opportunity to learn from different cultures and perspectives. While my previous research settings involved collaborating with scientists from various scientific backgrounds, my current role takes interdisciplinarity even further.
Working at a software and deep-tech company, I’m not part of the technical team, which means I engage in more cross-functional interactions. There’s a strong emphasis on dynamic collaboration, where we leverage each other’s expertise to support our company’s mission in transforming the way science and research are conducted. Transitioning from my usual biochemistry background—focused on RNA and molecular biology to learning about AI, software, and IT concepts was a shift, but with curiosity, an open mindset, and a willingness to learn, the adjustment was both smooth and rewarding.
What aspects of your job do you enjoy the most?
What I enjoy most about my job is the interdisciplinary nature of the work, the openness of the team, and the way everyone embraces each other’s backgrounds. I also appreciate the opportunity to integrate my research experience with my passion for science communication, bridging the gap between science and society. Most importantly, I find fulfillment in contributing to advancements in science and research beyond benchwork, helping to drive innovation in a new and impactful way.
What was your experience transitioning from your Posdoc to your first position outside academia?
The transition was challenging. I had no industry experience, and my research projects were in fundamental rather than translational research, meaning they weren’t directly related to clinical applications. When applying to pharma or biotech companies, this made it harder for my research experience to stand out compared to scientists whose work had a more direct impact on health.
I worked with great animal models, C. elegans and zebrafish, widely used in fundamental research and highly effective (at least for the worm) for genetic studies involving loss-of-function, gain-of-function, or pathway disruptions, and beautiful transparent models for imaging studies. However, drawing direct connections between these models and human diseases or disorders is also a challenge itself to get people to understand the impact and contributions of your research.
Early in my PhD, I realized I had no desire to run my own lab. Instead, I became increasingly drawn to science communication and roles that support the broader scientific community. To pivot in that direction, I actively engaged in science communication projects, and building skills that would make me stand out in this area rather than focusing solely on my research projects. These activities included: managing my lab’s website, inviting scientific leaders to speak at our institute, working with Public Relations office to communicate the scientific activities within the institute, and even collaborating with a museum director to push for a model organism exhibition.
What helped you succeed in your career transition?
1. Have mentors and surround yourself with supportive people.
2. Build on your interests – When I was searching for a postdoc position, I knew I wanted to be involved at the institutional level beyond just my research project. At the same time, I wanted my lab choice and research project to align with my scientific curiosity. I wanted to continue exploring gene regulation in early animal development, expand my biochemical techniques, and work with a new model organism, a vertebrate, while being in an environment that fostered both personal and professional growth.
3. Attend career events and workshops – Universities and affiliated institutions offer many student-run and graduate campus events. Be open to attending them and exploring whether the events or workshops align with your interests or help you develop new skills. These events also provide opportunities to meet mentors, gain valuable insights, and connect with people who may support your career journey in unexpected ways.
4. Networking – actively engaging on LinkedIn and attending networking events. Knowing yourself, understanding your interests, and showing confidence in conveying yourself and ensuring they align with potential positions and teams can make a significant difference.
What advice made the most difference in your professional development?
Be open. Be curious. Be proactive. While opportunities may be presented to you, it also involves you seizing them and doing something about it. Don’t be shy in reaching out to others, asking questions and gaining insights. It shows your proactiveness and support can come in unexpected ways.
Edlyn’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/edlynwu/
