Tiia Snäkä, PhD - Clinical Trial Coordinator
Tiia Snäka, PhD - Clinical Trial Coordinator at Clinique de Genolier
Where are you from, and what is your educational background?
I’m originally from Finland, but I grew up in Luxembourg and Belgium. In 2012, I moved to Switzerland to begin my bachelor’s studies at the University of Lausanne.
What were your research projects?
Early in my academic journey, I developed a strong interest in host-microbe interactions. For my master’s degree, I studied antifungal drug resistance mechanisms at the Institute of Microbiology at CHUV. During my PhD at the Department of Immunobiology (UNIL), my research shifted toward innate immunity, specifically investigating the role of innate immune receptors in Leishmania infection. I continued exploring innate immunity during my postdoctoral work at the Infectious Diseases Service of CHUV, focusing on bacterial sepsis and immunosenescence. In addition to contributing to research, my postdoc experience gave me my first opportunities in supervising students and participating in clinical trials.
When did you pivot to Clinical Research?
My first experience in clinical research began during my postdoc, where I was involved in small clinical trials, coordinating with the medical team and ensuring proper analysis of clinical samples. This was my first real exposure to the field, and it quickly became clear that I wanted to pursue a career in clinical research. After my postdoc, I took on a short BNF project (facilitated through the unemployment services) at the Clinical Research Unit of the Department of Women, Mother, and Child (CHUV). This opportunity allowed me to further develop my skills and deepen my understanding of clinical research, ultimately helping me transition into my current position.
What is your current position, and what are your responsibilities?
Currently I work as a Clinical Trial Coordinator at the Clinical Trial Unit of the Clinique de Genolier, part of the Swiss Medical Network. In this role, I’m responsible for planning, setting up, and ensuring the proper conduct of clinical studies in compliance with current regulatory requirements. My responsibilities include preparing and developing clinical study documentation for submission to regulatory authorities, coordinating with investigators and study teams, and ensuring that all aspects of the study are carried out according to protocol and ethical standards.
Is your job related to the work you did during your PhD and Postdoc?
My current job is only partly related to the work I did during my PhD and postdoc. Topic-wise, it’s quite different, my research focused on infectious diseases and innate immunity, whereas my current clinical work is primarily in oncology. However, my background in immunology has been a real asset, as it helps me better understand the underlying mechanisms of cancer immunotherapies. More broadly, many of the core skills I developed during my PhD and postdoc, such as scientific thinking, multitasking, and scientific writing, are highly transferable and essential in my day-to-day work.
What aspects of your job do you enjoy the most?
What I enjoy most about my job is the versatility. I work on both pharmaceutical-sponsored and investigator-initiated trials, which keep things dynamic and engaging. I’m involved in all stages, from protocol writing and navigating regulatory requirements to the practical execution of studies. There’s always something new to learn, which makes the work intellectually stimulating. I also feel fortunate to be part of a team with similar scientific backgrounds and a positive, collaborative atmosphere, it makes a big difference in day-to-day motivation.
What challenges did you face during your career pivot?
Overall, the transition from my PhD and postdoc to clinical research was quite smooth. Like any new role, it came with its own set of challenges, particularly learning the specific terminology and understanding the regulatory framework surrounding clinical trials, which was new to me. However, having a PhD mindset really helped; we're trained to learn quickly, adapt to new situations, and problem-solve independently. I was also fortunate to join a supportive team that encouraged learning and helped ease the transition.
What helped you succeed in your career transition?
Like many others, I attended career days and workshops. While I am not sure how much they really helped, they definitely made me feel less alone and showed me that everyone faces challenges during career transitions. The BNF project was also an important part of my journey. Ultimately, I believe being in the right place at the right time, along with a bit of luck, courage and perseverance, all played key roles in helping me succeed.
What advice made the most difference in your professional development?
Not to be afraid of entering a new field and trust my instincts when making decisions. I’ve also learned that sometimes saying no to opportunities that don’t feel like the right fit is just as important, it can be a crucial step toward finding the right role that truly aligns with your goals and values.
What can I wish you for the years to come?
For the years to come, I hope to continue growing and evolving in my current role at the Clinique embracing new challenges and opportunities along the way. At the same time, I believe that a fulfilling life goes beyond work, I wish for happiness and excitement in all aspects of life.
Tiia Snäka’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tiia-snaka199411/
