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“I’ve had the privilege of taking inspiration from successful and inspiring women”: celebrating the day of women and girls in science.

Today is the International Day of Women and Girls in Science 2021. We spoke to some female Atlas Antibodies employees about their roles, experiences, and advice they would give to young people considering a career in life sciences.

A historical gender gap at all levels of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics continues to persist in much of our society to this day.

Although at Atlas Antibodies we have a diverse team of men and women at all levels of the organization, women worldwide only account for less than 30% of researchers. Male researchers often reach more senior roles or are paid more.

To help achieve greater equality in the sciences, we celebrate the Day of Women in STEM on February 11th. This year, we spoke to some female Atlas Antibodies employees about their roles, experiences, and advice they would give to young people considering a career in life sciences.

 

 

Ulrika Qundos, Group Leader protein technologies, at Atlas Antibodies

Could you start by telling me about your role?


Ulrika: I’m the group manager for Protein Technologies within R&D, where I make sure we focus on and deliver the goals we have as an organization in terms of product development. We use multiple different methods to focus on protein analysis and quantification. 

When I work, I think about how we are addressing the purpose of advancing medicine and research by developing tools for protein analysis and also the well-being of my group.

I mainly look at the future of the company, and I focus on growth and vision. One way to do that is to help to develop our heavy isotope-labeled MS standards for protein quantification or our monoclonal antibodies for neuroinflammation research.

Tell me a bit about your background; how did you get into this role?

Ulrika: I was born and raised in the Human Protein Atlas project! It is where I did my master’s thesis and, directly after that, my Ph.D. As a result, I learn to perform research in a very collaborative and knowledge-driven project. 

I joined Atlas Antibodies in 2017 after heading the autoimmunity profiling research facility at SciLifeLab to work on a new application of our antibodies.

For the first year, I worked as a research scientist; then I came back from maternity leave as a group leader. The work culture here is great as we have very knowledgeable colleagues we can lean on, and everyone is working towards the same goals for progress.

As a woman in science, have you experienced any gender-based barriers or biases in your career?

Ulrika: In my career, I have had the privilege of working with and taking inspiration from successful women. Unfortunately, although things are quite equal, we still see more senior levels going to men.

I think this is partly due to the preference, need, or expectation for many women to spend more time at home with young children. Meanwhile, men build their careers, so they advance more quickly. For me, the family and life balance can be difficult. At Atlas Antibodies, my manager is also female.

What advice would you give to other women and girls in science to help them in their careers?

Ulrika: Find the thing that motivates you as an individual and chase them! Even though it is challenging and a challenge I am experiencing right now, you should take the time to have a balanced family and home life if you want to. I think if more women demand this, then things can improve. I would also advise you never to feel afraid to ask the questions you want to ask, small or large. 

 

 

Therese Brooling, Master's student, at Atlas Antibodies


Could you start by telling me about your role?

Therese: I’m doing my master’s thesis on a new Protein Analysis method. I’ve been here for three weeks, so I’m still very new! The project is cool as I get to be in the cell lab and the IHC lab, and I get to be involved in the process from start to finish. Some limited people know this technology, so cool to be part of this.

Tell me a bit about your background. How did you get into this kind of role?

Therese: After I finished school, I took two years out where I lived in London and South America. Then I studied biotechnical engineering at Linköping University. This summer, I’ll be a full-blown engineer. I think it can be difficult to get the first step in the industry, so I feel lucky to be here now.

As a woman in science, have you experienced any barriers or biases in your career?

Therese: Life sciences labs in Stockholm seem to be significantly dominated by women. Even manager positions are often women at both Octapharma, where I worked before, and Atlas Antibodies. However, although my university course was the only engineering course with an even spread of men and women, I know other engineering courses have almost no women. This can make it intimidating for women to join the courses and go down these career paths.

What advice would you give to people interested in a career in research or life sciences?

Therese: There are lots of different paths to careers in life sciences. An excellent way to start keeping up with what’s going on in the field you’re interested in. Most universities offer mentorship programs which is a great way to get in touch with alumni who have been in your shoes and to get inspiration.