Dr.-Ing. Melanie Fachet
How did you come to your current position?
Since 2019, I am working as a postdoctoral scientist at the Institute of Medical Technology at the OVGU. During my parental leave, I saw the job offer for this position on the university website by chance and spontaneously decided to apply, although I wasn't actively searching for a new position during that time and the project topic didn't have much in common with my PhD project.
Finally, I got the position and started as a scientific researcher in a third-party funded project after my parental leave. Since July 2021, I got a permanent position in my group as deputy head of the chair, lecturer and research scientist.
What was your biggest professional challenge and how did you solve it?
My biggest professional challenge was to discover that the experimental results that I collected within the first two years of my PhD time were somehow useless because of an inconsistency in the cell line that was discovered by us and later got confirmed by the cell culture database.
I am very happy that my Postdoc supervisor and professor at the time were very supportive and encouraged me to repeat all main experiments that I had done so far. In the end, it was not as bad as initially expected because my previous knowledge and experience helped my to collect the new experimental data much faster within a few month.
Who supports you in your career and how?
I have a great network of family, friends and colleagues that support me in professional and private challenges. Being able to rely on it in difficult times is very important.
But for a well-functioning and reliable network, it is at least as important to also give something back and be there for others in difficult times as well - offering uncomplicated and spontaneous support.
Who or what inspires you most?
I find it very inspiring to know where and what you stand for; to be independent and warm-hearted. People that stand up for their own values and go their own way, even when it is "bumpy". I find it very strong to be upright. Maybe it sounds very simple, but it also means a lot of work in advance. For example, growing out of a situation and going through phases that are not only nice and easy, but also sometimes challenging. I look up very much to women who have made it. They show me and others what is possible.
Which memories do you associate with Magdeburg?
I came to Magdeburg for the first time as a student for a study information event and from the first moment on I was able to imagine studying here. Since then I have been able to link countless other positive memories with Magdeburg, because it is both the center of my private life and my son was born here, as well as my professional career steps in several research institutes here.
Which importance does career networks have for your professional career?
Which advice would you give to young women, who are at the beginning of their professional career?
My advice for young women in science is to be passionated about your field of research; this is the key driver for innovation and creativity, but also perseverance and mental strength are essential factors during challenging times. Since science is always developing further, the will for constant development and learning is important. Try to find good mentors that support you and spend your energy on collaborations that feel good.
Finally, do not underestimate your contribution and trust your "gut" feeling when you need to make tough decisions.
Fotos from Dr.-Ing. Melanie Fachet in the lab.
© J. Dünnhaupt, OVGU
