IMP Research Report 2002

POSTDOC IMPRESSIONS
“I wanted to widen my horizons, to see more of the world, but without
endangering my scientific career. I think I have accomplished that by joining
the IMP. I never regretted the decision and would encourage future postdocs
- who are adaptive, open-minded and flexible - to look into opportunities
abroad. The scientific atmosphere of the IMP is very exciting. I could have
gone to other labs - in the US and in Europe - but I chose Kim’s lab at the
IMP because of the quality of science done here and the excellent facilities.
The location in Vienna is of course the big bonus.”
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Rosemary Clyne, USA
(Postdoc in Kim Nasmyth’s lab)
“Like most of my friends, I was a bit prejudiced before I came to Vienna, thinking that Austrians
in general are very conservative and locked up in history. As it turns out, I really enjoy living
here. The contrast of old and modern, traditional and innovative, is a very refreshing experience.
The prices are moderate and I can even afford tickets to world class concerts and to the
opera. Most important though: Vienna is a very safe place to live in. This is something that
my family and I will miss when we move on. “
Takashi Suzuki, Japan
(Postdoc in Barry Dickson’s lab)
“The IMP’s size is a positive asset in my opinion. The dimensions are not too
large which makes it easy to keep an overview. We all know each other and
we can all talk to each other. I would say, there is a human dimension to the
institute. Whenever I need something from another group, the colleagues are
helpful. There is this “open freezer-attitude”, as I like to call it. Plus the Scientific
Services are very efficient.”
Latifa Bakiri, France
(Postdoc in Erwin Wagner’s lab)
“The research here is excellent and the budget is generous, too.
Accordingly, the expectations are very high as well. I would say, if you
are highly motivated, the IMP is an ideal starting point for a career in
science. As far as day-to-day life is concerned, I like the flat organizational
hierarchy and the open doors philosophy. The contact to Boehringer
Ingelheim is certainly an added bonus. As for Vienna, the cultural
spectrum it offers is hard to beat. At the same time, I find it less hectic
and less crowded than other cities of comparable size. What really strikes
my family and me is how clean and safe the city is. I hope it stays that way.”
Antoine Peters, Netherlands
(Postdoc in Thomas Jenuwein’s lab)
9Postdoc impressions