From OLED to Recycling

In this episode of yPC KarriereRadio, we sit down with physical chemist Ramona Thalinger to explore what it really means to build a career at the interface of science and business. After completing her PhD in physical chemistry, she worked in industrial research and development — before realizing the need to bridge the gap between technical expertise and strategic decision-making.Tune in for an insider’s perspective on life as a physical chemist in the corporate world, why learning the language of the C-suite matters, and how an MBA can open new pathways beyond the lab. 

What makes a great scientific article? In this episode of yPC KarriereRadio, we sit down with Christiane Brox and Vanessa Vethacke, publishers at Springer Nature, to explore this question and much more. Together, they offer a behind-the-scenes look at how the publishing landscape is evolving—driven by digital transformation, artificial intelligence, and a growing demand for transparency and integrity.Tune in for a thoughtful conversation about the future of publishing, the importance of scientific integrity, and how AI is both a disruptor and an opportunity in scholarly communication.

What do extreme mountain climbing and an academic career have in common? This and more will be explored in this episode of yPC KarriereRadio, where we’re joined by Maren Podewitz, Professor for Theoretical Chemistry at TU Vienna. After earning her PhD at ETH Zurich and completing a postdoc at UCLA, Maren stepped outside academia to work in an insurance company before ultimately returning to academia as a professor. We’ll discuss her groundbreaking research, her non-linear career path, and the questions HR asked her when she applied for a role as a risk manager. Tune in for an insightful conversation on career growth and personal development!

In der neuen Folge von yPC KarriereRadio sprechen wir mit Prof. Stefan Schramm über faszinierende Lichtphänomene – von leuchtenden Glühwürmchen bis hin zu innovativen Technologien. Ganz im Sinne des Podcasts werfen wir dabei auch einen Blick auf seinen Karriereweg: von seiner Zeit als Postdoc in Abu Dhabi über Stationen bei Merck und BASF bis hin zu seiner Professur an der HTW Dresden. Ein inspirierender Start ins neue Jahr voller spannender Einblicke!

“Chat GPT and Protein Design” – that is the title of Tobias Beck's contribution to the Trend Report for Physical Chemistry 2024 published in “Nachrichten aus der Chemie”. In this episode of KarriereRadio, we interview Tobias Beck, professor at the Institute of Physical Chemistry at the University of Hamburg, about his groundbreaking work on protein-based nanomaterials. We also discuss his Trend Report, exploring the fascinating intersection of artificial intelligence and protein design. This episode was recorded prior to the announcement of this year’s Nobel Prizes in Physics and Chemistry, where the pivotal role of machine learning and AI was particularly recognized. If you're intrigued by cutting-edge research at the crossroads of chemistry and AI, you won't want to miss this episode!

"Hey Chat GPT, please suggest a nice intro for our latest yPC KarriereRadio episode on AI in Physical Chemistry." "Absolutely!" Prompts like these have seamlessly integrated into our daily routines and the role of AI keeps on growing—also for us young physical chemists. In today’s episode, we sit down with Hannes Kraml, a theoretical chemist working in pharmaceutical industry, to explore how AI is transforming molecular modelling and drug discovery. We will delve into the opportunities AI presents, as well as the challenges and pitfalls that come with it. So, tune in for a fascinating conversation about AI and its impact on the future of chemistry!  

"Time-Resolved Spectroscopy of Molecular Photochemistry" – that is the title of Daniel Keefer's contribution to the Trend Reports for Physical Chemistry 2024 in the magazine “Nachrichten aus der Chemie”. In this episode of KarriereRadio, we interview our guest Daniel Keefer, currently a group leader at the MPI in Mainz. We discuss his current research, gain insights into his early-career phase, and learn more about the aforementioned article. If theoretical photochemistry, light pulses, and spectroscopy interest you, you will definitely enjoy this episode!

"⁠New Materials for Colloidal Nanochemistry⁠“ – that is the title of Klaus Boldt’s contribution to the Trend Reports for Physical Chemistry 2024 in the magazine “Nachrichten aus der Chemie”. In this episode of KarriereRadio, we interview our guest Klaus Boldt, currently a Heisenberg-Professor in Rostock, and discuss with him his current research, some insights on what it is to be a PI in physical chemistry, and gain some more insights about the abovementioned article. If photocatalytic reactions and nanoparticles are of interest to you, or if you want to gain insights into potential open positions, you will definitely enjoy this episode!

What's it really like to build a career within a large corporation? In this episode of KarriereRadio, we explore the unique advantages and challenges that come with it! Our guest Hannah Mangold will share her personal experiences and key moments that have shaped her career at BASF. After working on OLED materials and then switching to product development for displays and lighting, Hannah Mangold is now team lead in polymer recycling at the company’s city-like location in Ludwigshafen. Join us as we dive deep into her daily work life at BASF and gain valuable insights into what qualities she as a team lead is looking for in new applicants.

Was die Jobsuche mit Dating gemeinsam hat? Das fragt sich heute unsere Moderatorin Christina Tonauer mit ihrem Gast Tobias Gasser in der dritten Folge von KarriererRadio! Heute tauchen wir ein in den spannenden Werdegang des Physiko-Chemikers Tobias Gasser, der nach seiner Promotion in der Eisforschung nun als Forschungs- und Entwicklungsmanager beim Umwelttechnikunternehmen Scheuch tätig ist. In dieser Episode erfahren wir mehr darüber, wie es ist, als Neuling in der Industrie anzufangen und sich nach Jahren in der Grundlagenforschung an der Universität in die Forschungs- und Entwicklungsarbeit in einem industriellen Umfeld einzufinden. Begleitet uns, während Tobias Gasser Einblicke in die Herausforderungen und Erfolge seiner Transition von der Hochschule in die Industrie teilt.