Ask the headhunter

A.R asks:

For the past five years, I’ve served as the head of R&D for advanced technologies at a leading US manufacturer of scientific instruments for molecular and materials research. Prior to this role, my career was rooted in academia. After earning my PhD in biophysics, I worked in the US, Germany, the UK and Switzerland at top universities and research institutes as a researcher, project leader, group leader and professor. I continue to hold extraordinary professorships at two universities and have received numerous honors. My contributions have led to breakthroughs in interdisciplinary cancer research, membrane proteins and nanomaterials.

Shortly before I assumed my current position, my company acquired an innovative startup that aligned with my department. This acquisition was a significant factor in my decision to accept the role. Although the research focus is in Europe, the department has been expanding more rapidly in the US in recent years. Consequently, I have limited oversight, which contradicts the promises and future plans made when I took the job. To perform my duties effectively, I’d need to relocate to the US. This has led me to begin exploring new opportunities.

I’m interested in any position within my field and don’t rule out international relocation. My children are grown up and my husband, a surgeon, can work in hospitals worldwide. I have fond memories of my time in Boston and am open to opportunities in the US. Recently, I interviewed for an interesting management position at a large chip machine company, but unfortunately, they chose another candidate. I could use some assistance in my job search.

The headhunter answers:

A headhunter can certainly guide you through the job market, but it sounds like you might benefit more from an outplacement counselor. Outplacement services support you in finding a new position and include career counseling, resume writing assistance, interview coaching, job search strategies and training or education programs.

Outplacement agencies often offer customized support tailored to your needs in your specialized field. A key feature of these agencies is their network within the industry – in your case, the entire field of instrumentation and life sciences. Leveraging this network can help you find new opportunities and make valuable contacts. Specialized headhunters can also help you expand your network. Given your openness to international relocation, I’d recommend an international headhunting agency.

Career coaching, though less distinctive, is equally important. A specialized coach can help identify your strengths, explore new career paths and develop a strategy for your next career step. This service seems particularly useful for you, as I have some questions about your decision to leave your current job. Since you’re open to migrating to the US, why not consider doing so with your current company? Additionally, your real motivation for seeking a new position is still unclear to me. I also don’t quite understand why you applied to a large manufacturer of chip machines, as that company isn’t in the field of biophysics or life sciences at all.