By Sabina Jašarević – programme officer Healthcare Efficiency Research at ZonMw
During my studies in Biomedical Sciences and a Master in Cancer, Stem Cells & Developmental Biology (Utrecht University) I always thought my future would lie in academia. I was considering a PhD in fundamental research, but I was doubting whether it would be the right fit for me. As fundamental research lays the fundaments for better healthcare and is truly important, the research was still very far from the patients and society, I was missing the bigger picture. I had a side job in clinical trials while I was looking for the next step in my career. I started to realize that I was more and more captured by the impact of science on society: how can we use scientific knowledge to directly improve healthcare? I was not fully ready to leave the research field, but soon I realized that I was looking for a job on the interface of science and society. With this knowledge I started my job search and I got on the tracks of ZonMw.
In 2023 I started working as a programme officer on the Healthcare Efficiency Research programme. As programme officer, I work at the core of the grant process, collaborating with an entire programme team, which I enjoy a lot. I organize grant rounds and assessment meetings, maintain contact with applicants and assessors, and monitor ongoing research projects. Several things are essential in the role of program secretary: the ability to maintain an overview, attention to detail and a strong sense of collaboration. I interact daily with colleagues both within and outside the organization and maintain regular contact with researchers and reviewers.
No two weeks are the same, yet there is always a structure. Weekly meetings are held on ongoing funding rounds, alongside tasks related to project monitoring and time allocated to carrying out assignments and other projects. Because the funding rounds are always at different stages, each week looks different. One week may be more focused on organizing an assessment meeting, while another may involve contributing to the development of new funding rounds.
Taking the leap and leaving academia has been a good choice for me. I can still use the research-related knowledge I gained during my studies, but also other skills I obtained, such as analytical thinking and structuring information. At the same time I’m learning a ton of new things and facing new challenges, for instance: I took a course on the ins and outs about the Dutch healthcare system, how healthcare efficiency research is carried out and how this knowledge is used to inform decisions in healthcare policy. But I’m also learning more practical things, like how to organize a large assessment meeting or how to efficiently organize processes. My newest challenge is writing a call for applications. This also brings a lot of responsibility, since at ZonMw we make use of public money: How can we write a call that results in good research proposals that support the development of future-proof healthcare?
When you’re looking for a job, I think what is most important is that you identify what you’re good at and what gives you energy. For me this was working on a topic that is important for society, putting my organisational skills into practice and working in an inspirational team that shares the same ideals and goals. With your strengths and your driving forces in mind, you will find a job that suits you, in- or outside academia.
About ZonMw
Working with knowledge to boost good health for all. That is what ZonMw is about.
ZonMw programs and fund research and innovation in health, healthcare and well-being, promote knowledge infrastructures and the use of knowledge developed. Together with partners, ZonMw identifies and underscores where knowledge is needed. Our main contractors are the Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport and the Dutch Research Council (NWO).
Are you looking for a job or want to learn more about the life science sector?
Then visit our career event: https://www.bcfcareer.nl/career-events
Our vacancy website:https://www.bcfcareer.nl/jobs
Or our website with more career articles: https://www.bcfcareer.nl/articles
