Scientist and manager Amanda Young develops applications for next-generation sequencing at Illumina. She talks about how careers in product development broadly impact the scientific community and how you can tailor your skills to land a job.

In the Decoding Life series, we talk to geneticists with diverse career paths, tracing the many directions possible after research training. This series is brought to you by the GSA Early Career Scientist Career Development Subcommittee.

Amanda Young completed her PhD in biology at MIT with Phil Sharp as part of a group that was developing methods for building sequencing libraries from RNA. She did a short postdoc at the Salk Institute before deciding to transition into industry—a choice that felt like a big risk at the time. Now, she leads a team of scientists at Illumina who develop applications for next-generation sequencing in microbiology and infectious disease. She hopes other scientists will consider careers in the dynamic product development industry.

What experiences led you to your current position?

The company Solexa launched the first next-generation sequencing instrument, called the Genome Analyzer, while I was working on my PhD. The instrument was revolutionary in its throughput and workflow, offering short reads that were great for studying microRNAs, and I was part of the group effort at MIT that developed the methods for it. I loved being part of a team of grad students and postdocs doing collaborative work.

Following my PhD, I moved to San Diego and did a postdoc at the Salk Institute for one year. At the time, it felt like conventional wisdom that having a postdoc was important to getting an industry position without closing the door to other career paths. As I started my postdoc, I thought I would be excited to work on a new project. Instead, I realized that what I truly loved was developing new technologies, as I did during my PhD. Around the time of my realization, Illumina had acquired Solexa and was rapidly advancing the technology for next-generation sequencing. I leveraged the skills I developed during my PhD training to obtain a position at Illumina.

What do your days look like in your position at Illumina?

At Illumina, I lead a team of scientists while also working closely with our sales and marketing teams. My work with the marketing team focuses on strategic planning, and we work to decide where we want to be in the next three to five years. I also lead collaborations with our customers, including academic and government labs and other companies. I attend conferences to hear about the latest research, learn how customers are using our technology, and give talks at seminars or workshops. I’m a pretty social person, so I feel like my best science is done when I get to work with other highly motivated and creative scientists. When I joined Illumina, I was really happy to see that collaboration is one of the core values of the company.

What’s unique about my role now is that I have a lot of opportunities to contribute to new and different projects, technologies, and fields. In academia, sometimes you get set in a field and then you’re in that field for decades, diving deep into a single subject. In my time with Illumina, I’ve been part of our oncology, forensics, and microbiology groups. I love the new challenges of working in different fields and being able to develop a broad understanding of biology.

What excites you about your career at Illumina?

Young while hiking on the Big Island in Hawaii with her oldest son.

People often think research in industry involves working for pharmaceutical companies to develop drugs. At Illumina, we like to call ourselves a tools provider: we make tools and instruments that bench scientists use. The companies that provide bench scientists with reagents and equipment have teams of scientists that are working to develop products, and really cool science happens as part of product development. I didn’t anticipate how exciting my career would be, but being involved in product development allows you to impact research scientists by developing tools they can use in the lab.

What advice do you have for people interested in pursuing a research career in industry?

People who want to pursue research positions in industry should start looking into companies that are doing things that match their skills and interests. Hiring in industry is very skill-set driven, so it’s important to look at the skill sets and expertise required for available positions. Job descriptions will help you understand what skills are valuable in the market, and you can start tailoring the experiences and expertise you’re gaining during your PhD or postdoc to those skills. That may lead you to take your project in a slightly different direction, strike up a collaboration, or take a course to help boost your skills in a specific area. It’s important to think about how your skills translate—and to highlight those skills as you start to apply to jobs.

How has mentorship influenced your career?

My PhD advisor Phil Sharp is a brilliant scientist, but he also has a head for business. I learned from him that you can be a scientist and do business with honesty and integrity; those things aren’t mutually exclusive. At Illumina, my mentors have helped me develop my managerial skills and business acumen. One of our senior leaders once mentioned to me the idea of having a personal board of directors. You benefit from having multiple mentors, and for me, some of the people on my “board” are my superiors, who are in roles that I aspire to. Peers and team members also give me a lot of great advice and feedback about being a manager and leader. In addition to scientists, I think having people that are outside your own field can provide perspectives that help you grow in different directions.

What experiences outside of your scientific training have had the greatest impact on your career?

As a mom of two boys, I’ve learned from them to be more flexible and open-minded. My horizons have been greatly expanded by their interests that are different than mine and by their distinct personalities. The business environment at Illumina changes rapidly; there are always new projects, and we might have to shift into a different direction on short notice. In fast-paced environments, being flexible and having an open mind is very important for success. I imagine that applies at other companies as well, and I think that bringing my parenting skills in to my day job really helps.

About the author:

Photo of Dina BeelerDina Beeler is a liaison on the Early Career Scientist Career Development Committee and a PhD candidate at the University of Illinois at Chicago. She is committed to helping other scientists realize and achieve their career goals.

Learn more about the GSA’s Early Career Scientist Leadership Program.

, , , ,

Graduate student and postdoctoral leaders from the Early Career Scientist Committees of the GSA.

View all posts by Early Career Scientist Committees »

Read more in

  • Thank you, GSA community!

    Thank you for being a member of the Genetics Society of America! As GSA’s current president, I am writing to tell you about Society projects and initiatives that we hope you will find useful in advancing your science and your career. Scientific research is a collaborative and exciting endeavor. Scientific societies like GSA exist to…

  • Collage of 2021 Rosalind Franklin Award recipients

    Where are they now? Rosalind Franklin Young Investigator Award recipients share updates on their research

    Rosalind Franklin Young Investigator Award applications are open–make sure you submit your application or nomination of a colleague by September 30, 2024.

  • University of Minnesota researchers map genome of the last living wild horse species

    The study, published in G3: Genes|Genomes|Genetics, is part of larger conservation efforts to save Przewalski’s horse.

  • Congratulations to the Spring 2024 DeLill Nasser Awardees!

    GSA is pleased to announce the recipients of the DeLill Nasser Award for Professional Development in Genetics for Spring 2024! Given twice a year to graduate students and postdoctoral researchers, DeLill Nasser Awards support attendance at meetings and laboratory courses. The award is named in honor of DeLill Nasser, a long-time GSA supporter and National Science Foundation…

  • Carolyn Damilola headshot

    Carolyn Damilola: an NFS Rising Scientist on a lifelong quest to learn more

    Carolyn Damilola is an NFS Rising Scientist from Nigeria doing respiratory system research and paving the way for scientists from underrepresented communities through mentorship.

  • Text over a blue background image: Apply for up to $2,000 for your project from the Starter Culture Microgrant Program.

    What does a good microgrant proposal look like?

    Members of the Microgrant Review Committee share their tips for a successful proposal.

  • A blurred image of a human face is shown against a dark background.

    The first piece of the facial recognition puzzle

    New research in GENETICS gives a first peek at the molecular pathway involved in recognizing faces.

  • New Senior Editor Amy MacQueen joins GENETICS

    A new senior editor is joining GENETICS in the Genome Integrity and Transmission section. We’re excited to welcome Amy MacQueen to the editorial team.

  • Close up of an adult zebrafish with blue and white stripes in an aquarium with red lighting.

    Block party on the zebrafish sex chromosome

    Research in G3 identifies a gene regulatory block of the zebrafish genome responsible for overseeing the maternal-to-zygotic-transition.

  • Lemna Minor, the common duckweed

    Unraveling the mysteries of duckweed: epigenetic insights from Spirodela polyrhiza

    Research published in G3 offers insight into the impact of DNA methylation on clonal propagation in asexually reproducing plants.

  • Luciano Marraffini headshot

    A microbiologist’s quest to understand CRISPR in bacterial self-defense

    2024 Genetics Society of America Medal recipient Luciano Marraffini determined how CRISPR-Cas systems destroy genetic targets with precision, paving the way for gene editing technology development.

  • Elaine Ostrander headshot

    Unlocking mysteries of trait and disease heritability in dogs

    2024 Edward Novitski Prize recipient Elaine Ostrander, a pioneer of the domestic dog model, discovered numerous genes affecting dog size, morphology, behavior, and disease susceptibility—many of which have relevance in humans.

  • NSF-funded BIO-LEAPS Grant to Support Culture Change in Genetics

    GSA and collaborators Personal Genetics Education & Dialogue and Reclaiming STEM Institute launch NSF-funded BIO-LEAPS project to support culture change in genetics 

    We are thrilled to announce that the Genetics Society of America (GSA) is collaborating with the Personal Genetics Education & Dialogue (PGED) based in the Department of Genetics at Harvard Medical School, and the Reclaiming STEM Institute (RSI) on a Leading Culture Change Through Professional Societies of Biology (BIO-LEAPS) grant from the U.S. National Science…

  • Daman Saluja: Navigating Science and Policy in India

    In the Paths to Science Policy series, we talk to individuals who have a passion for science policy and are active in advocacy through their various roles and careers. The series aims to inform and guide early career scientists interested in science policy. This series is brought to you by the GSA Early Care­er Scientist…

  • Deborah Andrew headshot

    A fly geneticist’s journey into discovering rules of organ development

    2024 George W. Beadle Award recipient Deborah Andrew discovered new genes and pathways in Drosophila salivary gland organogenesis. Now, her work can help optimize cell secretion in therapeutic applications and fight malaria.

  • Małgorzata Gazda's headshot

    Małgorzata Gazda: How receiving the DeLill Nasser Award helped her land her dream job

    Have you ever experienced an event that changes the course of your life, or in this case, your career? Małgorzata (Gosia) Gazda is Assistant Professor at the University of Montreal and in 2022, she received the DeLill Nasser Award for Professional Development in Genetics, which she used to attend and present at the 2022 Population,…

  • Hongyu Zhao joins GENETICS as new Senior Editor

    A new senior editor is joining GENETICS in the Statistical Genetics and Genomics section. We’re excited to welcome Hongyu Zhao to the editorial team.

  • Julio Molina Pineda at TAGC 2024

    GSA Member Julio Molina Pineda Receives DeLill Nasser Award, Shines at TAGC 2024 

    “At any career stage, the GSA membership is an amazing investment for any genetics professional!” Julio Molina Pineda is a PhD Candidate in Cell and Molecular Biology and a Research Assistant at the University of Arkansas, and a Doctoral Academy Fellow at the Lewis Lab. In 2023, Julio was awarded the DeLill Nasser Award for…

  • Ed Grell at his dissecting microscope using ether to anesthetize his flies.

    In Memoriam: Ellsworth Herman Grell (1932–2023), a pioneer of Drosophila genome engineering and annotation

    Ellsworth (Ed) Grell blessed the Drosophila community through three enduring legacies: as a pioneer of chromosome mechanics, as a primary organizer and synthesizer of genetic knowledge in Drosophila, and as a graceful mentor to those fortunate to have known him personally. Ed grew up in rural Nebraska, completed his undergraduate studies at Iowa State, and…

  • Congratulations to the #Fungal24 Poster Award winners!

    We are pleased to announce the recipients of the GSA Poster Awards for posters presented at the 32nd Fungal Genetics Conference! Undergraduate and graduate student members of GSA were eligible for the awards, and a hard-working team of judges made the determinations. Congratulations to all! Felicia Ebot Ojong, The University of Georgia My research is focused…

  • Poster presentation tips for TAGC 2024

    You’ve been selected to present a poster at The Allied Genetics Conference 2024 in March—you’ve celebrated, made plans to attend, now what? This is an exciting opportunity to showcase your research and engage with fellow members of the genetics community, so you want to make sure you’re prepared. We wanted to offer you some tips…

  • Maximize your TAGC 2024 experience 

    A guide to all that National Harbor & DC have to offer Are you joining us for The Allied Genetics Conference 2024 in March? Make the most of your #TAGC24 experience in National Harbor! We know the science will keep you busy, but you deserve to unwind and have some fun, so we’ve curated a…

  • Early Career Leadership Spotlight: Sarah Petrosky

    We’re taking time to get to know the members of the GSA’s Early Career Scientist Committees. Join us to learn more about our early career scientist advocates. Sarah PetroskyMultimedia SubcommitteeUniversity of Pittsburgh Research Interest I am interested in understanding adaptation that has been happening recently in populations by dissecting the ways that genes underlying an adaptation…

  • TAGC 2024 Early Career Award Winners

    GSA is pleased to announce the winners of the early career awards presented at The Allied Genetics Conference 2024. These awards are specific to particular TAGC communities and recognize early career scientists’ outstanding work on their respective research organisms. The awardees will present their talks in keynote sessions at TAGC 2024.  Don’t miss the opportunity…

  • Preeminent geneticists recognized with revamped GSA Awards

    In 2022, GSA’s Board of Directors launched an audit to review the five major awards conferred by the Society. Today, we are thrilled to announce the recipients of the reimagined GSA Awards, including the new Genetics Society of America Early Career Medal. The scientists honored this year are recognized by their peers for their outstanding…

  • Fly Board funds outreach programs to spread the word about Drosophila research

    In 2020, the Fly Board voted to use part of its reserve fund to support efforts to increase trainee participation as well as equity and diversity in the Drosophila community. An awards committee decides how the money will be spent each year, and from 2020–2022, the committee posted a very broad call for applications from…

  • New members of the GSA Board of Directors: 2024–2026

    We are pleased to announce the election of four new leaders to the GSA Board of Directors: 2024 Vice President/2025 President Brenda Andrews Professor, University of Toronto It’s an honor to continue my association with the Society by serving as Vice President of the Board of Directors. I have broad knowledge of the ongoing activities…

  • A tail of three regulatory elements: insights into the structure of C. elegans Raf/LIN-25

    A new paper in GENETICS shows the distal tail segment Raf/LIN-45 downregulates signaling and models its function in other Raf proteins.

  • New members of the GSA Board of Directors: 2025–2027

    We are pleased to announce the election of six new leaders to the GSA Board of Directors: 2025 Vice President/2026 President Cassandra Extavour Timken Professor of Organismic & Evolutionary Biology and of Molecular & Cellular Biology, Harvard University, and Howard Hughes Medical Institute Investigator “Read this,” he said, “it will change your life.” My undergraduate…

  • Congratulations, Spring 2025 Victoria Finnerty Travel Award recipients!

    The Victoria Finnerty Undergraduate Travel Award supports conference-attendance costs for undergraduate GSA members who are presenting research at the Annual Drosophila Research Conference. #Dros25 will be held in San Diego, CA from March 19–23, 2025. Victoria Finnerty, who died in February 2011, was a long-time member of the Genetics Society of America and served the Drosophila community and the genetics community at large in…