We Help Life Science Academics Build Careers in German Industry
We’re not a generic career coaching service. We solve one specific problem, for one specific person: a life science PhD or Postdoc who wants to build a career in German industry but doesn’t know how to make that translation.
Why BeyondAcademia Exists
BeyondAcademia started because Lira Nigmatullina lived the exact problem her clients now bring to her. Born in Russia, she completed a PhD in Molecular Biology at the University of Mainz — and faced the same rejections and uncertainty her clients describe. Through resilience and deliberate strategy-building, she transitioned into a successful career in industry, including managerial and hiring responsibilities.
That’s not just Lira’s perspective, though — it’s true of the whole team. Every coach at BeyondAcademia has been involved in hiring in German industry, alongside having made their own transition from academia. Whoever you work with, you’re getting both perspectives — never just theory from one person’s experience.
Meet the Team
Lira Nigmatullina, PhD - Founder & Coach
From academic labs to IT consulting, AI/ML startup, and biotech leadership roles — Lira has made the transition from academia herself and guided 100+ PhD career journeys. Until recently she was a product manager in an international biotech company and deeply understands the obstacles (and solutions!) unique to PhD-level job applicants.
Tobias Kartje, MBA - Founder & Coach
Founder of BeyondAcademia and former hiring manager with 12+ years of job experience in German industry, who has seen PhD applications from ‘the other side.’ He reveals what actually happens after you hit the ‘apply’ button — insider knowledge you can use to your advantage.
Valentin Hammoudi, PhD - Career Coach
Valentin holds a PhD in molecular biology and spent over a decade in life-science research before making his own transition beyond academia — through entrepreneurship, science communication, and roles in government and industry. A TEDx Berlin speaker and published author, he’s especially skilled at helping scientists recognize their skills and values, and find a career path that actually fits them.
What Makes This Different
- Life science specialization. We don't coach generalists into generic jobs. We translate scientific backgrounds into biotech, pharma, and consulting roles — that's the only thing we do.
- Germany-specific expertise. We know the German job market, the hiring culture, and where the hidden job market actually lives — because most roles never get posted.
- Every coach, both perspectives. Whoever you work with, they've made the transition themselves and sat on the hiring side of a German company. You're never getting theory from one person's experience.
- AVGS-certified. We're officially approved by Agentur für Arbeit and Jobcenter — unemployed PhDs in Germany can access coaching at zero cost, voucher-funded.