Our partners are interested in attracting PSI's early career researchers, and we introduce scientists working at partner companies to showcase career perspectives. In today's post, meet Maria-Alexandra Paun, who did her PhD in Microelectronics and Microsystems at EPFL and is currently working at the Federal Office of Communications. She tells us how she managed the transition away from academia, and what she is working on now.
How did you find your job?
I have worked for more than 12 years in academia, teaching and doing innovative research including at Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne (EPFL) from which I received my PhD title in Microelectronics and Microsystems in 2013. In 2018, I attended the Forum EPFL, the largest recruitment fair in Europe, and learned about the opportunities at Federal Office of Communications (OFCOM).
Why did you choose OFCOM?
OFCOM provides for me a good mixture of engineering and legislative aspects regarding the telecommunications. The evaluation of conformity of radio equipment attracted me, as this is a very actual subject, with the increase of the number of wireless equipment and connected devices as part of the spreading of 5G/6G and IoT domain respectively.
What is your typical workday at OFCOM like?
A typical workday can comprise of work devoted to the evaluation of conformity of radio equipment (analyzing the formal and technical aspects), as well as measuring devices in our dedicated laboratory to see if the device fulfills the necessary technical standards. A day can also include meetings and other aspects of work related to different projects. I am responsible at OFCOM on aspects regarding conformity of drones. I also work in the revision of telecommunications ordinances, such as OOIT (OFCOM Ordinance on Telecommunications Equipment) and OOUS (OFCOM Ordinance on the use of the radio frequency spectrum) as well as answering questions to clients about the conformity of radio equipment. I was also a group leader for the preparation of the digitalization of OFCOM 2025. I am also part of the ETSI groups working on the standardisation of SRD (Short-Range Devices) norms in order to influence the measurability of the essential requirements and to acquire the necessary knowledge to be able to carry out measurements correctly on our premises in accordance with the relevant standard.
What do you particularly like about your job?
I enjoy working for the Swiss confederation in a section within the Federal Office of Communications which is the centre of competency for market access and conformity of telecommunications equipment and for the electromagnetic compatibility of electrical apparatus and installations. Verifying and ensuring the technical conformity of telecommunications equipment on the Swiss market are important objectives that can be achieved through my line of work.
How did you manage the transition to your new role? What was different, what was similar, or what surprised you?
By using my professional background of Diploma engineer with a PhD in Microelectronics having worked in academia in teaching and development of innovative projects, as well as by using my own knowledge resources, I quickly adapted to the new role. However, there are differences in the academic role and administrative role within the confederation and they are to be learned step by step by having the drive and gaining experience in the new field of work, surrounded by other dedicated colleagues and supervisors. Working within a multi-disciplinary team is also very important as close exchanges guarantee the good and efficient treatment of our tasks.
Which of the skills you acquired in academia/in research help you in your new role?
An organized and analytical approach to solving tasks, as well as a structural way of thinking and doing things. Listening to the other’s opinion, the team work as well as the interaction with the students while teaching are important qualities acquired and developed during my time in academia that helped me in my role. Always looking for innovative solutions and always wishing to be better than before are also important points that are taken over. The preparation for delivering laboratories, seminars and courses guided me also in my current preparation while working on different projects or on the day-to-day activities. My previous experience of extensive measurements in the laboratory which I did in the academia also helped me in the current measurements of radio equipment that I do at OFCOM. Having worked on research projects with industrial partners, knowing how to respond to very strict technical requirements and how to interact are transferrable skills that I use often in my field of work.
What did you learn after you moved from academia to OFCOM?
I learned a lot about the administrative tasks in the Swiss confederation, about the legislative aspects and using harmonized standards for the evaluation of radio equipment. I also learned in depth about the conditions for bringing radio equipment on the Swiss market. In my new role, I treat cases in four languages (German, French, Italian and English) and I have frequent communication with the clients.
Is there anything you miss now that you are no longer in academia?
Teaching courses, seminars and laboratories, the interaction with the students and simply being on campus are things from academia that I miss. I also miss working on innovative research projects, being principal investigator or working in teams, like I have done in the past. Also, I miss being able to write scientific publications in high impact factor technical journals and going to international conferences to present my work.
What advice would you give to younger researchers?
The path that leads you to your dream career must be addressed with hard work and good beliefs. Be confident in what you do, stay motivated and focused on what you want to achieve. Be curious, intuitive and see your role as being important in the bigger perspective of work environment. Know when to listen and when to act on your decisions. Also, never stop learning new things.