DR LINDA ARMBRECHT

Postdoctoral Research Associate, Australian Centre for Ancient DNA (ACAD), The University of Adelaide, Australia.

What is your current role?

I am an Australian Research Council (ARC) postdoctoral research associate at the Australian Centre for Ancient DNA (ACAD).

What has your career path been like?

I have had a rather unconventional career path, as I did not start studying until four years after finishing school. Instead I completed a professional education as a medical assistant in a paediatric surgery practice, and several internships in the veterinary science field including an extremely exciting opportunity working with the ‘Big Five’ in South Africa for six months. These unique experiences played a vital role in developing my hunger for a career in science, in which I can combine my passion for working with organisms, exploring planet Earth and contribute to preserve it. I started to study biology (University of Osnabrueck, Germany), then specialised in marine biology (University of Bremen, Germany), followed by a PhD in Biological Oceanography (Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia). My enthusiasm about the Antarctic environment and long-term geological records, lead me to my post-doctoral research in which I use micropaleontological as well as genetic techniques to investigate past ecosystems and climate (Endeavour Fellowship, Paris, France; Postdoc at ACAD). My diverse networks transitioned me through various disciplines,collaborating with some great people and world-leaders, while Iearning a multitude of techniques. All these experiences have been the foundations that has allowed me to pursue a unique career in an area of research that I am truly passionate about: ancient DNA in seafloor to reconstruct past marine communities and ecosystems.

“What’s the best advice anyone has ever given you?
”You can learn something from everyone!”

What do you enjoy most about your research?

I most enjoy the field work and the ‘detective work’ that is involved in research. My field trips have brought me to the most amazing places on Earth, including three Antarctic expeditions in the last three years. During these lengthy expeditions everyone is dedicated to achieving big science where spirits are always high due to the excitement of discovery. It’s an excellent work environment. I also enjoy solving the riddles that the data we generate provides us with, finding out why it is the way it is and what it all means is one of the most interesting tasks in my research.

What does a typical day of work involve for you?

Typical days usually include lab-work, data analysis and paper and grant-writing. Untypical but still frequent days include the most fascinating fieldwork, and travel to and participating in conferences and workshops.

What advice would you give someone starting out in the same field?

Look out for opportunities, participate in training programs and summer schools, gain experience overseas, and build your network early. And always take good notes!

Is there anything you find difficult/challenging? If so, how do you deal with this, is there any advice you have for someone in a similar position?

It’s a good idea to always have an open ear for other and new opinions. Sometimes that can be daunting but it’s important to be pragmatic, reassess and find the best solutions possible to any given research question.

Where are you hoping to end up in your career?

I hope I’ll have my own research group in the field of marine sedimentary ancient DNA one day and infuse the next generation of scientists with my enthusiasm about this fields and how much we can learn from it.

If you’d like to find out more about Linda’s research check out this video about her work on a recent expedition to the east of the Antarctic Peninsular.