Dr. Jansen Sophie, PhD, Clin. Epid.
Clinical Division of Neonatology, Pediatric Intensive Care Medicine and Neuropediatrics, MedUni Vienna
Kinder- und Jugendheilkunde
Position: Neonatology
Research focus: Clinical neonatology; neonatal infectious diseases and sepsis; diagnostic biomarkers; antimicrobial stewardship; healthcare-associated infections and pathogen transmission; preterm infant medicine; clinical epidemiology
Group size: 5
Contact: sophie.jansen@meduniwien.ac.at
What I offer
I can offer personal mentoring throughout the PhD journey, including guidance on academic career development, research planning, scientific writing, publications, networking, work-life balance and navigating clinical and academic training. Diploma theses and clinical electives may be possible depending on current capacity. Patient contact and accompanying me on the ward or in the outpatient clinic may be possible by prior arrangement and subject to clinical requirements. I can also provide advice on research and clinical stays abroad, particularly in the Netherlands.
What I expect from the students
I would like this to be a relaxed and supportive space where students feel comfortable talking openly about their experiences, questions and uncertainties. There is no expectation to have everything figured out or to always know the next step. I simply hope that everyone brings some openness, curiosity and willingness to exchange ideas and support one another. It is important to me that the group feels respectful, encouraging and free of unnecessary pressure or competition. Most of all, I would like to avoid anyone feeling judged or feeling that they have to present a perfect version of themselves.
Time constraints for meetings
I am available to meet my mentees approximately every 3–4 weeks during the semester. Meetings will typically last around 60–90 minutes and will preferably take place on weekday afternoons. The exact dates and times can be arranged flexibly within the group. Meetings will most likely take place at MedUni Vienna/AKH, either in person at the Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine or online, depending on what works best for everyone.
What else I would like to say
I am a pediatric resident working in neonatology at the Medical University of Vienna/AKH, where I care for preterm and critically ill newborns and am involved in clinical research and teaching. My main interests are neonatal infections, sepsis, diagnostic biomarkers and infection prevention, but I also enjoy the broader questions that come with combining clinical work and research. Having trained and worked in both the Netherlands and Austria, I know that academic careers are rarely straightforward and that it can take time to find the right path. I would like to share practical experience with navigating a PhD, developing research ideas, writing and publishing, dealing with setbacks and balancing clinical work, research and life outside medicine. Most importantly, I hope to offer an approachable and supportive perspective and a space in which students can discuss questions or uncertainties openly.