Since early 2016, I am a Science and Technology Manager in the team of Prof Cristina Silva Pereira at ITQB-NOVA. I hold a BSc in Biology from Lusófona University, and a MSc in Human Molecular Biology and a PhD in Plant Developmental Biology (2015) from Faculty of Sciences of the University of Lisbon. I have great experience in cellular and molecular biology, with extensive technical skills to handle mammalian, plant and fungal cells, and autonomy to undertake diverse molecular genetic techniques. My work is published in international peer-review articles, including publications in high-impact journals (Nature Comm, New Phytol). As a lab manager I kept on developing technical skills with wide applicability in life-sciences, as well as key transferable skills. In the last five years I gained great expertise in research management and administration, while keeping research in fungal biology and genetics on-going. Importantly, I am directly involved in the communication with key stakeholders on a regular basis to guarantee proper implementation and execution of ongoing projects, funded by both national and international research funding schemes (e.g. FCT, ERC-Co and FET Open grants). Although still uncommon in a national context, permanent staff scientists can provide a valuable memory in research teams, where many members are only around for a few years.