About
Tara Huber, PhD
“Scientific training nurtures curiosity, problem-solving, creativity and a willingness to chase the unknown. These and other skills garnered during our training are very much needed in the world.”
Hi I’m Tara Huber, PhD — I help scientifically-trained professionals get unstuck in their careers and move confidently into what is next in their career and life.
It breaks my heart when highly-skilled people struggle in their jobs and wonder what to do next. Being aware that things need to change is one thing but moving forward to what is next in their careers or how to overcome work challenges, is another. Is that you? I would love to help you see possibility and experience more of what you are capable of.
Before becoming a coach for scientists, I spent over 20 years in scientific research and administration including working with scientific talent, operations and outreach in the US and Singapore. It is through navigating my own journey of career change and greater personal alignment, and seeing what researchers at different career stages experience, that has driven me to become a coach.
My Story
I fell in love with science in secondary school, particularly with biology. Growing up in Singapore, I had field trips to Malaysia to study the tropical ecosystem. This led to focusing on biology, chemistry and maths and onto a BA in Biological Sciences. I believed getting a PhD was the best way to continue to engage in the work I loved.
I earned a PhD in developmental biology and did a postdoctoral fellowship in stem cell biology. I was fascinated by how cell fate was determined. This is part of a theme in my life. I’m attracted to understanding how something develops, whether it's a cell, people or culture. In 2007 I started as an independent scientist at the Genome Institute of Singapore. During my training I made strategic choices for mentors and had a good “pedigree” but once a Principal Investigator (PI) I gradually realized it was no longer what I wanted to be. When I look back there were clues.
Pivot off the bench
I had demonstrated an interest in outreach, advising graduate students and was already in charge of Academic Affairs at the Institute, Realizing that I was more interested in helping the organization then running my own research group, I transitioned into research administration which broadened my perspective and experience, ingrained a deep desire to create an environment supportive of talent development, and served as a catalyst for coaching and mentoring. I enjoyed designing and managing events like retreats, advisory board meetings, mentorship programs and tours that profiled our science and supported scientific talent.
Sailing into the open seas
In 2018 with a desire to focus more on supporting scientific talent development and performance I founded Huber Coaching and stepped into a new adventure. My clients include individuals with PhDs at various stages of their career based in Singapore and beyond. My desire is to see coaching become a mainstream industry supporting scientific talent to bring their fullest potential to their careers, navigate changing environments and love what they do.
Get in touch if you are interested in working with me on what is next in your career.
Training
PhD, Harvard University. Boston, USA
Dr Leonard Zon (Hematopoietic commitment in Xenopus laevis)
Postdoctoral Fellowship, Mount Sinai School of Medicine. New York, USA
Dr Gordon Keller. (Embryonic stages of hematopoiesis using the mouse and embryonic stem cell system)
Coaching Mastery Certificate Program, Creative Results Management
Associate Certified Coach (ACC), International Coach Federation
Book your free Discovery Call right now