September 15-19, 2025, is National Postdoc Appreciation Week. Since 2009, the National Postdoctoral Association (NPA) has sponsored this annual celebration to recognize the significant contributions that postdoctoral scholars make to research and scientific discovery. Check out the NPA website to view the virtual and in-person events being held this week. 

This week, BPS will be highlighting postdoc members on the blog. Today, read about Štěpánka Nedvědová, French National Centre for Scientific Research.

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Background & Inspiration 

1. Can you tell us a little about your background and what brought you to your current postdoc position? 

I study protein-protein interactions using biophysical methods, biochemistry, and bioinformatics. My journey to this position started with my PhD, which was a joint degree between France (UCBL1, Lyon) and the Czech Republic (CZU, Prague). During my thesis defense, one of the committee members—now my supervisor—was looking for a postdoc. Her research aligned perfectly with my interests, so I jumped at the chance to return to France and work with cutting-edge nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) equipment. Thanks to her, I’m now at one of France’s top high-field NMR centers, using some truly unique tools. 

2. What inspired you to pursue research in your field? 

I’ve always been fascinated by proteins. My career began in the food industry, then shifted to studying proteins in nematodes (C. elegans), and later human parasites (S. mansoni). When I got the chance to work on viral proteins—some of the most intriguing proteins out there—I didn’t hesitate. My curiosity drives me, and I’m endlessly captivated by high-tech analytical tools like NMR. The combination of solving complex biological puzzles and working with advanced equipment keeps me hooked. 

Daily Work & Routine 

3. What does a typical day look like for you as a postdoc? 

There’s no such thing as a “typical day” for me—it really depends on the project. I juggle multiple studies at different stages, so some days I’m in the lab from dawn to dusk expressing and purifying proteins. Other days, I’m glued to the NMR machine or parked at my computer analyzing data, reading, or writing. One constant? Coffee is non-negotiable! Every Monday, I tell myself, “This week will be calm,” and I’m almost always wrong. 

4. Do you have a favorite part of your daily routine—or a task you look forward to most? 

I love lab work—wet lab is still my favorite over computational biology. I get excited about trying new equipment or learning something completely new. I also enjoy the technical side of things, like tinkering with a machine to understand how it works or getting it to run smoothly. Those hands-on moments are the best. 

5. What’s one part of your day that people might find surprising or unexpected? 

My French colleagues are shocked that I don’t eat lunch between 11:30 AM and 2:00 PM—it’s practically a cultural sin! Also, I bike to work, so sometimes I’ll start bacterial cultures still in my cycling gear before heading to shower and change. The “lab coat over cycling jersey” look definitely raises some eyebrows. 

Research & Impact 

6. Can you briefly describe your research project and why it matters? 

My research focuses on the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and its RNA-dependent RNA polymerase, specifically how it interacts within its complex. RSV is a major global health concern, so we’re using a mix of bioinformatics, biochemistry, and biophysics to identify molecules that could combat it. There’s still no broad-spectrum antiviral, so understanding and targeting viral complexes like this could be a step toward life-saving therapies. 

7. What’s the most exciting discovery or moment you’ve had during your postdoc so far? 

It’s hard to pick one defining moment, but I get a thrill every time we find a molecule with strong binding affinity. Another highlight was seeing the structure of the protein cages I’m studying with a colleague using cryo-EM negative staining. It’s incredible to visualize such a unique protein system up close. 

Personal Touch 

8. How do you balance life in the lab with life outside of it? 

Honestly, balance is a work in progress. I’m living abroad alone, so my life revolves around work. To stay grounded, I try to exercise five times a week, call my family, and recently picked up painting to keep my creative side alive. A few times a year, I meet my boyfriend halfway between Prague and Paris in Germany, and I visit my family when I can. 

9. What hobbies or activities help you recharge after work? 

I’m usually wiped out after work, so I prefer morning workouts to start the day (cycling, boxing, …). In the evenings, I might call my boyfriend or family or spend time painting, which I’ve found surprisingly relaxing. 

10. Any fun lab quirks? 

I’m rarely without my headphones, and on good days when experiments are running smoothly, you might catch me dancing or singing in the lab—thankfully, I usually work alone! I don’t have specific rituals, but I love the sound of the helium compressor cooling the NMR probes—it’s like a cute little animal humming away. And liquid nitrogen? Always a crowd-pleaser! 

Advice & Future 

11. What advice would you give to someone just starting a postdoc? 

Take time to think about whether a postdoc is right for you. It might seem like the obvious next step after a PhD, but it’s worth reflecting on carefully. I’d also suggest researching your potential PI and lab environment before committing—culture matters. Most importantly, choose a topic that excites you; it makes the hard days easier. And don’t forget: you’re already doing amazing things, so believe in yourself! 

12. Where do you see yourself heading next in your career? 

After years in academia, I’m ready for a change. I’m looking to move into applied research, ideally working with proteins, tackling big challenges, and spending plenty of time in the lab. I’m open to the private sector and even considering starting my own company if the right idea comes along. While I haven’t entirely ruled out academia, it’s less appealing with each passing day. My PhD taught me not to overplan—life has a way of surprising you, and I’m hoping for a bit of luck to guide my next step.