Dual Careers, Global Mobility & Scientific Life with Prof Jessica Cauchard and Dr Michael Levant

In this episode of EURAXESS Smart Talks we speak with a remarkable dual-career academic couple: Dr. Michael Levant, a physical chemistry and microfluidics researcher at TotalEnergies, and Prof. Jessica Cauchard, Full Professor for Embodied Intelligent Interaction at TU Wien and a pioneer in human-drone interaction.Together, they share their deeply personal and highly practical journey across countries, disciplines, and career systems. From navigating the “two-body problem” to balancing family, mobility, professorship hiring cultures, and industrial vs. academic pressures, this conversation offers a rare look into what it takes to build two successful research careers while living abroad.This episode is a warm, insightful, and honest look at the human side of scientific careers.🔑 Key Topics CoveredCareer paths & research identitiesThe dual-career challenge (“two-body problem”) Navigating academic vs. industry positions across countries. Mobility experiences in different countries Cultural differences in higher education, research support, and hiring systems. TU Wien’s dual-career program How Jessica’s professorship offer emerged and how the program supported their move. Balancing parenthood with global career transitions Visa concerns, childcare access, and adjusting start dates. Industry vs. academia cultures Confidential research, publication pressure, KPIs, and expectations. Language learning, cultural integration & communication What makes academic life easier in a new country. Advice for early-career researchers on mobility Why leaving the comfort zone accelerates growth. Cross-disciplinarity within a dual-career household Unexpected synergies between microfluidics, HCI, robotics, and interaction design. ⏱️ Timestamps 01:31–04:00 — Research Backgrounds04:00–07:00 — Industry vs. Academia Pathways10:55–13:00 — Research Support & Mentoring Cultures13:00–16:00 — Finding two fulfilling positions, timing, relocation. 13:20–15:20 — TU Wien 15:40–17:00 — Becoming Parents While Relocating17:00–20:00 — First Impressions of Austria21:00–23:30 — Publish or Perish vs. Confidential R&D24:20–26:00 — Cross-Disciplinary Inspiration at Home29:30–31:00 — Language Skills & Adaptation30:30–33:00 — Advice for Early-Career Researchers33:00–35:00 — Cultural Differences in Confidence & Networking35:00 — Closing & CreditsSend us a message!