From PhD to Lead Data Scientist

Simon Bastide, a Lead Data Scientist at Ergosante, shares how he went from a PhD in Kinesiology and Neuroscience to a career in data science for wearable robotics.

👔 The Job 👔

Simon Bastide is the Lead Data Scientist at Ergosante, a company based in Anduze, France that develops wearable exoskeletons to support human movement.

His role is deeply interdisciplinary — spanning data analysis, motion capture, video-based tracking, and biomechanical consulting. He manages projects that measure how exoskeletons impact human movement and advises engineering teams to improve product design.

His day-to-day blends technical work with creativity and collaboration, and it’s all based in a picturesque region of southern France.

Best parts of the job:

• The people and the pace: Simon enjoys working with a diverse team, learning new skills daily, and solving real-world problems within resource constraints.

• Feeling trusted: He values the autonomy and recognition he gets in his role, which enables him to think and act with confidence.

• The setting: “I appreciate the beautiful location in France where I work, providing a wonderful environment to live and work”

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🛣️ The Path 🛣️

Simon’s career journey wasn’t linear — but it was driven by curiosity and a strong sense of what he wanted. After a detour into a different industry, he returned to his biomechanical roots through persistence and creative outreach.

Key steps in his career journey:

• PhD graduate ➡️ Data Engineer in aeronautics ➡️ Freelance data consultant ➡️ Lead Data Scientist at Ergosante

He landed his current role after reaching out to the CEO of Ergosante — proof that sometimes, making the first move pays off.

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🧠 The Decision 🧠

Simon never felt drawn to the traditional academic path, with its long postdoc timeline, relocations, and limited salary growth (especially in France).

Instead, he found himself energized by applying his skills in practical ways — building tools, analyzing real-world data, and working closely with cross-functional teams. Industry offered the pace, flexibility, and impact he was looking for.

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💡 The Advice 💡

1. Communicate your value:
   PhDs often have the skills needed for industry — they just need to present them the right way. Learn to speak the language of employers.

2. Stay connected to academia:
   Maintaining strong academic relationships can open doors to future partnerships and collaborative projects, even once you’ve left.

3. Adjust your mindset:
   Industry moves fast. You’ll need to prioritize pragmatism, meet tight deadlines, and find satisfaction in delivering good work under real-world constraints.

BONUS TIP: Make yourself visible. Whether it’s LinkedIn, a portfolio website, or GitHub — your online presence matters.

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🔑 The Takeaway 🔑

Simon used his technical expertise, his adaptability, and a “lifelong learner” mindset to shape a fulfilling career in a field he cares deeply about.

Whether you’re building exoskeletons or analyzing data, sometimes the best path forward is the one you’re passionate and curious about.