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Researchers and their journey to Denmark
Meet Ji Tomsovic
Ji Tomsovic wasn’t planning to move to Denmark when she met the A State of Denmark team at a career fair at MIT. At the time, she was building a strong career in biotech in the United States, beginning with a PhD in Mechanical Engineering at the Chinese University of Hong Kong and followed by a postdoctoral position at MIT.
But then things changed. In 2024, her daughter was born, and naturally, it shifted her priorities. Only building a promising research career wasn’t enough anymore and she and her partner decided that it was time to leave the US behind.
“We were looking at Switzerland, the Netherlands, and Denmark. Professionally, they’re all strong options. But this decision wasn’t just about career opportunities; it was about the full picture.”
Beyond the research opportunities, a strong social system and access to high-quality child and healthcare were the driving factors in Ji’s decision to move to Denmark. “It gave us peace of mind, this move is the right decision for our family”, she adds.
Katarzyna Dutkowska
Private
Where innovation meets everyday life
Ji and her family have only recently relocated to Copenhagen, but the differences in everyday life are already clear.
The city itself plays a role. It’s walkable, well-connected, and designed with people in mind. What stands out most to her is how child-friendly it is, something she hadn’t experienced to the same extent elsewhere.
“There are playgrounds everywhere, family-oriented public spaces, and even restaurants and shops designed for children.”
At the same time, she’s beginning to experience a different work culture. One that is built on trust, autonomy, and flat hierarchies. While she is still early in her transition, the structure suggests a more sustainable way of working.
DTU
Expanding beyond the lab
Ji’s career sits at the intersection of advanced research and commercialisation.
During her time at MIT, she contributed to the development of a breakthrough platform that maps an entire human brain hemisphere in 3D at subcellular resolution. She later moved into industry, taking on a leadership role in a biotech spin-off where she led R&D and product development of biomedical instruments used by research institutions.
Beyond infrastructure, she sees a system designed to move ideas forward. Strong funding bodies, efficient technology transfer, and close collaboration between academia and industry create conditions where innovation doesn’t stop at the lab.
“We were looking at Switzerland, the Netherlands, and Denmark. Professionally, they’re all strong options. But this decision wasn’t just about career opportunities; it was about the full picture.”
“We were looking at Switzerland, the Netherlands, and Denmark. Professionally, they’re all strong options. But this decision wasn’t just about career opportunities; it was about the full picture.”
Entering a new phase of impact
Now based in Denmark, Ji is focused on completing her MBA and preparing for the next step in her career. Her goal is to move into a leadership role in the Danish biotech industry, where she can bring together her experience in research, product development, and business development.
“As I go through my MBA at Copenhagen Business School, I see a clear opportunity to combine my technical background with business understanding and contribute to innovation in a more holistic way."
Ji isn’t only interested in developing new technologies, but in ensuring they reach the systems and people where they can create real impact. Denmark’s integrated approach to innovation supports exactly that.
“Career-wise, moving to Denmark isn’t just about continuing on the same path. It’s about expanding it.”
For Ji, Denmark offers something beyond professional opportunity: a framework where career, family, and long-term impact can evolve together.
DTU
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Feel inspired?
Do it like Ji and let your next
career move be in Denmark.
