Empowering research through balance: Dr. Stephen Knox Jones thrives in Vilnius

For many professionals in the U.S., the pursuit of a successful career often comes at the expense of personal well-being, with little room for breaks or balance. Stephen Knox Jones Jr., a biotechnology research group leader, experienced this firsthand. After years of feeling guilty for taking vacations and facing constant pressure to do more, Jones found a refreshing change when he moved to Lithuania.

 

 

“Growing up in New Hampshire, I never questioned the strenuous 16 years it would take me to pursue my passion for biotechnology,” says Jones. “I earned my PhD in Rhode Island and completed my postdoctoral research in Texas. Between those different career stages, I never took a vacation because I felt guilty about taking time off.”

 

The pace took its toll, but that changed when Jones moved to Europe. Now based in Lithuania, he leads a biotech research group at Vilnius University and has found a healthier work-life balance. “Here, people recognize the value of having time away from work for well-being — and now I don’t feel guilty anymore when I take time off,” he shares.

 

Jones’s decision to settle in Lithuania was influenced by his values, which aligned more closely with Vilnius’ emphasis on well-being and high-quality public services. His research in gene editing has flourished, thanks to the less stressful environment and the ability to focus more on science than on teaching, a flexibility not always available in academia abroad.

 

The move to Vilnius has allowed Jones to enhance the quality of his research while enjoying a balanced lifestyle. “Because I’m less stressed, I have some breathing room to make sure my research is going in the right direction and that my researchers have what they need, which helps us take our science to the next level,” he explains.

 

While there are some challenges, such as navigating bureaucracy for scientific equipment and finding certain products, Jones believes that, for now, Lithuania is the right place for him.

 

You can read more about his story in Business Insider’s new article: https://www.businessinsider.com/biotech-scientist-moved-from-us-to-europe-happier-less-stressed-2024-8