Many find it intriguing that a chemistry PhD researcher has transitioned into a career in software development.
Well, my academic career in chemistry was interesting to some degree but not totally fulfilling to me. A turning point came when I participated in a project that combined chemistry and machine learning, which sparked my interest to dive more into technology segment during my free time.
Within this interview you can find more about my career alternation and my professional and personal life.
I’m Petar Bibulić, and I’ve been a software engineer at Pixion for about a year. My focus is on backend development, primarily working with Node.js and SQL databases.
During my time here, I’ve had the opportunity to apply my knowledge of Python, data science, and machine learning, originally learned out of personal interest, into real-world projects. I’ve also grown my expertise in Django and other Python web frameworks, alongside full-stack technologies like React and Node.js.
The recruitment process at Pixion was seamless, consisting of just one interview to assess fit and a few live coding problems. Onboarding was conducted one-on-one, allowing plenty of opportunities to ask questions and clarify uncertainties, especially given the scale of the project.
I chose Pixion because I was drawn to their tech stack and saw it as an excellent opportunity to grow and refine my skills as a full stack developer.
Pixion offers flexible working hours, including work-from-home days, providing a great work-life balance. As a family man, balancing work and personal life is essential, and these flexible arrangements help me manage my responsibilities more effectively.
Additionally, their benefits include a comprehensive medical insurance policy with annual health check-ups to ensure employee well-being. I find it very thoughtful and important.
At Pixion, the tech stack includes Node.js for backend development, React for frontend, and React Native for mobile. This integrated setup minimizes context switching and allows for a unified development experience.
I transitioned from primarily using Python for backend development to Node.js, broadening my expertise in server-side technologies.
Additionally, I moved from relying on ORMs for database management to writing raw SQL, giving me greater control and insight into database operations.
My favorite tools include Insomnia, for API testing and debugging, and VSCode, for its powerful extensions and customization options. These tools help me work more efficiently and troubleshoot faster.
Working at Pixion has been a fantastic learning experience. I work on a large-scale project alongside a talented team of developers, testers, and designers, fostering collaboration and skill-sharing.
The usage of modern technologies and opportunities to learn new skills continuously contribute to my growth as a software engineer.
The most rewarding part is seeing how my work directly impacts our clients. Unlike my previous work experiences in bigger systems, where lots of bureaucratic procedures and limitations within implementing ideas were standard MO, here I enjoy the freedom to propose ideas, implement creative solutions, and see tangible results. This sense of ownership and the meaningful impact of my contributions bring me great joy and satisfaction.
In my free time, I enjoy running and hiking, staying active and exploring the outdoors.
In my leisure time, I enjoy watching movies and TV shows, particularly thrillers, crime, and mystery genres.
I also keep up with advancements in AI research, especially those relevant to natural sciences, chemistry, and crystallography. It’s an exciting field where technology continues to unlock new scientific discoveries, and I enjoy following these developments out of passion and curiosity.