What did you study at A-level (or equivalent) and why did you select those subjects?
Maths, Biology, Chemistry and Business Studies. I loved science and these were my favourite subjects.
What degree/PhD did you study?
BSc (Hons) Biomedical Technology followed by an MSc in Molecular Genetics.
What inspired you to choose and study your degree subject?
I've always loved Biology and chose my degree because it included a 12-month sandwich year in industry, which I felt would give me an advantage when entering the job market. I spent six months in the Health and Safety Executive labs and six months in the Haematology department of Sheffield Northern General Hospital.
During my degree I became especially interested in DNA and molecular biology, so I went on to study a master’s degree at Leicester University. This also included an extended lab project, and I spent four months working in industry at AstraZeneca.
What key skills did you learn at university?
Work hard – play hard! I also learned to ask for help when needed and developed strong discipline and organisational skills.
What jobs have you had during your career?
I've worked as a Research Technician, Research Assistant, Scientific Officer (in Australia!), Lab Manager and Technical Manager.
What is your current job and what do you enjoy about it?
I'm the Faculty Strategic Technical Lead. I work with all our technical managers to support and develop our amazing technical workforce. I also sit on the executive board of the Institute of Science and Technology, and serve as a specialist advisor to the National Technicians Development Centre.
Do you have an area of expertise / research?
Earlier in my career, I worked in biochemistry and genetics labs. Now, I like to think that technicians themselves are my area of expertise.
What has been your most exciting project or career role?
My current role has enabled me to pilot new ideas with our technical teams in the faculty, which has been really exciting. Over the last couple of years, we have worked with local further education colleges to host T-level students on their 9-week placements. This means we can help shape the technicians of the future! It's been a great success, and some of these students are now undergraduates with us.
At the other end of the scale, I've been involved in creating the promotional pathway at Liverpool for Research Technical Professionals, which has been sector-leading. That work has also given me the opportunity to travel and speak at technical events around the UK.
What are your top tips for working in your industry/sector?
- Collaboration, not competition!
- Champion technical staff as often as possible.
- Embrace change.
- Say yes to opportunities especially when out of your comfort zone!
Any advice you’d like to share?
Career paths aren’t always linear—I’ve moved sideways and even down at times, as well as up. Every step brought something valuable.
Why are you passionate about your subject / career / STEM?
Technicians have historically been unseen and undervalued. Thanks to the the amazing work of the Technician Commitment, we've made fantastic progress in raising the visibility and recognition of technicians, improving their career development, and sustaining vital technical skills and knowledge across the sector.
More resources:
Research Technical Professional Career Pathway
Video: T Level Industry Placements at The University of Liverpool - Benefits for Universities
Video: T Level Industry Placements at The University of Liverpool - Benefits for Technicians
The Official Journal of The Institute of Science & Technology
The National Technician Development Centre
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