What inspired you to embark on a career in academic research?
I was always drawn to a career in science, but I wasn’t sure which path to take, so I spent several years working in lab roles across different settings, including food manufacturing, clinical biochemistry, and the water industry. These roles helped me develop a real appreciation for good quality, reproducible data and the impact it can have beyond the lab. I really enjoyed the practical side of lab work, but wanted to be more involved in the science itself.
Moving into a shared resource facility in academia felt like a natural next step. It allowed me to use the experience I’d built up while supporting a wide range of research projects, each with different questions but similar technical challenges.
What was your path to join HAIM in Leeds?
I began a part time bachelor’s degree in Medical Laboratory Sciences at the University of Leeds while working in the microbiology department of a water quality laboratory. Alongside my studies, I later moved into the parasitology department, where I was first introduced to flow cytometry and fluorescence activated cell sorting (FACS).
Around this time, the School of Medicine and Cancer Research UK had jointly purchased the University’s first FACS instrument and were seeking a dedicated specialist to establish and run a cell sorting service. As I was already using the same technology to detect and isolate Cryptosporidium and Giardia, the position felt like a natural and timely opportunity. It offered the chance to continue working with cutting edge technology while contributing more directly to high quality research across multiple disciplines.
I was offered the position with support to complete the remainder of my degree. What started as a two year contract has now turned into a career spanning more than 25 years.
What does your daily role entail?
My day to day role mainly involves running a cell sorting service and providing training and technical support on the facility’s flow cytometry equipment and related software. I work closely with research groups based in WTBB and across the main campus, supporting users from different disciplines and career stages.
On a typical day, I might be running cell sorting experiments, training new users on the analysers, helping people think through experimental design, or supporting them with data analysis. I’m often asked for advice, which I enjoy, as it’s rewarding to help researchers get the best possible data.
I’m also responsible for keeping the instruments running smoothly, including routine calibration, maintenance, and troubleshooting. If a problem is beyond my expertise, I will liaise with service engineers.
Alongside the technical work, I’m involved in the wider running of the facility. This includes writing user guides, managing stocktakes, ordering consumables, and supporting billing. I also keep up to date with developments in flow cytometry and have organised seminars and user events with instrument vendors to introduce users to new equipment and techniques.
I’m also a member of the Leeds Institute of Medical Research Sustainability Group, contributing to initiatives that promote more sustainable lab practices locally.
What aspects of your role do you most enjoy?
I really enjoy the training aspect of my role, particularly the moment when you can see things start to click and users gain confidence in understanding the technology and their data. Being part of that learning process is very rewarding. I also enjoy running cell sorting experiments and feeling like I’m genuinely part of the research projects I support.
One of the things I like most about my role is the variety. No two days are the same, and often the day turns out very differently from how I expected it to be. That unpredictability keeps the work interesting and challenging, and it means I am constantly learning and adapting.
I also enjoy working with a wide range of people. The role allows me to interact with researchers from different disciplines, backgrounds, and career stages, which makes the work both stimulating and enjoyable.
What advice would you give to someone starting their career?
I’d say don’t feel too pressured to have a fixed career plan straight away, notice what you enjoy (and what you don’t), and let that guide your next steps. Get hands on experience wherever you can - discipline, reproducibility, and attention to detail are all good skills that will transfer anywhere.
Be open minded, a career in a shared resource facility or specialist technical role can be just as rewarding as a traditional research post. It can offer variety, collaboration, and the chance to be involved in many projects and team interactions, it can also often offer more stability.
