Profile

I trained as a researcher then took a career path into scientific management. I plan the work and direct teams of people using high-tech equipment and powerful computers to sequence DNA and understand genomes. That way, I help Sanger researchers find answers to their experimental questions, like what is the genetic makeup of a patient with diabetes. 

First, I get a coffee, then check emails and deal with anything urgent before planning my day. I manage several teams working on multiple projects so I’m mostly out and about catching up with staff and researchers throughout the day. I really enjoy this part of my job! I’ll get unplanned visits from team leaders to discuss problems, like a chemical kit that hasn’t worked or equipment that’s broken down and we need to make quick decisions on how to deal with it. There are organised meetings too: there might be a one-to-one with a member of staff to discuss their work and their career aspirations, or it might be a board-room meeting with an external company to discuss how we can manage our strategic relationship. I typically grab lunch on the go but will settle down in my office to read a report on the performance of our teams and quality of their work – if there are any issues, I’ll feed back to the teams and we’ll discuss how to improve and the best way forwards. If there’s time, I’ll visit the labs in the afternoon to congratulate staff when things have gone well or get a heads-up on any issues that need resolving. At the end of the day I review what I’ve done. I have to be flexible with constantly changing priorities and might not have achieved everything I set out to….. but I always enjoy myself and usually leave with a great sense of satisfaction.