Tate O.
About me
| Tate O. | |
| Biology | |
| Molecular Cell Biology | |
| Undergraduate | |
| James | |
| 2014 | |
| United Kingdom |
My employment
| Research Assistant | |
| London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine | |
| United Kingdom | |
| Science and research | |
| Large business (250+ employees) | |
| 2015 |
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A day in the life of a Research Assistant in the United Kingdom
I work within a group aiming to understand malaria transmission dynamics in different settings.
Briefly describe the organisation you work for
LSHTM is a research institute and postgraduate university, specialising in public health and tropical medicine.
What do you do?
I work within a group aiming to understand malaria transmission dynamics in different settings. Specifically, my research focusses on the characterisation of serological responses to malarial antigens in the context of profiling population exposure. A significant part of this work is laboratory based and has involved the optimisation and standardisation of multiplex analytical techniques, such as protein microarrays and Luminex based suspension bead arrays, with a view to developing more sensitive and quantitative seroepidemiological tools.
I am concurrently undertaking a PhD in this field as a member of staff.
Reflecting upon your past employment and education, what led you to your current career choice?
After completing my degree at York, I undertook an MSc at LSHTM in medical parasitology. I was very fortunate in that I was offered a staff position within the research group in which I completed my MSc dissertation. Since that time I have been working at the school.
Is your current job sector different from what you thought you would enter when you graduated?
Yes - I really didn't see myself specifically seeking a lab research based job when I first graduated, but various turns of events have led me to where I am.
Describe your most memorable day at work
LSHTM is an amazing place to work if you are interested in health sciences. There is so much different research going on and always an opportunity to learn about something outside of your specialist area. As an institute we are extremely global in nature - it's great to work with people from all over the world.
What extracurricular activities did you undertake at university and what transferable skills did you develop through these?
I played college level rugby whilst at York. The physical elements and of course the socialising was great fun and helped me switch off from what is quite an academically intensive degree. The experiences I had and friends I made has always helped me to remeber that work is not the be all and end all - enjoying yourself is important too.
What top tips do you have for York students preparing for today’s job market and life after graduation?
Don't fall into the trap of doing what you think you are 'supposed' to do, or just taking the easy option. I'm glad I am where I am now, but with hindsight I might have taken a different route to get here. It's ok to not know what you want to do with your life, and it's fine to tell people who keep enquiring about your 'future plans' that you have no idea and to stop asking you about it!
Next steps...
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