Name:
Claire Young
College/ School:
School of Life Sciences
Job title
Life Science Technician
Photo or other suitable picture alongside:
Brief description of your role:
I currently prepare, set up and demonstrate in laboratory practical’s to undergraduates, postgraduates, colleagues and academics, the operation of specialist equipment and laboratory techniques that I have obtained during my time in industry.
I currently provide specialist support to 3rd year BSc students and 4th year Masters Students carrying out their dissertation projects.
Writing of complex SOP’s, guidance material and prep sheets.
Directly supporting summer studentships and their work.
Assist during the preparation and running of discovery days for secondary school students visiting the university laboratories.
I liaise with academics to identify the objective of their lectures and practical’s, advise on current laboratory techniques and equipment that may assist in further developing their learning outcomes. Designing new experiments and quality testing them to further increase the laboratories catalogue of practical’s.
Ensure appropriate COSHH and risk assessments have been prepared for all laboratory prep work and ensure all appropriate COSHH and risk assessments have been submitted by the academic prior to laboratory practical’s commencing
Provide first aid cover for the students and staff at the university.
I maintain, repair and service key laboratory equipment.
How long have you been at the Institution:
October 2016 – Present
Journey to your role:
I undertook a BSc (Hons) at Bishop Burton College in the field of Equine Science, during that time I developed an aptitude for veterinary diagnostics. Post graduation this led me to work for one of the market leading veterinary diagnostics laboratories where I worked in the fields of haematology and immunology. Due to the exposure in my role, I was able to develop my laboratory skillset, learning a vast array of processes, including the use of cutting edge analysers.
In 2016 I relocated to Lincolnshire for my equestrian passion that led me to apply for an exciting role with Lincoln University, since that time I have been able to apply my industry experience to aide students and academics.
Things to love about the role/ work:
My favourite time is when students are collating their project work, specifically field research and testing. I have been able to provide guidance as appropriate in respect of industry standard practices and also ensure the students are able to utilise the laboratory equipment to work with accuracy and precision in achieving valid results.
Needless to say this is a stressful time for students, and by applying my personal experience it provides me with a sense of shared achievement from their gratitude.
Advice to other technicians:
Patience is a virtue, in the educational setting both academics and students are under pressure. Listen to what they’re asking, if you can apply your own experience then brilliant, however if you don’t know something there is a support network available to help you find an effective solution and advise them accordingly.
Interests outside work:
My partner and I have been renovating an 1850’s farm house since late 2016, including stables and outbuildings. It’s coming along well, albeit a true labour of love.
Caring for my horses, dogs, cats and recently started to breed ducks.
Horse riding competitions including dressage, show jumping and cross country within the British Eventing setting.
We have recently taken up Astronomy thanks to living in a rural area, the limited light pollution provides a great view of the night sky.
Playing board games including Settlers of Catan and Monopoly!