Name: Elisa Perez Veneros

Pronouns: She / her

Job Title: Research Technician

Typical day: Honestly, there is no typical day in this job. I like to call myself a “problem solver”. I work in collaboration with a wider Technical team and my main duties and responsibilities are focused on guaranteeing a normal, effective and smooth running of the Research laboratories.

I help the research teams by providing essential day-to-day operational support for many laboratories in the three Schools in the Biomedical Sciences building.

My typical duties include operating, servicing, maintenance and calibration of research equipment. That means handling hazardous waste, changing gas cylinders,  making solutions or food for flies (yes, you read well, I cook food for Drosophila sp.). I also maintain stocks of lab materials and consumables, ordering and liaising with internal contacts and suppliers. I train others in basic processes or use of equipment.

 

Favourite part of working here: Working as a Technician in this building every day is a surprise and you never know what will happen. So, for me the best part is the satisfaction that you get when you solve a problem and you can see the happiness in others as well. Besides, I hold a degree in Biology, so I enjoy learning and working in a scientific environment. I also have to admit that I really like the neighbourhood and the Royal Fort Gardens. We are very lucky to have the option (when it´s sunny), to lie in the gardens and have lunch.

 

What do you like to do outside of work: I like hiking and travelling. I´m from Spain and here the nature is quite different. This island has amazing, green landscapes and I like visiting new places and trying their typical food. I also love music in general, not only listening to it, but also dancing or practising Zumba. And when it is dark and wet outside, I like doing Netflix marathon while eating popcorn.

 

Any advice to someone wanting to get into your career path: It´s funny because this wasn´t my first option for working life. In Spain, I had always worked as a high school teacher but when I came here, I wanted something different. This job gives you the perfect opportunity to learn how a real research laboratory works. You work hard, need to be organised and deal with multi-tasking activities. However, you are part of a team and you meet and help other people in a satisfying environment.