Emily Flashman

Academic Research Scientist

I have been involved in academic scientific research since finishing my first degree in Biochemistry at the University of Southampton in 1999.  At this time I was unsure which direction to take, but having had experience of project work in an academic lab as part of my degree I took a job as a Research Assistant in an immunology lab at the University of Oxford.  I found this interesting and challenging, so decided to apply to study for a D.Phil. using protein biochemistry techniques in the field of cardiovascular medicine.  Though at times hard work, I found this very exciting and enjoyable; during this time I had the opportunity to travel to international conferences and by the end of it I felt like a competent scientist.  I am currently employed as a post-doctoral researcher, using protein biochemistry techniques in a laboratory studying regulation of blood vessel growth, something that has implications in cancer, stroke and heart disease.  I find the broader context of my work very motivating, and the narrower focus very stimulating.  I still have the opportunity for international travel and I also have the option to live and work abroad in this career. 

For someone considering this kind of career, my advice would be:

1. Make sure you are interested in science.
2. Choose a degree course that gives you the opportunity to do a lab-based project in your final year to give you a taste of what lab-work is really like.  If possible choose a sandwich course to get longer term experience (you may get paid for this).
3. If you are applying for a position in a laboratory, choose the lab carefully.  Make sure you are interested in the research, that you think you will get on with the head of the lab (or at least your colleagues), and where possible that the lab is regularly producing good quality work.
4. If there is a lab you are particular interested in, it is always worth sending a prospective application and asking for an informal chat with the group leader.
5. Be aware that lots of medical research involves experimenting on animals, usually rodents.  Think carefully about how you feel about this before getting involved in this type of work.  However it is easy to avoid any work involving animal research and still pursue a successful career in medical science.
6. You may not earn lots of money as a research scientist compared to friends who are lawyers or accountants (unless you work for a pharmaceutical company), but your work will be much more interesting and rewarding!