mito
CellQuest:
gogli
Careers Under the Microscope
You have been trapped inside an empty plant cell by your science teacher!
chloro
Visit the workplace of the 6 biochemists and complete the tasks.
ribo
Explore the work of the biochemists to complete the cell and escape!
nucleus
vacu
At any point in the game, click on the microscope to return to this screen. Choose a biochemist to get started.
nucleus
Great work biochemist! Click here
ribo
vacu
chloro
mito
gogli
Hi! I'm designing a new molecule, I'm using ethanol as the solvent. Could you please get the bottle from my fume hood?
Find the bottle of ethanol.
Thanks for that! You clearly know your stuff. Can you please complete the missing sections in my lab book?
Complete the dot and cross diagram for methanol
Complete the paragraph below
Drag the electrons into the correct place
covalent|molecular
Methanol is a simple ____________ substance. Methanol has a _______ boiling point because there are weak ______________ between the molecules. These require a small amount of ____________ to overcome.
low
forces|attraction
energy
Hi, I'm glad you're here. We're working on a clinical trial which assesses the maximum safe dose of a new drug. Can you get the data from my colleague and enter it into the laptop please?
Hi, Banke told me you were here to help. Feel free to complete the table on my computer.
0.8|0,8
1.0|1,0|1|1.
750|750.0
1.4|1,4
Hi, Banke told me you were here to help. Feel free to complete the table on my computer.
Hi! I'm working on a new robotic arm. I need your help to decide what materials to use for each component. Click on the notebook to see the options.
Match the material to the most appropriate use
Parts of the Robotic Arm: Frame: Needs to be strong and resistant to deformation under stress.
Wiring: Needs to conduct electricity effectively.
Should be malleable for wiring.
lithium nitrate
Joints: Needs to be flexible and able to withstand wear and tear from movement.
steel
polycarbonate
Electrolyte in battery: Needs to conduct electricity when in solution.
copper
Hi, we could use your help. We are investigating rate of reaction of an enzyme to see if we can make it more efficient. Meet me in the lab and I'll explain more.
The initial mass of CoCl₂ was 5g and the actual yield was 3.2gCalculate the following: The theoretical yield of Co(OH)₂ The percentage yield achieved
CoCl
2
(aq)+2NaOH(aq)→Co(OH)
2
(s)+2NaCl(aq)
Can you complete the calculations on my computer please?
Use the graph to answer the questions
I've been investigating the rate of digestion of proteins by protease. Calculate the following: Time to digest the protein in seconds _____ Average rate of protein digestion between 0-10 seconds in arbitrary units per second _____ Average rate of protein digestion between 0-30 seconds in arbitrary units per second _____
70|71|72|73|74|75
0.13|0,13
0.1|0,1|0.10|0,10
Hi, I'm just making up some agar plates for the latest trial. Can you find the agar in the store room and add the correct mass of glucose please? I left the recipe in the notebook in the lab next door. I think I left it in a drawer...
Pick up the agar and take it to the next lab.
Take the agar to the next lab
Find the lab book
You open the drawer and find the lab book
The recipe calls for 0.5 moles of glucose to be added to the agar solution. Calculate the mass of glucose I need to add. Glucose has the chemical formula C₆H₁₂O₆ Mass of glucose:
90
Find the sample of cells from the drawer under my desk in the other lab. I need your help to analyse it
blank screen - get the sample from my desk, screen shows image
Hi, I'm just about to look at some cells under my microscope.Can you find the sample in the lab and bring it back here please? I think it's on one of the shelves, or did I put it in a drawer?
You open the cupboard and find the vials! Take them back to Dr Heron
This is a new sample showing dead cells being cleared. First I need to stain the cells with a dye called DAPI. The concentration of the DAPI needs to be 5µg/cm3. What mass of DAPI (in milligrams) should I add to 250cm3 water to get the correct concentration? ______ mg
1.25|1,25
vacu
Banke Faboyede
Clinical Trials Manager
What’s key for me is that I remain interested and excited in my career, knowing that every day is different, I am intellectually challenged, and I am always learning.
My role
A typical day
Why I love my job
My journey to my current job
ribo
Lisa O'Fee
Islay Maclean
Job title
Digital Engineering Intern
Blurb
I love the opportunity I get to teach students and facilitate their understanding of emerging technologies
My role
My role
A typical day
A typical day
Why I love my job
Why I love my job
My journey to my current job
My journey to my current job
gogli
Pavi Venkat
Media Laboratory Team Leader
What I love about my role is the opportunity to support scientists working towards the vision of The Institute of Cancer Research, knowing that we are making discoveries that defeat cancer.
My role
A typical day
Why I love my job
My journey to my current job
chloro
Dr Rosalind Heron
Neuroscientist
I am a neuroscientist working in a university. I aim to understand how damaged and dead cells are cleared to maintain a healthy body
My role
A typical day
Why I love my job
My journey to my current job
nucleus
Dr Vivian Miles Lechner
Principal Scientist, Medicinal Chemistry
Our research contributes to the development of the next generation of drugs and thus improves healthcare and human lives
My role
A typical day
Why I love my job
My journey to my current job
mito
Lisa O'Fee
Sustainability Advisor
My role at the Institute of Cancer Research is to embed sustainability into everything we do, to reduce the economic, social, and environmental impact in our mission to defeat cancer.
My role
A typical day
Why I love my job
My journey to my current job
This game was made possible with the support of the biochemical society outreach grant. For more information about ways to study biochemistry check out their website. Our thanks also goes to the scientists featured in the game, without whom this game would not exist. Banke Faboyede Lisa O'Fee Rosalind Heron Dr Vivian Miles Lechner Islay Maclean Pavi Venkat
I have many favourite things about my job. Most importantly my passion has been to help others and contribute to advances in healthcare. I really feel like now as a Clinical Trials Manager I can do exactly that, contributing to delivering successful oncology clinical trials by overseeing the clinical trials from start-up to close-out. Some of the benefits include hybrid working, occasional travel for national and global conferences, and meeting new people. What’s key for me is that I remain interested and excited in my career, knowing that every day is different, I am intellectually challenged, and I am always learning.
My role includes checking what we make is of high quality, keeping an accurate record and inventory, and ensuring all laboratory equipment and services are working properly. I also work with finance to make sure that our services are paid for by the different research teams.
I am a neuroscientist that conducts research in a university. I aim to understand how damaged and dead cells are cleared to maintain a healthy body. I can watch cells dying and being cleared in real time using microscopy and coloured labelling of cells. For this research we use flies. Flies are a powerful genetic model used in biomedical research because we can alter their genetic sequence easily and we can carry out experiments quickly thanks to their short lifespans. Plus, we can easily look at cells through the egg because it is see-through.
Hint!
Convert cm³ to dm³ by dividing by 1000 (e.g., 500 cm³ = 0.500 dm³).
Mass = Concentration×Volume (dm³)
I moved to the UK in 2019 with an undergraduate degree in Biotechnology and completed my Master’s (MSc) qualification in Biomedical Science in 2021, while also working as a Medical Laboratory Assistant within the NHS. After finishing my MSc, I joined Horizon Discovery in Cambridge as a Molecular Scientist within the Cell Line Engineering team, where I gained a wide range of molecular and cell biology techniques. Having worked in the lab, I developed a strong desire to move into a management role within science which led me to my current role at the ICR.
Hint!
Convert µg to mg by dividing by 1000 e.g. 400 µg = 0.400 mg
Ammonia
With Genially templates you can include visual resources to leave your audience speechless. You can also highlight specific phrases or data that will be etched into the memory of your audience and even embed external content that surprises: videos, photos, audios... Whatever you want!
On a typical day, I might support a lab with energy monitoring, track the progress of teams working toward lab certification, compile a sustainability assessment of consumables in the top six product categories by spend, and draft a communications article for the ICR intranet.
I studied Biological Sciences with Neuroscience honours at university. I was hooked by research during my final year project, so I went on to work towards a Ph.D. Now I continue to work in a university as a postdoctoral researcher. My next goal is to become an independent investigator and remain working in academia.
Hint!
Use the formula: Mass (g)=Moles×Molar Mass (g/mol)
My role involves overseeing Phase I/II oncology studies, training and managing a range of staff within the team, including Clinical Research Associates (CRAs), Clinical Data Analysts, Clinical Trial Assistants. I also, regularly update the Clinical Trial Programme Managers and Head of team on progress. I am responsible for submitting information about the studies I am working on to a range of research authorities and agencies, including any changes to the trial, for example, new trial sites, changes in staff involved in the trial or changes in the design of the trial. I also ensure trials are conducted properly, in compliance with set timelines, standard operating procedures, which are instructions and guidance for setting up and running the trials, and budgets.
With Genially templates you can include visual resources to leave your audience speechless. You can also highlight a specific sentence or data that will be etched in your audience's memory and even embed external content that surprises: videos, photos, audios... Whatever you want!
My role at the Institute of Cancer Research is to embed sustainability into everything we do, to reduce the economic, social, and environmental impact in our mission to defeat cancer.
This includes promoting sustainable science in our laboratories, through lab certification schemes such as My Green Lab and projects & initiatives such as the international freezer challenge, which serves to promote best practice in cold temperature storage. I contribute to a wide range of sustainability initiatives across the organisation, including biodiversity volunteering and other environmental engagement activities My role allows me to apply my background in biochemistry to accelerate our sustainability efforts.
I did my A-levels in Biology, Chemistry and Mathematics so I decided to do a degree in Biomedical Engineering as it combines my love of Medicine and Engineering. I am now a third year Biomedical Engineering student currently on a placement year with Siemens PLC. I work as a Digital Engineering Intern, and I manage the Digital Innovation Zone. This is a place where students come and learn new digital engineering skills and the latest cutting-edge technologies.
My career started off with a Biochemistry degree, through this I was able to gain experience by doing industry placements. This then helped me in getting a range of roles as a researcher within several pharmaceutical companies focusing on drug discovery projects across a range of diseases, including cancer. I joined the Institute of Cancer Research as a Higher Scientific Officer and continued building skills and expertise within drug discovery. While at the ICR my interest in sustainability was sparked and I now bring my knowledge of working in the lab to my role as a Sustainability Advisor.
Hint!
Use the formula: Mass (g)=Moles×Molar Mass (g/mol)
In my role as Clinical Trials Manager at the Institute of Cancer Research, I work in Clinical Operations within early-phase clinical trials, which are the first steps in testing new medicines within people.
I love the opportunity I get to teach students and facilitate their understanding of emerging technologies. It’s very rewarding to be able to help people gain new skills. Also, it’s fun running workshops and using the equipment such as the Halloween event making 3D pumpkins in Computer Aided Design. I also love the wide range of applications for the technology that I use e.g. a 3D printer can be used for bioprinting cells, or a Robotic Arm can be used to assist with medical procedures.
Distilled water
Ethanol
Take this to Dr Lechner
Every day is different, but my favourite days are when I get to image something new on the microscope. To get to that stage, I regularly conduct genetic crosses to make new fly strains and sometimes perform microinjections of chemical agents. There is also plenty of computer work required for analysis of data and writing papers for publication. All of this contributes to a flexible work schedule.
On the desk is a periodic table, this could be useful...
Lorem ipsum dolor sit
I love the variety of roles in my job and the beautiful images of cells in action that I can capture. Working in a university, science is a collaborative venture. I join forces with scientists from other lab groups both within my university and internationally. I also enjoy the opportunity to share my results with the community, which ranges from outreach at local schools to speaking at international conferences with thousands of other scientists.
After I finished my Biochemistry degree at university back in summer 2020, I wanted to pursue a career in science but wanted to explore options outside of the lab. I remember speaking with a lady at my Church asking for career advice, finding out what she did after completing her Biochemistry degree, and she mentioned she worked within Clinical Research. As she was speaking my eyes lit up (ha-ha) and it sounded like music to my ears. I had so many questions about the field – I was fascinated. I took the next steps I needed to start my career in the field, enrolling onto a postgraduate MRes Clinical Drug Development postgraduate degree in autumn 2020. After graduating, I started my first role as a Clinical Research Associate (CRA) at the ICR in summer 2022. I worked as a CRA for 2 years before my promotion to Clinical Trial Manager in summer 2024. Today I can say this is the best career decision I made!
As the leader of the Laboratory Support Services department, I oversee the day-to-day running of media production at the Institute of Cancer Research (ICR). I ensure that things like buffer solutions, tissue culture growth media, bacteriological growth media, and other laboratory solutions are prepared on time for our researchers to use.
Ethanol
Take this to Dr Lechner
My passion for sustainability started while I was working as a scientist, founding and chairing the ActNow sustainability working group, implementing My Green Lab certification for my division and campaigning for a glove recycling scheme.
I am currently studying part-time for a MSc Sustainable Development at the University of Surrey. This has pushed me out of my comfort zone, but I have enjoyed it immensely and now have the knowledge to go alongside my experience in Sustainability.
This game was made possible with the support of the biochemical society outreach grant. For more information about ways to study biochemistry check out their website. Our thanks also goes to the scientists featured in the game, without whom this game would not exist. Banke Faboyede Lisa O'Fee Rosalind Heron Dr Vivian Miles Lechner Islay Maclean Pavi Venkat
I completed my undergraduate studies in my home country of Germany, where I first received a Bachelor’s degree in biochemistry; I then went on to complete my Master’s with a focus on organic chemistry as I really enjoyed both the practical and theoretical aspects of this subject. During my PhD studies in the UK, my research project straddled the line between chemistry and chemical biology and solidified my interest in pursuing chemistry in the quest for new medicines. That’s why I then joined GSK as a medicinal chemist.
On the desk is a periodic table, this could be useful...
Lorem ipsum dolor sit
A key part of my role is the analysis of assay data, which we use to develop new hypotheses on how to improve our molecules and thus go away to design and make the next set of compounds. The process is very collaborative and I interact with other chemists as well as biochemists, biologists, and computational chemists.
Hint!
Carbon has 4 electrons in its outer shell. Hydrogen has 1 electron. Covalent bonds are formed when atoms share electrons in order to gain a full outer shell.
I’m really enthusiastic about what I do because our research contributes to the development of the next generation of drugs and thus improves healthcare and human lives. I also love the creativity inherent in coming up with new molecule designs based on either prior data or literature; and while not a particularly frequent occurrence, the excitement of seeing a molecule you designed perform really well in assays is one of the highlights of my job.
Interactivity and animation can be your best allies when creating tables, infographics, or graphics that help provide context to information and simplify data for your audience. We are visual beings and find it easier to 'read' images than to read written text.
Remember to add animation! Capture your audience's attention with your content and choose the ideal effect by selecting the element and clicking on the Animation icon, which appears right above.
I manage a Digital Engineering hub where students can learn Digital Engineering skills and the latest cutting-edge technologies.
I was thrilled when I found my current role, which offered the perfect opportunity to kickstart my management career. While I occasionally miss the hands-on research lab work, I’m grateful for my current position, where I have developed valuable management skills and continue to grow professionally and personally.
What I truly love about my role is the opportunity to support scientists who are working towards the vision of the ICR, knowing that together, we are making the discoveries that defeat cancer.
Diethyl ether
At this stage, my work is still predominantly lab-based, involving the synthesis and purification of molecules to be tested in various assays to determine suitability as a drug molecule for a given pharmaceutical target.
I run sessions and events that help students to learn technologies including 3D scanners, 3D printers, Robotics, app-making softwares and CAD design. This is to help them gain experience and become more employable for the future by learning skills they might not learn on their course.
CellQuest: Careers Under the Microscope
Test Tube Revise
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Transcript
mito
CellQuest:
gogli
Careers Under the Microscope
You have been trapped inside an empty plant cell by your science teacher!
chloro
Visit the workplace of the 6 biochemists and complete the tasks.
ribo
Explore the work of the biochemists to complete the cell and escape!
nucleus
vacu
At any point in the game, click on the microscope to return to this screen. Choose a biochemist to get started.
nucleus
Great work biochemist! Click here
ribo
vacu
chloro
mito
gogli
Hi! I'm designing a new molecule, I'm using ethanol as the solvent. Could you please get the bottle from my fume hood?
Find the bottle of ethanol.
Thanks for that! You clearly know your stuff. Can you please complete the missing sections in my lab book?
Complete the dot and cross diagram for methanol
Complete the paragraph below
Drag the electrons into the correct place
covalent|molecular
Methanol is a simple ____________ substance. Methanol has a _______ boiling point because there are weak ______________ between the molecules. These require a small amount of ____________ to overcome.
low
forces|attraction
energy
Hi, I'm glad you're here. We're working on a clinical trial which assesses the maximum safe dose of a new drug. Can you get the data from my colleague and enter it into the laptop please?
Hi, Banke told me you were here to help. Feel free to complete the table on my computer.
0.8|0,8
1.0|1,0|1|1.
750|750.0
1.4|1,4
Hi, Banke told me you were here to help. Feel free to complete the table on my computer.
Hi! I'm working on a new robotic arm. I need your help to decide what materials to use for each component. Click on the notebook to see the options.
Match the material to the most appropriate use
Parts of the Robotic Arm: Frame: Needs to be strong and resistant to deformation under stress.
Wiring: Needs to conduct electricity effectively. Should be malleable for wiring.
lithium nitrate
Joints: Needs to be flexible and able to withstand wear and tear from movement.
steel
polycarbonate
Electrolyte in battery: Needs to conduct electricity when in solution.
copper
Hi, we could use your help. We are investigating rate of reaction of an enzyme to see if we can make it more efficient. Meet me in the lab and I'll explain more.
The initial mass of CoCl₂ was 5g and the actual yield was 3.2gCalculate the following: The theoretical yield of Co(OH)₂ The percentage yield achieved
CoCl 2 (aq)+2NaOH(aq)→Co(OH) 2 (s)+2NaCl(aq)
Can you complete the calculations on my computer please?
Use the graph to answer the questions
I've been investigating the rate of digestion of proteins by protease. Calculate the following: Time to digest the protein in seconds _____ Average rate of protein digestion between 0-10 seconds in arbitrary units per second _____ Average rate of protein digestion between 0-30 seconds in arbitrary units per second _____
70|71|72|73|74|75
0.13|0,13
0.1|0,1|0.10|0,10
Hi, I'm just making up some agar plates for the latest trial. Can you find the agar in the store room and add the correct mass of glucose please? I left the recipe in the notebook in the lab next door. I think I left it in a drawer...
Pick up the agar and take it to the next lab.
Take the agar to the next lab
Find the lab book
You open the drawer and find the lab book
The recipe calls for 0.5 moles of glucose to be added to the agar solution. Calculate the mass of glucose I need to add. Glucose has the chemical formula C₆H₁₂O₆ Mass of glucose:
90
Find the sample of cells from the drawer under my desk in the other lab. I need your help to analyse it
blank screen - get the sample from my desk, screen shows image
Hi, I'm just about to look at some cells under my microscope.Can you find the sample in the lab and bring it back here please? I think it's on one of the shelves, or did I put it in a drawer?
You open the cupboard and find the vials! Take them back to Dr Heron
This is a new sample showing dead cells being cleared. First I need to stain the cells with a dye called DAPI. The concentration of the DAPI needs to be 5µg/cm3. What mass of DAPI (in milligrams) should I add to 250cm3 water to get the correct concentration? ______ mg
1.25|1,25
vacu
Banke Faboyede
Clinical Trials Manager
What’s key for me is that I remain interested and excited in my career, knowing that every day is different, I am intellectually challenged, and I am always learning.
My role
A typical day
Why I love my job
My journey to my current job
ribo
Lisa O'Fee
Islay Maclean
Job title
Digital Engineering Intern
Blurb
I love the opportunity I get to teach students and facilitate their understanding of emerging technologies
My role
My role
A typical day
A typical day
Why I love my job
Why I love my job
My journey to my current job
My journey to my current job
gogli
Pavi Venkat
Media Laboratory Team Leader
What I love about my role is the opportunity to support scientists working towards the vision of The Institute of Cancer Research, knowing that we are making discoveries that defeat cancer.
My role
A typical day
Why I love my job
My journey to my current job
chloro
Dr Rosalind Heron
Neuroscientist
I am a neuroscientist working in a university. I aim to understand how damaged and dead cells are cleared to maintain a healthy body
My role
A typical day
Why I love my job
My journey to my current job
nucleus
Dr Vivian Miles Lechner
Principal Scientist, Medicinal Chemistry
Our research contributes to the development of the next generation of drugs and thus improves healthcare and human lives
My role
A typical day
Why I love my job
My journey to my current job
mito
Lisa O'Fee
Sustainability Advisor
My role at the Institute of Cancer Research is to embed sustainability into everything we do, to reduce the economic, social, and environmental impact in our mission to defeat cancer.
My role
A typical day
Why I love my job
My journey to my current job
This game was made possible with the support of the biochemical society outreach grant. For more information about ways to study biochemistry check out their website. Our thanks also goes to the scientists featured in the game, without whom this game would not exist. Banke Faboyede Lisa O'Fee Rosalind Heron Dr Vivian Miles Lechner Islay Maclean Pavi Venkat
I have many favourite things about my job. Most importantly my passion has been to help others and contribute to advances in healthcare. I really feel like now as a Clinical Trials Manager I can do exactly that, contributing to delivering successful oncology clinical trials by overseeing the clinical trials from start-up to close-out. Some of the benefits include hybrid working, occasional travel for national and global conferences, and meeting new people. What’s key for me is that I remain interested and excited in my career, knowing that every day is different, I am intellectually challenged, and I am always learning.
My role includes checking what we make is of high quality, keeping an accurate record and inventory, and ensuring all laboratory equipment and services are working properly. I also work with finance to make sure that our services are paid for by the different research teams.
I am a neuroscientist that conducts research in a university. I aim to understand how damaged and dead cells are cleared to maintain a healthy body. I can watch cells dying and being cleared in real time using microscopy and coloured labelling of cells. For this research we use flies. Flies are a powerful genetic model used in biomedical research because we can alter their genetic sequence easily and we can carry out experiments quickly thanks to their short lifespans. Plus, we can easily look at cells through the egg because it is see-through.
Hint!
Convert cm³ to dm³ by dividing by 1000 (e.g., 500 cm³ = 0.500 dm³).
Mass = Concentration×Volume (dm³)
I moved to the UK in 2019 with an undergraduate degree in Biotechnology and completed my Master’s (MSc) qualification in Biomedical Science in 2021, while also working as a Medical Laboratory Assistant within the NHS. After finishing my MSc, I joined Horizon Discovery in Cambridge as a Molecular Scientist within the Cell Line Engineering team, where I gained a wide range of molecular and cell biology techniques. Having worked in the lab, I developed a strong desire to move into a management role within science which led me to my current role at the ICR.
Hint!
Convert µg to mg by dividing by 1000 e.g. 400 µg = 0.400 mg
Ammonia
With Genially templates you can include visual resources to leave your audience speechless. You can also highlight specific phrases or data that will be etched into the memory of your audience and even embed external content that surprises: videos, photos, audios... Whatever you want!
On a typical day, I might support a lab with energy monitoring, track the progress of teams working toward lab certification, compile a sustainability assessment of consumables in the top six product categories by spend, and draft a communications article for the ICR intranet.
I studied Biological Sciences with Neuroscience honours at university. I was hooked by research during my final year project, so I went on to work towards a Ph.D. Now I continue to work in a university as a postdoctoral researcher. My next goal is to become an independent investigator and remain working in academia.
Hint!
Use the formula: Mass (g)=Moles×Molar Mass (g/mol)
My role involves overseeing Phase I/II oncology studies, training and managing a range of staff within the team, including Clinical Research Associates (CRAs), Clinical Data Analysts, Clinical Trial Assistants. I also, regularly update the Clinical Trial Programme Managers and Head of team on progress. I am responsible for submitting information about the studies I am working on to a range of research authorities and agencies, including any changes to the trial, for example, new trial sites, changes in staff involved in the trial or changes in the design of the trial. I also ensure trials are conducted properly, in compliance with set timelines, standard operating procedures, which are instructions and guidance for setting up and running the trials, and budgets.
With Genially templates you can include visual resources to leave your audience speechless. You can also highlight a specific sentence or data that will be etched in your audience's memory and even embed external content that surprises: videos, photos, audios... Whatever you want!
My role at the Institute of Cancer Research is to embed sustainability into everything we do, to reduce the economic, social, and environmental impact in our mission to defeat cancer. This includes promoting sustainable science in our laboratories, through lab certification schemes such as My Green Lab and projects & initiatives such as the international freezer challenge, which serves to promote best practice in cold temperature storage. I contribute to a wide range of sustainability initiatives across the organisation, including biodiversity volunteering and other environmental engagement activities My role allows me to apply my background in biochemistry to accelerate our sustainability efforts.
I did my A-levels in Biology, Chemistry and Mathematics so I decided to do a degree in Biomedical Engineering as it combines my love of Medicine and Engineering. I am now a third year Biomedical Engineering student currently on a placement year with Siemens PLC. I work as a Digital Engineering Intern, and I manage the Digital Innovation Zone. This is a place where students come and learn new digital engineering skills and the latest cutting-edge technologies.
My career started off with a Biochemistry degree, through this I was able to gain experience by doing industry placements. This then helped me in getting a range of roles as a researcher within several pharmaceutical companies focusing on drug discovery projects across a range of diseases, including cancer. I joined the Institute of Cancer Research as a Higher Scientific Officer and continued building skills and expertise within drug discovery. While at the ICR my interest in sustainability was sparked and I now bring my knowledge of working in the lab to my role as a Sustainability Advisor.
Hint!
Use the formula: Mass (g)=Moles×Molar Mass (g/mol)
In my role as Clinical Trials Manager at the Institute of Cancer Research, I work in Clinical Operations within early-phase clinical trials, which are the first steps in testing new medicines within people.
I love the opportunity I get to teach students and facilitate their understanding of emerging technologies. It’s very rewarding to be able to help people gain new skills. Also, it’s fun running workshops and using the equipment such as the Halloween event making 3D pumpkins in Computer Aided Design. I also love the wide range of applications for the technology that I use e.g. a 3D printer can be used for bioprinting cells, or a Robotic Arm can be used to assist with medical procedures.
Distilled water
Ethanol
Take this to Dr Lechner
Every day is different, but my favourite days are when I get to image something new on the microscope. To get to that stage, I regularly conduct genetic crosses to make new fly strains and sometimes perform microinjections of chemical agents. There is also plenty of computer work required for analysis of data and writing papers for publication. All of this contributes to a flexible work schedule.
On the desk is a periodic table, this could be useful...
Lorem ipsum dolor sit
I love the variety of roles in my job and the beautiful images of cells in action that I can capture. Working in a university, science is a collaborative venture. I join forces with scientists from other lab groups both within my university and internationally. I also enjoy the opportunity to share my results with the community, which ranges from outreach at local schools to speaking at international conferences with thousands of other scientists.
After I finished my Biochemistry degree at university back in summer 2020, I wanted to pursue a career in science but wanted to explore options outside of the lab. I remember speaking with a lady at my Church asking for career advice, finding out what she did after completing her Biochemistry degree, and she mentioned she worked within Clinical Research. As she was speaking my eyes lit up (ha-ha) and it sounded like music to my ears. I had so many questions about the field – I was fascinated. I took the next steps I needed to start my career in the field, enrolling onto a postgraduate MRes Clinical Drug Development postgraduate degree in autumn 2020. After graduating, I started my first role as a Clinical Research Associate (CRA) at the ICR in summer 2022. I worked as a CRA for 2 years before my promotion to Clinical Trial Manager in summer 2024. Today I can say this is the best career decision I made!
As the leader of the Laboratory Support Services department, I oversee the day-to-day running of media production at the Institute of Cancer Research (ICR). I ensure that things like buffer solutions, tissue culture growth media, bacteriological growth media, and other laboratory solutions are prepared on time for our researchers to use.
Ethanol
Take this to Dr Lechner
My passion for sustainability started while I was working as a scientist, founding and chairing the ActNow sustainability working group, implementing My Green Lab certification for my division and campaigning for a glove recycling scheme. I am currently studying part-time for a MSc Sustainable Development at the University of Surrey. This has pushed me out of my comfort zone, but I have enjoyed it immensely and now have the knowledge to go alongside my experience in Sustainability.
This game was made possible with the support of the biochemical society outreach grant. For more information about ways to study biochemistry check out their website. Our thanks also goes to the scientists featured in the game, without whom this game would not exist. Banke Faboyede Lisa O'Fee Rosalind Heron Dr Vivian Miles Lechner Islay Maclean Pavi Venkat
I completed my undergraduate studies in my home country of Germany, where I first received a Bachelor’s degree in biochemistry; I then went on to complete my Master’s with a focus on organic chemistry as I really enjoyed both the practical and theoretical aspects of this subject. During my PhD studies in the UK, my research project straddled the line between chemistry and chemical biology and solidified my interest in pursuing chemistry in the quest for new medicines. That’s why I then joined GSK as a medicinal chemist.
On the desk is a periodic table, this could be useful...
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A key part of my role is the analysis of assay data, which we use to develop new hypotheses on how to improve our molecules and thus go away to design and make the next set of compounds. The process is very collaborative and I interact with other chemists as well as biochemists, biologists, and computational chemists.
Hint!
Carbon has 4 electrons in its outer shell. Hydrogen has 1 electron. Covalent bonds are formed when atoms share electrons in order to gain a full outer shell.
I’m really enthusiastic about what I do because our research contributes to the development of the next generation of drugs and thus improves healthcare and human lives. I also love the creativity inherent in coming up with new molecule designs based on either prior data or literature; and while not a particularly frequent occurrence, the excitement of seeing a molecule you designed perform really well in assays is one of the highlights of my job.
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I manage a Digital Engineering hub where students can learn Digital Engineering skills and the latest cutting-edge technologies.
I was thrilled when I found my current role, which offered the perfect opportunity to kickstart my management career. While I occasionally miss the hands-on research lab work, I’m grateful for my current position, where I have developed valuable management skills and continue to grow professionally and personally. What I truly love about my role is the opportunity to support scientists who are working towards the vision of the ICR, knowing that together, we are making the discoveries that defeat cancer.
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At this stage, my work is still predominantly lab-based, involving the synthesis and purification of molecules to be tested in various assays to determine suitability as a drug molecule for a given pharmaceutical target.
I run sessions and events that help students to learn technologies including 3D scanners, 3D printers, Robotics, app-making softwares and CAD design. This is to help them gain experience and become more employable for the future by learning skills they might not learn on their course.