Case Studies

Background

During my career I have worked in multiple fields, both in and outside of academia.

Since my arrival in UK, I have returned to working in a laboratory as a Research Technician. However, I began to move away from pure research and directed myself toward a laboratory-based managerial role. Initially, I took on extra roles in my Research Technician capacity such as lab-related Health & Safety duties and dealing with equipment maintenance. This culminated in getting a promotion to a Laboratory Manager position that I currently fulfill.

Why I applied to be a Registered Scientist

Good career management is key to achieving your goals and the professional registration to IST is a fantastic and formalized process, designed to ensure your path is set up in the right way. At the same time it allows you take a deep introspective view of your goals, since the application requires you to take a good look at your successes and shortcomings.

I also thought that completing the qualification would boost my chances of getting promoted and I wanted it to serve as living proof of my achievements.

Benefits of Professional Registration

A successful application is a reassurance for the people I work with within this institution, and, maybe even more so, for the ones I don’t work with on a daily basis. Your colleagues will know your weaknesses and strengths from observation, but further collaborators may need extra certification for their peace of mind. A lot of lab work is based on trust in the quality of service and many projects suffer from the lack of that trust.

Experts review the application process, so the qualification gives its holder a guarantee of quality. Since it is uniform across the country, it is also useful if you are planning to change jobs or get your temporary contract prolonged, as the RSci certifies your skills.

As I mentioned before, the introspective view provided by a thorough application process is an essential benefit. The necessity of taking a critical look on the strengths and weaknesses was, in my case, a powerful stimulus to move my career into a slightly different area, as it highlighted that my greatest strengths lay in lab management. The process also provided an essential self-esteem booster and made me more confident to apply for my current role.

Conclusions and recommendations

The process is time consuming, but I would highly recommend it. Since there are similarities between the two, my advice would be to couple it with the University’s Performance Development Review (PDR). The application has to be done thoroughly; otherwise it loses most of its benefits.

My suggestion would be to start it before the review and use the PDR as a feedback to the application form. From my experience, third party suggestions are very useful (and actually recommended by the IST). This will make the whole process easier and also more likely to be successful.

Background

My first career was working as the equivalent of a paramedic and trainer for emergency professionals in Germany. I started my second career as a lab technician after moving to the UK for family reasons. After an internship at the University of Edinburgh, I worked as a lab technician in a variety of molecular evolution and ecology labs at the Universities of Cambridge, Edinburgh and ETH Zurich in Switzerland. When we moved to Cornwall, I started my own company, working as a consultant technician on several genotyping and qPCR projects, before joining the lab I currently work in.

Why I applied to be a Registered Scientist

I heard about professional registration at Exeter’s technical service conference in 2015, where I had the chance to talk to some people from the IST. I thought that a professional registration would be useful for my career especially given my unusual professional background. Through the registration, I documented what I have achieved, and how I gained experience, knowledge and skills.

Benefits of Professional Registration

In my opinion, the professional registration benefits both the individual and the university. For yourself, you can really see your own achievements by documenting how you have engaged with personal and professional development and how you have kept up to date with the knowledge and skills of your role. Through the assessment, you can recognize your strengths as well as any areas where you want to improve your skills or knowledge. The University can be sure to have highly skilled members of staff, which are motivated to take ownership of their continuing professional and personal development.

Conclusions and recommendations

I would recommend professional registration for anyone who is committed to a career as a technician. Through the registration process, I really saw how my skills are valued and it gives a great structure for future development.

Background

I completed a BSc (Hons) degree at the University of Hull in Physical Geography, and then an MSc in Mining Geology at the Camborne School of Mines, University of Exeter. Following this, I worked as a research assistant at the University of Exeter (CSM) on a contaminated mine waste project which involved field and lab work. This experience led me to pursue and complete a PhD in Physical Geography at the University of Hull, which contained a large component of lab work. I then returned to the University of Exeter (CSM) as a research assistant working in a lab environment. Over the course of 10 years I was promoted from Experimental Officer to Facility Manager.

Why I applied to be a Chartered Scientist (CSci)

Applying for CSci was the next logical step in my career and was encouraged by a colleague. Initially, I was undecided about the benefit; however it has provided me with a route of professional recognition, given me a mark of professional quality and offered personal satisfaction.

Benefits of Professional Registration

The CSci provides a visible measure of professional development that demonstrates continued commitment to operate at a high level. For the institution, it demonstrates that it can attract and develop staff of a high calibre, who are able to mentor and contribute to the development of other staff, thereby raising the profile of the institution.

CPD and how I keep up to date

Applying for RSci/CSci is a qualification, a benchmark, that offers a competitive edge and demonstrates an ongoing commitment to a high quality of work. It highlights the abilities that technical staff have, which might not be obvious and provides a measure of pride. It is an ongoing commitment that requires continuous planning and development but the reward is personal satisfaction and career development that is recognised in many companies and organisations.

Recommendations

I gained my CSci through ongoing qualifications and experience, over a period of 15 years. The CPD is ongoing and an annual record of activities must be submitted that meet certain criteria. In my case, I must satisfy 3 out of 5 criteria. My work is assessed and must be passed by the CPD panel. Criteria include; Work based learning, Professional activity, Formal / Educational, Self-directed learning and Other (voluntary work, public service). For each of the criteria I complete, I must demonstrate how each has contributed to the quality of my professional practice and service delivery, and how each has benefitted the users of my work. I also must produce evidence of my activities, such as certificates of courses attended, publications or other documents. New achievements are required every year and therefore my commitment to learn new skills and stay current in my field of expertise is ongoing.

Why I applied to be a Chartered Scientist (CSci)

I am a Medical Physicist with more than 14 years of experience conducting diagnostic imaging procedures, with expertise on Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) and MRI safety procedures.

After graduating with a degree in Physics I completed an MSc in Medical Physics, then finished my PhD in MRI. I spent 2 years in MRI research before joining the University of Exeter MR Research Centre.

Benefits of Professional Registration

Being a CSci conveys to others, including the public, that you are professional and have the right experience, skills, training, and competence for your job. It is formal recognition of ongoing commitment for your achievement, skills and experience as a professional scientist in your field.

The requirements for maintaining CSci through the Science Council’s annual continuous personal development (CPD), will encourage you to achieve your professional objectives and reinforce your connection to the academic and research community across different sectors and disciplines, which can help you share their experiences and learn from them.

Being a CSci has assisted me to raise my profile, add to my credentials, given me credibility and boosted my confidence.

By undertaking an ongoing programme of CPD to achieve and maintain CSci, it helps me focus on my training needs and provides me with an agenda to support my future career development. It has also given me access to a wider community of scientists working across different sectors and disciplines.

Conclusions and recommendations

CSci represents, recognising high levels of professionalism and competence in science and it is an internationally recognised benchmark of professional quality and excellence for scientists.

Anyone who works within the science field, such as those involved in research and development and teaching, would all benefit in some way from being a Chartered Scientist. It will certainly help to: obtain professional recognition, demonstrate your commitment to the profession, increase your employability, and strengthen your CV so that you are ready for when promotion opportunities arise.

Finally, I would like to encourage others to prepare themselves to meet the requirements of CSci level as a way to progress in their career.

Background

I run a small, but highly trained team of technicians who provide technical support for the two laboratories which cover Biosciences and Natural Sciences. I joined the University as a trainee technician 37 years ago and have worked in a number of research labs and teaching labs during this time. Through this my skills were gained working alongside experienced professionals. In 2004 with the creation of a new large teaching laboratory for Biosciences, I was asked to head up a small team of technicians to run this facility, I oversaw the expansion of the laboratory from 120 to create 200 seats and more recently I have been involved in the creation of the new 60 seater collaborative laboratory.

Why I applied to be a Registered Scientist

I saw registration as a way to gain recognition for my skills and ongoing development gained over the years. Initially I was unsure at what level to apply for, as all of my skills and experience were gained via work based training. My family and work colleagues encouraged me to go for Chartered Scientist (CSci) and after talking to the Science Council regarding my skills I then felt reassured to apply for this level.

Benefits of Professional Registration

For myself on a personnel and professional level I can take pride and reassurance, thanks to this recognition, my work in this role is of the highest level. The benefits to the University are to show they have well trained professional staff and staff who are committed to continuing development.

Conclusions and recommendations

I would recommend professional registration to my colleagues regardless of their qualifications as a platform to gain the recognition for either via work base activities or in house training and thus a benefit for their future development. The qualification is seen as a mark of the professionalism within the service and the wider science community.

Background

I have more than ten years of laboratory-based work experience, solid qualifications and a comprehensive skill-set gained in both commercial and academic working environments.

My qualifications include M.Sc. (2004, Environmental chemistry, University of Wroclaw, PL) and recently obtained Ph.D. (2016, Polymer chemistry, Bangor University, UK). Over this time I have worked in a variety of labs and integrated my practical knowledge and experience with formal training to a wide range of scientific applications.

Why I applied to be a RSci

While working within the University environment I feel that some parts of the Academic community undervalue the work of technical staff. I wanted to demonstrate that as a Research technician, I possess a high level of practical competences and I deliver high quality work to the exacting standards associated with the Science Council.

While submitting my application I believed that I had the experience, knowledge and ability essential to satisfy the requirements. Furthermore, I wanted to be part of the scheme where technical staff are valued and respected for their skills, which are also recognised at a professional level.

I have very proactive and flexible approach to my Continuing Professional Development (CPD) activities and where possible I try to attend appropriate training courses and seminars, read literature related to my work and learn from more experienced colleagues. Since I have been employed by the University I record my CPD on Trent and monitor my work progress by fulfilling the objectives listed in my Personal Development Review (PDR). Together, these help me with my year-to-year progress and provide feedback which allows me to focus on areas for improvement and future development.

Benefits of Professional Registration

I hope that the registration will provide me with access to new development opportunities within the University, improving my job security and career prospects. In my opinion, supporting professionally registered technical staff reflects well on the College. It demonstrates that we have qualified and experienced people supporting students, researchers and also industry related contracts. I am certain that it will help to raise the profile of technicians within the Institution.

Conclusions and recommendations

In science, the competition for jobs is high and I feel that professional registration will add a special spark to my CV. It boosts self-confidence, highlights work experience, independent working and a can-do attitude, and it promotes a high standard of service which is valued by employers and customers alike. Registered status indicates to current and future employers that you are proactive and committed to improve your skills and knowledge and I believe this will broaden the possibilities to develop my scientific carrier.

Background

In 2004 I graduated from the University of Surrey with BSc (Hons) Medical Microbiology degree. I completed a Professional Training Year (2003) in the PHLS laboratory at the R, D and E Hospital pathology department, where I worked as trainee Biomedical Scientist. After completing a MSc degree in Biomedical Science (Medical Microbiology) degree from UWIC, Cardiff, I was offered a PhD in Food Technology (Cardiff Metropolitan University) studying the effect of ozone on decontaminating food catering surfaces. I really enjoyed and I gained a lot of skills and experience.

Since completing my PhD, I have worked as a Research Technician (Cardiff University and University of Exeter) for 4 years whilst raising a young family. I am currently working at University of Exeter as a Laboratory Technician Level 1 in Bioscience department Teaching laboratory.

Why I applied to be a RSci

I applied to be an RSci as I felt I meet the required competencies and I felt the register would be beneficial to my career progression and would be able to demonstrate my capabilities.

I keep up to date by reading current scientific journals such as The New Scientist. I check up on courses relevant to my job role on websites such as ELE, Learn Upon, Trent and HEaTED, STEM courses.

Benefits of Professional Registration

The benefits of registration are: accredited recognition for the knowledge, skill and techniques I have gained throughout my career, to continually develop myself professionally and improved job security and career prospects.

Conclusions and recommendations

I would recommend Professional Registration to my colleagues as it is an accredited recognition for the work experience you have done, supports continual CPD and promotes high standards which is very important to the role of a technician.

Background

I run the Imaging Suite in the College of Engineering, Mathematics and Physical Sciences (CEMPS), which contains cutting-edge equipment for microscopy and characterisation and provides analytical services for experimental applications at micro and nano scale to students as well as external users. Before my current role, I started as an Experimental Officer specialized in Transmission Electron Microscopy in the Imaging Suite in 2012, and I worked in Loughborough University (2008-2009), The University of Nottingham (2009-2010) and University of Exeter (2010-2012) as a Research Associate/Research Fellow in the field of Materials Science and Engineering.

Why I applied to be a Registered Scientist

I was inspired to apply and become a Charted Scientist (CSci) when I was studying in Loughborough University in 2005 realizing that my PhD supervisor was a CSci. To me, being a CSci is a recognition and reassurance for the knowledge, skills, performance and career development I had developed over the years.

Benefits of Professional Registration

Professional registration is a win-win for the individual, the university, and the students and customers, in my point of view. It adds value to myself and the role I play in the university; it shows the institute has talented staff nationally recognised in the work place and who are committed to further development; and it is self-evident to the students and customers that they receive high standard service from us.

Conclusions and recommendations

I would recommend colleagues in considering and participating in professional registration. It is a great opportunity in reflecting where we are, and a powerful stimulator for further development with satisfaction for the individuals.