Ali Shahin, University Technician

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What I do

I work in the Bioengineering department at Imperial College London. I make sure the laboratory is safe, clean and fully stocked so that scientists can focus on their experiments. The laboratory researches diseases like cancer and dementia, as well as testing potential new regenerative medicine, like stem cell treatment or using tiny microchips to help those with brain injuries. It’s great to be part of this process and to know I’m helping to improve the future of medicine.

How I became a technician

I moved to the UK from Italy just before starting Year 10. It was a big change, but I settled in and studied six GCSEs including English, maths, science, geography, RE and Italian. Science was always something I enjoyed, so after my GCSEs, I went on to study a T-level in science. That was a turning point for me.

How I became a technician

As part of my T-level, I did a work placement at Imperial College in the Musculoskeletal Research Group. I got to work on really interesting projects like making hip and bone replacements using 3D printing and even motion capture for ACL reconstructions (a type of knee injury).

How I became a technician

At the end of the T-level, I applied for an apprenticeship at Imperial College and got the job. I’m now an Apprentice Education Technician. I’m learning new things every day and getting proper, hands-on experience in a world-class lab. I’m proud to be here.

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A typical day in my working life

My day starts at 9am. I check my emails in case anyone needs help in the tissue culture lab (where we grow the cells needed for research). Then I head into the lab and check a whiteboard where people list any items they need restocking. I either get them from our storeroom or place orders.

A typical day in my working life

Next, I inspect the lab for safety. I check for things like leaks or hazards and make sure everything is clean and running properly. I also check-in with people who are using the lab to see if they need help. After that, I have lunch with my colleagues in our breakout area.

A typical day in my working life

In the afternoon, I focus on my apprenticeship work. That might be writing up my assignments, logging my training or doing online courses about lab safety or self-development. If it’s quiet, I read up on tissue culture (a technique of growing cells in the lab) or take extra training. My day finishes at 5pm.

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What I love about my job

What I really enjoy is learning about growing cells. I find it fascinating how different types of cells grow and behave. Every time I learn something new, I feel like I’m helping to make a difference, especially because many of the cells we grow are used in cancer research.

This work means a lot to me personally. My mum has been affected by cancer, so it makes me feel proud to be doing something that could help people in the future. There’s always something new to discover and it keeps me motivated.

The skills I use most

Problem solving is a big one. Sometimes people don’t know how to use a piece of equipment or there’s a technical issue, so I need to figure it out quickly. I also use creativity when I’m learning how to use new machines, sometimes I have to come up with new ways of doing things.

Being patient and focused is important too. We often get interrupted with people needing help or advice, so I need to stay focused and keep calm under pressure. Responding to many enquiries and questions helps me build confidence too, it’s good to be able to answer people’s questions!

It makes me feel proud to be doing something that could help people in the future.

There’s always something new to discover, which keeps me motivated.

Speak to people who work in the jobs you’re interested in. Most people are happy to help, you just have to be brave enough to ask.

A little more about my everyday role

The best part of working in a team

I share an office with a team of seven, and I work most closely with two other technicians. Together, we’re responsible for several labs – mine is the tissue culture lab. There’s always someone around to ask for help, and people are always popping in or messaging for advice. We all get along well, have lunch together and support each other. Being part of a team makes everything easier and more enjoyable.

My favourite piece of equipment

The microscope - I love looking at cells under the microscope and seeing all the details. We also have a really powerful microscope in the lab that gives a super clear view of the cells, it’s amazing!

What I like to do in my spare time

I’ve always loved football. I used to play on a school team and even played in a local league. I support Juventus in Italy and Liverpool in the UK. A couple of years ago, I was lucky enough to watch the FA Cup final. I also enjoy spotting supercars in central London with my friends. We know all the usual places to go, there are some amazing cars around. Recently I’ve got into cooking too. I started experimenting with Italian recipes and really enjoyed it.

My school days

Moving to the UK meant I joined school in Year 10. I’d just finished middle school in Italy, so it was a big jump. I studied six GCSEs, including Italian, which I could take as I was a native speaker. After that, I went to sixth form and chose to study a T-level in science. It was a great mix of classroom learning and real-world experience. My work placement at Imperial College showed me what working in a lab is really like and it helped me realise the path I wanted to follow.

The most exciting thing I’ve achieved so far in my job

Being trusted to run my own lab. I’m responsible for the tissue culture lab and I’ve been given the freedom to make improvements, change things and keep everything running smoothly. My manager encourages me to take ownership and it’s given me loads of confidence. I love knowing I’m making a real contribution.

A surprising fact about my job

Cells can grow in the lab for over a year! Right now, I’m working with fibroblast cells, which come from human skin. I’ve been growing them for months and they’re still going strong. It’s amazing to see how something so tiny can grow and multiply like that. And it’s even more incredible knowing those cells are helping scientists study things like cancer.

The advice I’d give to someone younger

Speak to people who work in the jobs you’re interested in. Don’t be shy. Ask questions. I wish I’d done more of that when I was younger. Now that I’m in this role, I really want younger students to come up to me and ask about what I do. Most people are happy to help, you just have to be brave enough to ask.