Rebecca Dixon, Research Laboratory Technician

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What I do

I support a large team of researchers who study plant science. I make sure the laboratory is fully stocked, the equipment works properly and the waste is handled safely. I’m basically the go-to person when someone needs help, something breaks, or anything needs organising behind the scenes.

How I became a technician

At school, I did a lot of GCSEs – probably too many! I studied French, geography, textiles, art, business studies and IT, as well as the usual English, maths and science. After that, I did A-levels in chemistry, maths, physics and computer science.

How I became a technician

I didn’t want to go to university straight after my A-levels, so I applied for a Laboratory Technician apprenticeship at the Sainsbury Laboratory, which I was so pleased to be offered. I studied applied science one day a week at Cambridge Regional College and worked in the lab the other four days. I loved being in a real lab and learning on the job. After that, I worked at a company called Achilles Therapeutics where I did a Technician Scientist apprenticeship.

How I became a technician

When a job opportunity came up back at the Sainsbury Laboratory, I applied and got the job! I’m now doing the job that I supported as an apprentice. It’s been a full circle, and I’m really proud of how far I’ve come.

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A typical day in my working life

I start work at 7.30am because I drive and want to avoid the school traffic. Once I arrive, I check my emails and Teams messages to see if anything urgent has happened overnight.

Then I tidy the labs, clearing ice buckets, sorting equipment and restocking supplies. I refill the media cupboards, top up Petri dishes in the hood rooms and check our stores.

A typical day in my working life

Each day is different. Some days I might be deep in waste management, sorting hazardous materials and booking collections.

Other times I’m cleaning equipment, filling liquid nitrogen tanks or updating our chemical inventory. I also answer questions from staff and students, so I’m always on the move. I finish around 3.30pm.

What I love about my job

What I love most is the variety. I’m not stuck at a desk, I get to be hands-on, solving problems and doing something different every day. You never know what’s going to happen.

I also really enjoy being the person people come to when something goes wrong. Whether it’s a broken machine or a mystery leak, I get to figure it out. It keeps things interesting and I never get bored.

The skills I use most

Time management is really important. I’ve got to juggle regular tasks with sudden problems that pop up. One minute I’m restocking, the next I’m dealing with a broken autoclave (a machine that sterilises equipment with steam) or helping someone with liquid nitrogen.

I also need to be flexible and reliable – people depend on me to keep the lab running. Communication is key too. I’m often the first person researchers go to, so I need to be approachable and clear when explaining things.

I’m not stuck at a desk, I get to be hands-on, solving problems and doing something different every day.

Everyone brings different experience to the team and there’s always someone to ask if I need advice.

A little more about my everyday role

The best bits about working in a team

There are four of us in the support team, me, the manager and two other technicians. We work together closely, supporting each other and keeping things running smoothly.

Everyone brings different experience to the team and there’s always someone to ask if I need advice. It’s a great mix of skills and personalities, and I really enjoy being part of it.

What I like to do in my spare time

I have always loved creative hobbies. At school, I was into art and textiles, and I still enjoy doing artsy things now. I taught myself how to crochet a few years ago and I’ve been hooked ever since. I like making small things because you get that instant satisfaction of finishing something.

A surprising fact about my job

I work with gene edited plants and that means we have to manage our waste very carefully. Anything used in the lab, like samples or materials, needs to be sterilised properly before disposal. There’s a lot going on behind the scenes to make sure everything is handled responsibly and in line with regulations.

The advice I’d give to someone younger

Don’t worry, things will work out. An apprenticeship is often the right choice. It might take longer than university, but in the end, you’ll have experience, confidence and real skills. You’ll get there eventually, and maybe even further than you thought.