Toluwani Alade, Research Laboratory Technician

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What I do

I work in a research laboratory undertaking analytical work with stem cells for companies across the globe to help provide ground-breaking new treatments for illnesses.

Hear more about how Toluwani's role by watching the video below...

How I became a technician

I have always loved science, studying chemistry and biology at school in Watford. This job is exciting as you get to be involved in the development of new treatments, which could make a real difference. I came into this role straight from Sixth Form after I made the decision to take a year off to get a better Biology grade in my A-levels. In my gap year, I also worked in retail and bars part time while having interviews in the advanced therapies sector. I came across this apprenticeship at CGT Catapult, decided to apply, managed to get an interview and now here I am!

A typical day in my
working life

It is a 9 am start and my day begins with a one-on-one meeting with my line manager. This is followed by a project meeting to discuss what we are working on. Later in the morning, I move over into the laboratories where it is hands-on.

A typical day in my
working life

The afternoon is focused on working in the laboratories. I undertake requests for different projects for global companies involving analytical work with stem cells. Part of what I do is to see if they have differentiated into different types of cells. I also work with viral vectors (tools that deliver genetic material into cells).

A typical day in my
working life

Later in the day I leave the laboratory and go in the office to do the analysis of the work I’ve undertaken. This is more data-led and I normally finish somewhere between 5 pm and 5.30 pm.

Interested in becoming a technician?

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Don’t be scared to try different things to see if you like it.

It is good to keep your options open, especially in science, as it is such a broad sector.

A little more about
my everyday role

The best bits about working in a team

We usually work in teams for different projects, and this is something I really like. We have people with PhDs and doctorates, as well as those fresh from uni. There are people from lots of different backgrounds, with lots of different ideas. It is a supportive environment to work in.

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

The stem cell work I have done recently involves heart cells – it’s more of a developmental project and so not at the clinical stage yet. It is exciting to see the early stages of developing a new treatment and how it progresses so quickly.

CGT Catapult works to advance the growth of the UK cell and gene therapy industry by bridging the gap between scientific research and industry to ensure that life-changing therapies can be developed for use in health services across the world and I’m proud to be part of that.

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