Even though many of our graduates will have progressed in their careers since completing a case study, they are still of interest to students who wish to gain an understanding of the world of work.

As a postdoctoral research fellow in biochemistry my main duties are to design and perform experiments, to prepare manuscripts for publication, and to present my research at meetings and at conferences. I can also be involved in supervising project students, and may have to do some general administrative tasks.

During a typical working day I would expect to spend some time in the laboratory doing experimental work and some time in the office analysing data, writing reports, and planning the next days work. I normally have some interaction with postgraduate students, and will be available to them if they need any help or advice with their lab work.

There is a lot I enjoy about my job. I really enjoy lab work and teaching and I get a great deal of satisfaction when my research is published!

A research career can be very insecure, with most research staff appointed on short term employment contracts (usually for up to 3 years). At the end of a project you move on and sometimes have to learn about a whole new area of science. That can be very challenging.

I have always had a strong interest in the life sciences, and I really enjoy research. I learn something new every day.

A good first degree is essential to give you the broad background knowledge you need for a research career, and a PhD will equip you with the skills you need to develop into an independent researcher.

My first job after leaving Sheffield was as a graduate laboratory technician with a large biotechology company.

After almost 2 years I moved to The School of Life Sciences at the University of Warwick, initially as a research technician and then as a doctoral student.

After completing my PhD I moved to The Department of Chemistry at Warwick where I now work as a postodoctoral research fellow.

I am currently applying for independent research fellowships and hope to establish my own research group.

The best advice I can give to is plan ahead! Think about your long term career goals, and look for training or jobs that will help you to achieve those goals.