In this interview, Zoe outlines her path into research, the variety of responsibilities she now leads, and what inspires her work at OHFT.

Tell us about yourself, and what attracted you to working at OHFT?

I love puzzles and analysing things, breaking things down to understand what lies beneath. Ultimately, this was my draw to work in research, what better way to understand how we work and to make a difference then to be on the ground trying new technologies or treatments in the real world. What drew me to OHFT in particular was the amazing variety of work we are involved in.

What is the focus of the work in your role?

As a clinical research facilitator my main role is to support the delivery lead with the non-commercial study set up process, this includes things like identifying vendors for imaging; reviewing protocols, processes and facilities; and capacity planning. I also continue to support with study delivery and help train our new team members in laboratory processes.

What does a day in your current job look like? What are you currently working on?

As my role has two hats, on a typical facilitation day I will be attending feasibility or prioritisation meetings around study set up or reviewing a new study to estimate the capacity impacts and facility/training requirements. Whereas, on a typical clinical day I would be seen attending the research pod for one of our various studies to collect bloods and head on to the laboratory to process and ship samples for central testing. It’s so hard to wrap up in a nutshell when our delivery roles offer us so much variety in any given week. One of my many loves for working in such a variable role.

In addition to study set up and delivery support I am currently part of a working group for increasing engagement and awareness of research in the community. I am also currently working on auditing and quality assessment processes within the memory & cognition delivery team.

How did you get to where you are today?

I’ve worked across a variety of responsibilities on my healthcare journey, originally starting as a Healthcare Assistant back in 2012 on a ENT theatres ward, I then went on to work in medical microbiology for 6years. It was this laboratory experience that landed me a job in research as they were looking to open up a satellite site including lab space at the Whiteleaf Centre. From there I have worked towards increasing my knowledge and experience in research to reach my current role as a research facilitator.

Who or what inspires you?

The kind of person that inspires me is someone who is true to themselves. Much like a lady I know called Jill who is an amazing advocate for neurodiversity and helping education people about what it means to be neurodiverse, including people learning about their own neurodiverse self. I learnt so much from her and feel I am a better me as a result.

If you were not in your job currently, what would you like to be doing?

In all honesty I can’t imagine doing another job, I loved working in laboratories and I loved working in healthcare, this job brings my two loves together so well. However, if I had no need for money what I would love to do is run a cat sanctuary and then I could have cat snuggles on tap.