Epigeneticsics research assistant

Epigenetics is the study of how experiences and environment can affect how genes are expressed and whether they release the information they carry. The main role of an epigenetics research assistant is to provide technical assistance in carrying out various research projects in epigenetics. This can include designing experiments, collecting data, preparing samples and maintaining equipment.

Attributes: collaborative, organised, hard-working

Useful links:

Biogeochemist

Biogeochemistry is the study of how the Earth’s systems (water, atmosphere, land and living things) interact with each other. Biogeochemists are particularly interested in the way carbon and nitrogen interact with other substances and organisms as they move through the Earth’s atmosphere.  Studying these processes helps biogeochemists understand how life formed, evolved and is threatened on our planet, and how chemical cycles regulate Earth’s climate and environment.

Attributes: passionate, resilient, collaborative

Useful links:

Applications scientist

Applications scientists plan and develop methods and tests to use in laboratories and hospitals. They explain how to use these investigations to other STEM professionals. They may develop ways to detect medical diseases or tests for forensic laboratories to use with samples taken from crime scenes.

Attributes: logical, patient and collaborative

Useful links:

  • The Primary Science Teaching Trust has a downloadable slideshow (PDF) about Dr Yogesh Kumar who is an applications scientist. It’s part of their resource A Scientist Just Like Me.

Operating Department Practitioner

An operating department practitioner (ODP) is one of the team who look after patients before, and after, an operation.

The ODP will help the patient get ready for the operation.  They also prepare all the instruments and equipment that the surgeon needs during the operation.

After the operation, the ODP will look after the patient until they have recovered from the anaesthetic, and will make sure that they are ready to go back to the hospital ward.

Attributes: Collaborative; logical; hard-working