Open Day at Randox Teoranta!
Open Day at Randox Teoranta!
We are hosting an open day at Randox Teoranta!
We are delighted to invite you to our careers open day at Randox Teoranta, which will take place on Saturday 8th April from 9.30am to 12.30pm.
This is a fantastic opportunity to discover more about our innovative medical diagnostic technologies and products, as well as to learn about the exciting career opportunities available within our state-of-the-art facility located in Dungloe, Co. Donegal, F94 TV06.
We are Recruiting for these exciting opportunities:
– Engineering Roles
– Scientific Roles
– Manufacturing Roles
– Admin/Support Roles
Come in and see the facility and discuss job opportunities directly with staff. Tea, coffee and traybakes will be available in the morning as well as the chance to win our Easter basket!
Why work at Randox Teoranta?
At Randox Teoranta, we take great pride in fostering a strong company culture that emphasises teamwork, collaboration, and support. We believe that our success is due in large part to the dedicated and motivated individuals who make up our team. Our employees aren’t just colleagues, they’re part of our family. We encourage open communication, provide opportunities for personal and professional growth, and celebrate the achievements of our team members.
Company Culture
Learning Opportunities
At Randox, we offer extensive opportunities for learning and development in various fields such as business, science, design, technology, and engineering. Our fast-paced and forward-thinking work culture values fresh and innovative ideas that can ultimately transform healthcare and save lives.
Whether you’re a full-time employee or a student, Randox Laboratories is a great place to grow and advance in your career. Our highly active placement programs for 1st and 2nd year students in every sector provide 50+ positions each year!
We Are Randox | Northern Ireland Apprenticeship Week 2022 with Kane McIlroy
Did you know that 7th – 11th February 2022 marks Apprenticeship Week in Northern Ireland?
The initiative from the Department for the Economy offers an opportunity through a dedicated week of events and promotional activity to demonstrate how apprenticeships work for individuals, business, communities and the wider economy.
To mark the week, we spoke to one of our Randox apprentices, Kane McIlroy, to find out more about his role, what he enjoys about the apprenticeship, and his advice for young people considering a career in software engineering.
Name: Kane McIlroy
Job: Software Engineering Apprentice
Department: Randox Engineering
Kane, what are the main duties of your role?
My current role is a Software Developer in the Randox Engineering R&D department. I have a keen interest in software development and in my role, I have had the opportunity to use various programming techniques. I work as part of a software team in which I write code and collaborate with others to create intuitive, responsive applications that allow users to interact with the Randox testing machines.
What and where you studied and why you chose the apprenticeship route?
I am enrolled in a Higher-level Apprenticeship with the Northern Regional College in Ballymena, where I am studying a foundation degree in Computer Science alongside my work at Randox. At Cambridge House Grammar School I studied Technology and Design for A-Level and it was during this time that I became very interested in IT. My interest in technology led me to work in Curry’s Electrical Retail Store where I was very often placed in the computer department due to my interest. I was trained in the shop’s range of hardware, software, equipment, and products. The Apprenticeship with Randox also gives me the opportunity to earn while I am still learning which is great. It means I have no student debt which is such a bonus!
What top three things you love about your job?
- As a Software Developer writing code, you will often be faced with bugs that need fixed. I really enjoy coding and the problem-solving that is involved in trying different ideas to implement the most efficient solution.
- I have had the opportunity to work on very exciting projects for a range of different Randox machines. Many of these have involved robotics, which are fascinating to work with as they allow me to implement code that instructs the machines to perform specific physical actions.
- Working in a diverse and experienced engineering team gives me the opportunity to continuously learn and challenge myself and this drives me to learn new coding skills.
What advice would you give to someone considering an apprenticeship route?
I would recommend the apprenticeship route as it is a fantastic opportunity to work, learn, and earn, all at the same time. You will get hands-on experience in a real job without having to give up your education. Financially an apprenticeship has great benefits as it provides a fully funded education without the burden of student loans. You gain experience that employers want, which will help with your future career. You also learn directly from experienced individuals working in your chosen industry and have access to their support, which helps you gain the skills and knowledge you require to achieve your goals. If the apprenticeship role is something you’re interested in and are passionate about, I would highly recommend it as an excellent career path!
We are delighted to have Kane with us at Randox as part of our Apprenticeship Scheme.
For more We Are Randox stories about our amazing colleagues, make sure to follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter and follow the hashtag #WeAreRandox.
For further information about Apprenticeships at Randox please email RandoxPR@randox.com or phone 028 9442 2413.
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Further expansion at Randox labs with immediate start vacancies available
Further expansion at Randox COVID labs with recruitment drive for new staff
Randox Laboratories is hiring more new staff in support of its COVID-19 testing operations at the Randox Science Park in Antrim.
The healthcare diagnostics company has significantly increased its workforce since the beginning of the pandemic and continues to recruit to enhance its laboratory capacity within the UK’s National COVID-19 Testing Programme, and for those requiring PCR testing before travel.
Vacancies are available across science, accessioning, manufacturing and customer support.
Dr Peter FitzGerald, Managing Director of Randox Laboratories, commented;
“With our headquarters in the Randox Science Park in County Antrim, we are fortunate to benefit from Northern Ireland’s incredible talent pool across a variety of disciplines, and so many have already responded to our call for support in fighting the coronavirus.
“Our staff have risen to the challenge this pandemic has created, been incredibly resourceful and flexible, and pulled together as a team to make an impact in the fight against COVID-19. They are our best asset and we are very proud of their efforts.”
Last month Randox reached a significant testing milestone, with 21 million tests completed since its testing began.
Thanks to significant private investment, Randox’s testing capacity, which in March 2020 was just 150 tests per day, has now increased to 180,000 daily PCR tests, the same number as at the height of the pandemic.
Dr FitzGerald continued;
“The completion of over 21 million gold-standard PCR tests is testament to the hard work and dedication of all our staff.
“We continue to play a vital role in the national network of testing, which is of critical importance and remains a key part of the response to COVID-19 – not only to identify outbreaks, isolate cases and prevent further spread, but also to assist with a return to social and economic normality.”
Anyone interested in joining Randox’s COVID-19 Testing Programme should apply at https://randox.getgotjobs.co.uk/
Job roles available include:
- Laboratory Analysts
- Sample Processing Operatives
- Laboratory Support
- Customer Support Advisors
- Manufacturing Technicians
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We Are Randox | Randox IT team win Company of the Year at Belfast Telegraph’s IT Awards
06 November 2021: Randox IT win IT Company of the Year at the Belfast Telegraph IT Awards 2021
A massive congratulations to the Randox IT team who won the most coveted category of Overall IT Company of the Year at the Belfast Telegraph IT Awards on Friday 5th November 2021.
The event from the Belfast-based media outlet, is an annual showcase of the finest that the Northern Ireland IT industry has to offer with both IT agencies and in-house IT teams vying for the chance to be crowned among the best their respective fields.
As well as winning IT Company of the Year, the Randox team also took home three other awards – triumphing in the categories of Digital Project of the Year, IT Project of the Year and IT Team of the Year.
Commenting on Randox’s achievements, the judging panel said: “While there were a number of very strong contenders, the judges felt that Randox were worthy winners of the Overall IT Company of the Year because of the way in which the team at Randox worked together at speed, to rise to the challenge of Covid.
“They were able to deliver a highly effective end-to-end solution to support the nationwide testing programme on a 24/7 basis, which has been hailed as a significant success in the fight against Covid-19.”
See an overview of their applications below.
In early 2020 Randox, the largest diagnostics company from the UK, recognised the threat from COVID-19 and based on almost 40 years of experience, developed a test to identify the virus in a greatly accelerated timeframe of just two weeks.
Faced with unprecedented demand for testing to curb the spread of the virus, the company stepped up to support the UK Government’s National COVID-19 Testing Programme without hesitation.
Armed with world-leading testing technology and expertise, the next step for Randox was to scale its capacity and infrastructure.
Growing from an initial testing capacity of just 150 samples on the first day of COVID testing in March 2020, to now a capacity of 500,000 COVID samples per day, Randox has to date tested almost 20 million samples across the National Testing Programme and private testing for international travel.
These accomplishments would not have been possible without the Randox IT team, who responded quickly in an ever-evolving situation and introduced a full end-to-end testing process inclusive of logistics, sample registration, accessioning and results reporting, for tens of thousands of daily tests.
The development of platforms such as an online sample kit registration portal, intelligent robotics automation, and an informatic lab workflow management system, all designed and developed entirely in-house, showcases the knowledge, expertise, responsiveness and overall capability within Randox IT.
Examples of innovative systems developed in-house by the Randox IT team include but are not limited to;
- Online sample collection kit registration portal
- Robust accessioning platform for sample receipt and chain of custody
- End-to-end digital and informatic laboratory workflow management solution
- Robotics for intelligent process automation
- Fully automated result communication system
- Intelligent data management
- Diagnostic algorithm development
Each of these innovative and re-deployable platforms has been scaled across a number of different testing services. Initially intended for Randox’s new 80,000 sqft of molecular laboratory space at the company’s headquarters in Antrim, the systems are also in use across newly built adaptive labs in Manchester and London, in mobile testing vans at key airport locations, and in a number of walk-through and drive-through testing clinics across the UK and Ireland.
The improvements in IT automation, robotics and software capabilities, have enabled Randox to upscale its testing capability like no other – growing the company to be amongst the largest COVID-19 testing laboratories in Europe.
The finals for the Belfast Telegraph IT Awards 2021 took place on Friday 5th November 2021 in The Mac, Belfast. To find out more click here.
Congratulations to the Randox IT team!
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We Are Randox | Charlotte Dixon World Indoor Rowing Champion
02 November 2021
Charlotte Dixon: Covid Scientist and World Indoor Rowing Champion
One of our favourite things about our We Are Randox series of staff interviews is the opportunity we are given to find out about the unique and interesting talents of our colleagues.
From creative bakers to melodious musicians, motivated youth leaders to athletic sportspeople, many of our staff are just as busy outside of the office as they are in it.
Take Covid Scientist Charlotte Dixon for example. During working hours Charlotte spends time in our Covid-19 testing laboratories – reviewing results before they are sent to the patient, helping her team with any issues they face, and compiling performance reports for management – but outside of work she is impressively the World Indoor Rowing Champion in the women’s U23 500m sprint, having beaten experienced competitors from Denmark, Egypt and Europe in the prestigious World Indoor Rowing Championships.
We caught up with Charlotte to find out about her intense training regime, her goals for the future of her rowing career, and her advice for anyone wanting to try a new sport or hobby.
1. Hi Charlotte, can you tell us about your job at Randox and the main responsibilities of the role?
I work in the Covid-19 Labs at the Randox Science Park in Antrim, as a Reviewer for a type of testing called qPCR. As a Reviewer I load plates of samples on to the machines which perform sample analysis to produce a negative or positive COVID result, and then review the results to ensure they are sent out correctly to the patient.
I am also the Shift Lead for my team, for which the main responsibility is to organise the shift and delegate any jobs that need done, ensuring I appropriately deal with any issues that may arise and communicate with the managers to resolve any problems.
2. What does a typical day look like in your role at Randox?
Depending on whether I’m doing a day or night shift, my day starts at 8am or 8pm with a handover meeting with the managers and other shift leads to discuss any points that need to be noted or carried forward from one shift to the next, and then the two labs for which I am a Shift Lead get deep cleaned. The 12 hour shifts normally involve a mixture of test scanning, witnessing and loading plates of samples, as well as reviewing results. Once I have written the shift report, the day/night finishes with a final tidy of the lab and another meeting with the team managing the next shift, to discuss the report and any issues to be passed on.
3. What was your educational / career background to get to this role?
I studied Biomedical Science at Ulster University Coleraine and graduated in 2019. Once graduated I took time out to focus on my equestrian ambitions and during this time I got the opportunity to compete internationally several times. Unfortunately, Covid-19 halted all competitions, but then the chance to work at Randox arose, and I jumped at the opportunity to put my science background to use.
4. What do you enjoy most about the job and what do you find most challenging?
During the pandemic I was grateful that my role in Covid testing meant I was able to play a direct role in the fight against the pandemic. However, I always say the best part about my job is the people I get to work with. I’ve made some amazing friends in this job and they really can make those long night shifts that little bit easier.
5. Tell us a bit about your title of “World Indoor Rowing Champion” – when and how did you receive this accolade?
Finishing University in 2019 I joined my local gym, Gladiator Training, in the aim to get fitter to benefit my horse riding, which I have done since I was little. I signed up to a 12-week indoor rowing programme and things really just went from there. At the end of 2019 I entered the Irish Indoor Rowing Championships for a bit of fun and won 2 races, before going on to place in the British Championships a few weeks later.
In 2020 things were a little different due to Covid restrictions but thankfully Indoor Rowing events could be held virtually. In December I won both the British and European U23 500m Championships, qualifying me for the World Indoor Rowing Championships.
After I qualified for the World’s, I was granted Elite athlete status which allowed me to train with my Coach at the gym even when restrictions meant it wasn’t open to the public. My training was so focused, and it was during this time that I made the most progress and realised how much I appreciate being able to train every day.
The World Indoor Rowing Championships, due to be held in California, was also held virtually due to restrictions. I had the fastest qualifying time going into the race and finished in Gold with a personal best time of 1:31.6 against competitors from across the world.
6. What does your training involve?
I train for 2 hours, 5-6 days a week. This is either at 5am before day shifts, 4pm before night shifts or 9am on days off. Working long hours means I have to be quite flexible with when I do my training, but I’m pretty used to it by now. What I do during training can vary quite a lot and depends on what type of competition I’m prepping for. In preparation for the World Championships, I rowed 2-3 days a week and then did a large amount of weight training on the other days to increase strength and sprint capacity.
7. What’s up next in your indoor rowing career?
Quite a lot of exciting things actually! I am currently preparing for the Irish indoor Rowing Championships held in Limerick on 20th November. This is my first year in the Senior category so I’m excited to try to go for Gold in multiple races. I have also just been accepted onto the British Rowing World Class Start Squad, a programme set up to find and train future Olympians. Rowing on water is something I have never done but I am so excited to give this a shot and see where it takes me!
8. Can you tell us a little bit about your equestrian interests and achievements?
I have been so fortunate to have had the opportunity to ride horses since as long as I can remember. I compete mainly in Eventing, which involves Dressage, Showjumping and Cross-Country – a bit like a triathlon for horses! Over the years I have notched up a few major titles including an U18 International Win, a Senior International Win (at only 19 years old), several other International placings and winning Team Gold at the Student Rider World Finals in Switzerland.
9. How do you juggle your time between work, rowing and equestrianism?
Juggling my time can be a bit difficult. Training on top of 12-hour shifts makes for extremely long days. I am so lucky though that I have an incredible team of people who support me with the horses and keep their fitness regimes up during competition season whilst I’m at work, leaving me to focus on riding them on my 4 days off. Riding and training are easy when they’re so enjoyable and I think that is the secret to juggling everything!
I’m very appreciative of the opportunities I’ve been offered at Randox and how accommodating they have been when it has come to my training schedule and I’m so excited for what the future holds with both my future sporting and working careers!
10. How do you like to relax when you have time in your busy schedule?
I really enjoy training and riding so I rarely feel like I need a ‘break’ from it but when I’m not working I just love going out for dinner to relax. I just enjoy eating lots of nice food.
11. What advice would you give to someone who wanted to try a new sport or hobby, or take one they have already to the next level?
I think whenever you take up a new hobby or sport you may not enjoy it that much at first, as chances are you won’t be very good at it! The key is to persevere and also find people who make it fun. A community of supportive people is the best thing about any sport. If you want to push yourself to the next level you just have to be prepared to work hard and do things that you haven’t done before. That’s how you’re going to make progress at the end of the day.
We are delighted to have Charlotte with us at Randox as part of our COVID-19 testing programme.
For current vacancies at Randox please visit randox.getgotjobs.co.uk
For more We Are Randox stories about our amazing colleagues, make sure to follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter and follow the hashtag #WeAreRandox.
For further information please contact Randox PR by emailing randoxpr@randox.com
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We Are Randox | Randox IT is shortlisted in the Belfast Telegraph IT Awards 2021
19 October 2021: Randox IT Team is shortlisted in the Belfast Telegraph IT Awards 2021
Congratulations to the Randox IT department who have been shortlisted in four categories at the Belfast Telegraph IT Awards 2021.
The event from the Belfast-based media outlet, is set to be a showcase of the finest that the Northern Ireland IT industry has to offer with both IT agencies and in-house IT teams vying for the chance to be crowned among the best their respective fields.
Randox IT have been shortlisted for Digital Project of the Year, IT Team of the Year, IT Project Team of the Year, and Covid Response for their work on the development of IT systems required for nationwide COVID testing, playing a critical role in the fight against COVID-19.
See an overview of their applications below.
In early 2020 Randox, the largest diagnostics company from the UK, recognised the threat from COVID-19 and based on almost 40 years of experience, developed a test to identify the virus in a greatly accelerated timeframe of just two weeks.
Faced with unprecedented demand for testing to curb the spread of the virus, the company stepped up to support the UK Government’s National COVID-19 Testing Programme without hesitation.
Armed with world-leading testing technology and expertise, the next step for Randox was to scale its capacity and infrastructure.
Growing from an initial testing capacity of just 150 samples on the first day of COVID testing in March 2020, to now a capacity of 500,000 COVID samples per day, Randox has to date tested almost 20 million samples across the National Testing Programme and private testing for international travel.
These accomplishments would not have been possible without the Randox IT team, who responded quickly in an ever-evolving situation and introduced a full end-to-end testing process inclusive of logistics, sample registration, accessioning and results reporting, for tens of thousands of daily tests.
The development of platforms such as an online sample kit registration portal, intelligent robotics automation, and an informatic lab workflow management system, all designed and developed entirely in-house, showcases the knowledge, expertise, responsiveness and overall capability within Randox IT.
Examples of innovative systems developed in-house by the Randox IT team include but are not limited to;
- Online sample collection kit registration portal
- Robust accessioning platform for sample receipt and chain of custody
- End-to-end digital and informatic laboratory workflow management solution
- Robotics for intelligent process automation
- Fully automated result communication system
- Intelligent data management
- Diagnostic algorithm development
Each of these innovative and re-deployable platforms has been scaled across a number of different testing services. Initially intended for Randox’s new 80,000 sqft of molecular laboratory space at the company’s headquarters in Antrim, the systems are also in use across newly built adaptive labs in Manchester and London, in mobile testing vans at key airport locations, and in a number of walk-through and drive-through testing clinics across the UK and Ireland.
The improvements in IT automation, robotics and software capabilities, have enabled Randox to upscale its testing capability like no other – growing the company to be amongst the largest COVID-19 testing laboratories in Europe.
The finals for the Belfast Telegraph IT Awards 2021 will take place on Friday 5th November 2021 in The Mac, Belfast and all finalists can be viewed here.
Good luck to the Randox IT department!
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Further expansion at Randox labs with recruitment drive for 400 new staff
Further expansion at Randox COVID labs with recruitment drive for 400 new staff
Randox Laboratories is hiring a further 400 new staff in support of its COVID-19 testing operations at the Randox Science Park in Antrim.
The healthcare diagnostics company has increased its workforce by over 850 staff since the beginning of the pandemic and continues to recruit to enhance its laboratory capacity within the UK’s National COVID-19 Testing Programme, and for those requiring PCR testing before travel.
Vacancies are available across science, accessioning, manufacturing and customer support.
Dr Peter FitzGerald, Managing Director of Randox Laboratories, commented;
“With our headquarters in the Randox Science Park in County Antrim, we are fortunate to benefit from Northern Ireland’s incredible talent pool across a variety of disciplines, and so many have already responded to our call for support in fighting the coronavirus.
“Our staff have risen to the challenge this pandemic has created, been incredibly resourceful and flexible, and pulled together as a team to make an impact in the fight against COVID-19. They are our best asset and we are very proud of their efforts.”
Earlier this month Randox reached a significant testing milestone, with 12 million tests completed since its testing began.
Thanks to significant private investment, Randox’s testing capacity, which in March 2020 was just 150 tests per day, has now increased to 120,000 daily COVID tests, making Randox the most productive laboratory in the UK and Ireland.
Dr FitzGerald continued;
“The completion of over 12 million gold-standard PCR tests for the UK’s National Testing Programme, representing approximately 21% of all PCR tests executed in the UK, is testament to the hard work and dedication of all our staff.
“We continue to play a vital role in the national network of testing, which is of critical importance and remains a key part of the response to COVID-19 – not only to identify outbreaks, isolate cases and prevent further spread, but also to assist with a return to social and economic normality.”
Anyone interested in joining Randox’s COVID-19 Testing Programme should apply at https://randox.getgotjobs.co.uk/
For press enquiries please contact Amy Millar in the Randox PR team on amy.millar@randox.com or 028 9442 2413
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We Are Randox | How Laura became a COVID-19 Laboratory Manager
11 February 2021
We Are Randox | How Laura became a COVID-19 Laboratory Manager
Randox is a key partner laboratory in the UK Government’s COVID-19 Testing Programme.
For an idea of what it’s like to be part of the COVID-19 testing programme at Randox, we spoke to Laboratory Manager Laura Cummings.
Laura spoke to us about what a typical day in our laboratories looks like, the career path she took to her current role, and how it feels to be making a difference in the global fight against COVID-19.
Name: Laura Cummings
Job Title: Laboratory Manager
Department: COVID-19 Laboratories
Can you describe a typical working day in the Randox COVID labs?
As the UK and Ireland’s largest COVID testing facility, Randox is critical to the national response to the pandemic. We run up to 120,000 daily tests for the UK Government’s National Testing Programme so the timely release of accurate and reliable results is key. We have a big focus on quality and are always looking for ways to improve our policies and processes. We have, for example, introduced a range of innovative robotic systems which automate the unpacking and racking of samples before they get tested by our scientists. All this takes very active management.
What are the main duties of your role?
Our staff work 24|7 and my role as a Laboratory Manager is to make sure that they have everything they need to do their job. I ensure that the lab runs smoothly, provide solutions for any issues that may arise, and monitor the performance of the testing process.
What has been your educational route to this post?
I studied Biological Sciences at Queen’s University Belfast and then worked in England for a few years, in an organic chemistry lab. I was really fortunate to be able to move back home, and find a job not just in my field of science, but in a company that has made such an impact in the fight against coronavirus. I’m very grateful that the team at Randox have recognised my skills and achievements and given me valuable opportunities for career progression, including my recent promotion to Manager of one of the COVID labs.
How does your work as a COVID Laboratory Manager make the world a better place?
I’m proud to be directly involved in COVID testing, which plays such a vital role in the effort to contain and reduce the spread of the virus, and to be making a difference for the sake of our family, friends and communities. We recently reached a key milestone in reporting 9 million COVID-19 tests to the National Testing Progamme – and by the time you read this we will be closing in on 10 million.
What do you really like about your job?
Randox has employed more than 850 new staff into the COVID labs, and to work with and learn from such a diverse and multi-disciplined team has been really rewarding. Everyone has risen to the challenge this pandemic has created and I am proud of how we have all pulled together as a team in a time of great need.
What is your perception of future career prospects in the diagnostics industry?
I think the future of the diagnostics industry is very bright and those thinking of a career in this area should definitely get involved. In setting up the Randox COVID labs we have done something which was never seen before in terms of infrastructure, capacity, and service, and across society there is an improved understanding of the importance of testing. I believe that this, coupled with further advancements in technology, will be a catalyst for more personalised healthcare individually tailored to each patient.
We are delighted to have Laura with us at Randox as part of our COVID-19 testing programme.
For current vacancies at Randox please visit randox.getgotjobs.co.uk
For more We Are Randox stories about our amazing colleagues, make sure to follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter and follow the hashtag #WeAreRandox.
For further information please email recruitment@randox.com or phone 028 9442 2413.
Want to know more?
Contact us or visit our Randox Careers
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We Are Randox | How Courtney became a COVID-19 Scientist and Trainer
08 October 2020
We Are Randox | How Courtney became a COVID-19 Scientist and Trainer
In support of our new £30m COVID-19 laboratories, we are recruiting across Engineering, Manufacturing and Science.
For an idea of what it’s like to be part of the COVID-19 testing programme at Randox, we spoke to Senior Scientist and Trainer Dr Courtney Ward.
Courtney spoke to us about what a typical day in our laboratories looks like, the career path she took to her current role, and how it feels to be making a difference in the global fight against COVID-19.
Name: Dr Courtney Ward
Job Title: Senior COVID-19 Scientist and Trainer
Department: COVID-19 Laboratories
Give a brief outline of your career to date.
During my undergrad studies, I spent a year working on developing drug delivery technologies for a pharmaceutical company in England. Then during my PhD I worked in the Research Funding team at Cancer Research UK, and subsequently, following the completion of my PhD, at the Centre for Cancer Research and Cell Biology at Queen’s University Belfast.
My next move led me to Randox, to work on new ways to diagnose a range of diseases.
What was your favourite subject at school?
At school I always enjoyed science, and in particular biology. Since a child I have been fascinated with how the human body works and how different diseases can affect this.
Did you go on to further/higher education, if so what did you study and where?
I studied for eight years at Imperial College London. This included an undergraduate in Biochemistry, a Masters degree in Structural and Molecular Biology, and finally, a PhD in Structural Biology/Biophysics, for which I studied how bacteria affect human cells during infection.
How did you get into your area of work?
As I had previous experience in infectious disease testing, I moved this year into the Randox COVID-19 team to help respond to the urgency of the situation. As our testing capacity, and subsequently our staffing levels, have increased so extensively, I also use my experience to train our new scientists, which is something I really enjoy.
Is this what you always wanted to do?
I have always loved science and knew my career would be within this sector. I also enjoy teaching and training, so being a COVID-19 trainer has combined my two favourite roles into one which has been great.
Were there any particular essential qualifications or experience needed?
Scientists involved in COVID testing will be exposed to molecular testing techniques including DNA extraction, PCR techniques and Biochip technology, so experience in these areas is advantageous. There are also a number of positions – like accessioning or administration – that do not require a science background and we include all the training needed for these roles.
What are the main personal skills your job requires?
For roles in testing, the most important skills are concentration and attention to detail. We deal with 1000s of samples in a shift so it is crucial to manage each one carefully as the results are so important to each individual patient. You also need to be a team player, focused and able to take initiative.
What does a typical day entail?
A typical day in our COVID-19 laboratory begins with a handover from the previous shift and then we are assigned our roles for the day. You may spend your day preparing reagents using liquid handling robots, or you may be involved in organising samples along with their corresponding paperwork. It is a varied and exciting role, as things move very quickly in the world of COVID-19 testing.
What are the best and most challenging aspects of the job?
The best thing about working in the Randox COVID labs is knowing you are contributing to the national testing effort and therefore making a real difference. Working with a team is great and gives you the chance to meet a lot of new people for a lot of different backgrounds. I also really enjoy seeing new scientists improve in confidence during their training. Seeing them working well on shift gives me great sense job satisfaction.
The most challenging aspect of COVID testing can be the time pressure, as getting results out to the patient as fast and accurately as possible means teams must work seamlessly together. Similarly with training, we need to ensure we have enough staff to support our testing labs and so this can lead to a lot of new staff needing training which we need to work through quickly and efficiently.
Why is what you do important?
COVID-19 has had a huge impact on every aspect of our lives. To be involved in testing, which is absolutely crucial in identifying clusters of infection and reducing further spread, is so important to me and spurs me on to work to the absolute best of my ability.
What advice would you give anyone looking to follow a similar career path?
For me, making sure you take any opportunity to further your development is critical, be it the prospect of learning a new technique or method, or the chance to join the fight against COVID-19! I have always jumped at the chance to learn something new and this has set me in good stead for my current role as a trainer.
If you weren’t doing this what would you like to do?
If I weren’t involved in laboratory work, I would still carry on my love of science and training, by teaching science. I have always loved teaching, and I tutor in my spare time – to inspire the next generation to study and work in STEM subjects.
What is the one piece of advice you would give to yourself on your first day?
Take in as much information as possible – there will be a lot of it! Ask as many questions as you can, particularly if you are unsure of anything.
Describe your ideal day off.
Catching up on Real Housewives and taking my dog to the beach for a swim.
And finally, what’s the key to any successful job search?
Make sure you read the job description and tailor your CV to each role to which you apply. Make it easy for the employer to see how your skills and experience meet the criteria for the job.
We are delighted to have Courtney with us at Randox as part of our COVID-19 testing programme.
For current vacancies at Randox please visit randox.getgotjobs.co.uk
For more We Are Randox stories about our amazing colleagues, make sure to follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter and follow the hashtag #WeAreRandox.
For further information please email recruitment@randox.com or phone 028 9442 2413.
Want to know more?
Contact us or visit our Randox Careers
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We Are Randox | How Kelly Mon became Deputy Testing Coordinator for COVID-19
We Are Randox | How Kelly Mon became Deputy Testing Coordinator for COVID-19
In support of our new £30m COVID-19 laboratories, we are hiring 200 new staff across Engineering, Manufacturing and Science.
For an idea of what it’s like to be part of the COVID-19 testing programme at Randox, we spoke to Deputy Coordinator Manager Kelly Mon.
Kelly spoke to us about what a typical day in COVID-19 testing looks like, the career path she took to her current role, and her advice for a successful job search.
Name: Kelly Mon
Job Title: Deputy Co-Ordinator Manager
Department: COVID-19 Testing
Kelly, what did you study and where?
After secondary school, I studied a BTEC National Diploma in Applied Science (Medical) in Belfast Met in Castlereagh, and then moved on to study Biomedical Science at Ulster University in Coleraine. I later studied part time for an MSc in Stratified Medicine.
Give a brief outline of your career to date
I trained as a Biomedical Scientist in Antrim Area Hospital for one year to gain a recognized certification from the Institute of Biomedical Science. When I graduated I started as a Laboratory Analyst at Randox Clinical Laboratory Services, where I ran health tests on our patented Biochip Technology. After a short time, I became a Clinical Team Leader managing a number of clinical trials for companies and universities. Recently I have been promoted to Deputy Co-Ordinator Manager for our COVID-19 testing programme.
Are there alternative routes into the job?
For a job in Clinical Research you would ideally have a BSc in Biomedical Science, Biochemistry or Life Sciences, and a Diploma in Professional Practice. Alternatively, if you have a degree in another area we have a scheme at Randox that allows graduates the chance to rotate throughout departments, and many good candidates are offered positions at the end. There are also apprenticeships and student placements available.
What does a typical day look like for you?
A typical day in clinical trials usually involves running patient blood or urine samples on Randox Biochips that have been custom-made to suit that particular project. We work to tight deadlines, have regular updates with internal staff and customers, and conduct data analysis and reports. A typical day working on COVID-19 testing involves lots of PPE, and constant communication between a wide range of staff and departments. In my role I oversee our quality control, create and communicate important procedures, and visit the lab to make sure my staff are doing well.
Is this what you always wanted to do?
Whilst I knew that I liked science, I wasn’t sure what job I wanted to do. No one in my circle had ever gone on to study at university so I hadn’t considered it an option. I couldn’t even imagine that I could become a scientist.
What are the best and most challenging aspects of the job?
For me, the best aspect of any job is the people and at Randox I work with a great bunch. I also like the fact that there is career progression for people who put in the work to get it, and that you are trained to perform all tasks, not just one part of the work flow. The most challenging aspect of the job at times is the intensity of the workload, which is why organizational skills and the ability to keep calm under pressure are key in this job.
Why is what you do important?
There is that old saying that your health is your wealth and I’m proud to work for a healthcare company providing high quality health diagnostics. These products are used every day to assist in the detection of a wide range of diseases to provide the earliest possible diagnosis and improved patient outcomes. In my department the clinical trials we manage help to detect biomarkers of disease and determine treatment efficacy, which is important to identify less invasive methods of diagnosis, and more tailored ways to treat each patient.
What advice would you give anyone looking to follow a similar career path?
It’s important in any career to work hard and stick at it. I dropped out of two courses before I started the BTEC Diploma. I could have given up when times were hard, but I stuck with it and here I am sharing what I’ve learnt throughout my career. If you are planning specifically to study Biomedical Science, the advice I would give is to choose a course with a placement. My own course had a one-year placement in an NHS hospital, and the experience in a professional environment that gave me key laboratory skills was invaluable. It also gets you contacts in the industry which is always helpful.
If you weren’t doing this what would you like to do?
I love my job, I love my career and I love the people I work with so honestly, I wouldn’t choose any other career path!
Describe your ideal day off.
My ideal day off work involves pyjamas, junk food and good old Netflix.
And finally, what’s the key to any successful job search?
Sometimes job searching can be tiresome and after a while you start to apply without properly researching, but the key to any successful job search is preparation. Start by giving your CV an update and get someone – perhaps your university careers team, or a friend or family member – to proof-read it. Or, if you don’t have any other help, you can begin by searching CV templates on the internet. Personally I would advise that you include some interesting hobbies to make your application stand out. You would be surprised how things seemingly unrelated to a particular job will keep you in the recruiter’s mind. Then come up with some possible questions and think of the answers you might give before you go for interview.
We are delighted to have Kelly with us at Randox as part of our COVID-19 testing programme.
For current vacancies at Randox please visit careers.randox.com
For more We Are Randox stories about our amazing colleagues, make sure to follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter and follow the hashtag #WeAreRandox.
For further information please email recruitment@randox.com or phone 028 9442 2413.
Want to know more?
Contact us or visit our Randox Careers