Case study: Adam Brown

adam brown

Current Role: Technical Operations Manager in the Department of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology.

First Role at the University: Engineering Apprentice in the Department of Physics.

After Three Years:

  • Completed his apprenticeship with Cambridge Regional College.
  • Promoted to a grade 3 role in the Mechanical Workshop at Physics.
  • Worked solving problems and designing.

After Four Years:

  • Promoted to a grade 4 role in the Mechanical Workshop.
  • Completed an HNC with Bedford College.

After Five Years:

  • Promoted to a grade 5 role in the Mechanical Workshop.
  • Worked preparing, encapsulating, and polishing samples.
  • Consulted on, designed, and built machine parts.
  • Completed an HND with Bedford College.

After Seven Years:

  • Offered a grade 5 Research Technician role.
  • Managed the X-ray photoemission spectroscopy (XPS) system.
  • Ran research and analysis reports for students, academics, and external partners.

After Nine Years:

  • Maxwell Centre Senior Technical Officer (grade 7 position).
  • Responsible for 4 technicians and about 25 laboratories at the Maxwell Centre.
  • Trained new users on scientific equipment, health and safety compliance, managed laboratory finances.

Adam’s Enjoyment and Motivation: Adam loves his role because every day is different. He finds the students’ enthusiasm infectious. His role is always evolving, and he now oversees several building projects.

Personal and Professional Development: Adam’s line managers have always supported his development. They encouraged him to attend relevant training and to take on new responsibilities.