Case study: Jo Osborn

Current Role: Chief Technician and Facilities Manager, Department of Archaeology

First Role: Trainee technician in the Research and Development Department of a healthcare supply company. Completed a Foundation Degree in Applied Biology while in the role.

After Six Years: Laboratory Manager running a tissue culture lab at a biotechnology company specialising in monoclonal antibodies.

First Role at the University: Laboratory Technician, Wellcome Trust Immunology Research Group at the School of Clinical Medicine; grade 4, part-time, fixed term.

After Three Years:

• Secured a part-time, permanent grade 4 Research Laboratory Technician role at the Department of Archaeology.
• Supported the non-invasive evolutionary study of primates.
• Returned to the role after a two-year career break to raise her children.

After Twelve Years:

• Applied for current role to be regraded to grade 5, as it had developed over the years.
• Became more involved with Health and Safety and the work of various Committees.

After Seventeen Years:

• Promoted to current grade 6 role.
• Responsible for maintaining the building and manages several laboratories.
• Administrator for the department's Human Tissue Authority license.
• Manages a custodian and two junior technicians. O
• ther responsibilities include: Safety Officer, First Aider, laboratory management, fieldwork risk assessments, budget management, teaching student practicals, and assisting research projects.
• Jo enjoys the variety of her role and has a passion for the laboratory work.

Career Development:

Jo has pushed her own development and worked hard to raise her profile. She ensures colleagues see the value she brings and give her the recognition she deserves.