What does a curator and laboratory coordinator do? 

The Vulcan Facility is a research centre, and we are a team of geoscientists working on the curation, analysis, and research of analogue samples (also known as simulants). Simulants are terrestrial geological materials but are similar to surface materials on other planetary bodies. My role involves leading the Vulcan team on technical and research activities in the facility as well as general project and laboratory management. I am the main point of contact at the Vulcan Facility, and I interact with European engineers and scientists working on many different types of activities (space exploration and planetary science) where simulants are needed for testing. 

What do you enjoy about your job?  

One of my recent highlights was working with a team of student interns over the summer. They had a very tight timeframe to plan and execute their research work and I was concerned about how it would be done. They hit the ground running, worked really hard, and delivered more than I was expecting. They also did outreach activities and developed their communication and presentation skills during the internship. To see a team thrown together and then quickly bond, work through challenges, and thrive was an amazing experience. I felt very inspired by their resourcefulness and fresh ideas. 

What formal qualifications and/or previous work experience did you need to get your job? 

Both of my degrees in geoscience were directly relevant to this role. Although I did not have direct work experience in space exploration, my experience as a geologist and project manager in the mineral exploration sector, and as a programme officer in neutron science, meant that I had many transferable skills and useful knowledge and perspectives of other domains. 

Apart from formal qualifications, what other skills or characteristics do you need in your role?

The ability to work well in a team and communicate effectively with different people (particularly those with alternative viewpoints!) have proved important throughout my career. Whether it is working intensively with colleagues in the field and lab or pitching a case to senior management for more support on a project, I have found it important to adapt to the situation. There are times to push my own perspective forward and there are times to focus on others. 

"Developing my transferable skills and having more rounded experience in different organisations and domains has opened up more career opportunities for me."