#UoRWay: Pharmacy graduate lands job on COVID-19 frontline
04 March 2021
A PhD graduate from the University of Reading is working on the frontline of the coronavirus battle after gaining a job at a COVID-19 laboratory.
Eleni Kaisis, 26, completed her thesis in Alzheimer’s disease research during the pandemic, and has recently started working at a test and trace laboratory in Bracknell.
Eleni said:
“The job was advertised within the pharmacy department, and we had a virtual interview. I was offered a diagnostics role because I have gained some PCR experience through my studies, and the technique they use to analyse test samples is very similar.
“I prepare, analyse and record data, handle COVID samples and diagnose people, and it feels really exciting to be part of the UK’s largest testing network.”
Even though Eleni’s academic work was centred around the study and treatment of Alzheimer’s, she is pleased to get a foot in the door working within a laboratory setting.
She said:
“It is really challenging to get a job right now, so my aim was to get a job within the clinical field, so it is not only a privilege to be part of a team that is working to tackle COVID, but it will provide me with the experience to kick-start my career within the clinical field.
“My advice to pharmacy students who are looking for a job is that, even though they may have a specific job in mind that they would like to do, they should consider other routes into the field as well because as well as having the qualification, you really need the experience. Once you are in the field it is a lot easier to find another job elsewhere, and you get to know people and network as well which is always really helpful.”
Loading additional items please wait....
mask