Case studies: Professor of immunology: Jane

Since early in her school career, Jane expressed an interest in a career as a research scientist...

Immediately after her A-levels, she applied to a job advertisement and obtained a position as a research technician. She has worked in immunology research all her working life.

She combined her work with a part-time HND in Applied Biology - the hours of which fitted in well with her work. The most useful aspect of her course, she feels, was its work-orientated bias. The skills she gained could be applied practically to her role as technician.

As she progressed at work, Jane followed up her HND with an MSc and subsequent PhD in immunology. She also participated in in-house university training in areas such as management and ethics. Her PhD gave her the opportunity to specialise in an area of great interest for her and has allowed her progression in the ranks of academia to professor of immunology.

Jane believes that key skills have helped her gain work in this area. Other than scientific and technical understanding, these skills include flexibility, a sense of responsibility and a willingness to try anything. She advises anyone considering a career in immunology to work hard, be motivated and have a passion for research and immunology.