Case studies : Research fellow: Munitta

Munitta is an immunologist who works in a research lab at the University of Sheffield. She chose to go into this career as she was fascinated by the immune system, why it is sometimes over-worked (as in autoimmune diseases) and at other times, would switch off (as in cancer).

While at university, Munitta earned a degree in biomedical science. This degree covered quite a broad subject area in the sciences. While broad, it was also relevant to her desire to pursue further education in immunology and gave her sound scientific background. Additionally, Munitta was able to work in a lab while at university. This opportunity offered her valuable experience as well as practical skills and added to her interest in scientific research. After earning her BSc, Munitta went on to get an immunology based PhD. While it is possible to work in immunology as a research technician or a research assistant without a PhD, Munitta says that having one gives you more options in the field and greater opportunities for advancement.

Munitta’s education and experience helped her be successful in applying for immunology research positions. Her current job at the University of Sheffield involves designing and carrying out laboratory experiments and publishing her research. Munitta has now obtained a research project and secured funding of her own. She works to address hypotheses using various laboratory techniques and writes up the results in order to get the research published in peer reviewed scientific journals. Munitta enjoys the opportunities this job offers. In particular, she likes communicating her ideas at scientific conferences and meetings. Munitta says things can be difficult, however, when experiments fail or the results don’t make sense. It is then a big job trying to work out why.

Munitta says that if you are interested in pursuing career opportunities in immunology, it is important to have a genuine interest in the field and work experience in basic immunological assays. In the future, Munitta would like to obtain an academic lecturer position in immunology.