In our Labless series, we’re going to learn about scientists who work outside of the lab. We’ve spoken with people both in and outside of Abcam, and collected some great stories of success and scientific curiosity, just without the daily bench work.
In this episode, we hear from Hayley, a scientist working in marine conservation.
The Marine Scientist
I work as a marine habitats specialist in the public sector at an organization that advises UK Governments on nature conservation issues. Essentially, I work in an office, trying to figure out how to turn science into policy decisions and occasionally spending a few weeks at sea.
I’ve wanted to work in marine conservation for a long time, and after I’d realized that it was unlikely I was going to become the next David Attenborough (although I did try!). After doing an undergrad degree in biological sciences, I did a Master of Research degree in marine biology a few years later, which was one of the best years of my life. My short research project was focused around ocean acidification, back when this field of study was relatively new. I helped to set up a mesocosm facility to replicate acidified seawater conditions whilst also collecting organisms in the field and then taking samples for physicochemical analysis in the lab. I got to wear a lab coat and watch someone use an atomic absorption spectrophotometer, which was pretty cool. I also learned to hand-weave wire baskets to stop sea urchins from escaping from the mesocosm tanks, clearly an essential life skill for any aspiring scientist.
While it was an interesting experience, I knew pretty quickly that lab work wasn’t for me. After that, there was a possibility to study for a PhD, but I’d found the whole Master’s experience kind of unpredictable and unstructured, and I realized that I don’t do so well with that.
The glamorous Marine Scientist sieving through valuable mud samples while on a research vessel in the North Sea.
It was extremely difficult to get a job in marine conservation in the mid-2000s and I ended up working for a logistics company for a while. Then a position opened up at a conservation organization working as an assistant, and I revised my butt off to get an interview and thankfully, the job. I’ve steadily worked up through the organization and am now in a managerial role, which I really enjoy. I get to work at the interface of marine science and environmental policy, which can be really exciting, although sometimes, inevitably, your advice doesn’t get implemented fully.
Getting into the field of marine conservation is tough and you may have to take a junior role just to get a foot in the door somewhere. But if you have a strong and broad ecological background, some relevant experience from volunteering or interning and an ability to learn, communicate well and grasp new technical information, there are certainly some really rewarding roles out there.
Finally, it’s not just all about dolphins and turtles… worms and sea pens are where it’s at!
Literally the only time the North Sea has looked this tropical!
Want us to share your Labless life? Send us your story and images to tipbox@abcam.com
