Faces behind the science-Steven Etherson.
Published: 28 March 2024
Meet Heart Failure Logistical Clinical Trials Support Officer - Steven Etherson
What is your job within SCMH?
I’m the “Heart Failure Logistical Clinical Trials Support Officer”, yes!! it’s a bit of a mouthful, but after 13 months, it flows off the tongue relatively easy these days, or if you prefer the short version, as we have taken to calling it, “Man with a Van”.
Funnily enough, when I’m normally asked what it is I do, I generally just say! I go round and collect samples and return them to the lab, but in essence there is a lot more to the job than just that!
I am responsible for collecting, transporting and processing incoming samples, ensuring correct storage conditions for the samples and maintaining chain of custody until they reach the lab. Once at the lab, I then begin the process of blood separation, before aliquoting, storing and logging these onto the database and storage software. The logistical side of the job is to ensure that the research staff across several sites have everything they require to enable them to carry out their research. This generally includes moving equipment, making up trial sample packs and creating and printing labels.
I also work alongside the project managers within the heart failure team to provide some administrative assistance with the site files and paperwork required for the various trials. I am sure there are some things I am probably missing, but, if you’ve not already fallen asleep at this point, I’ll stop waffling on.
What is the most enjoyable part of your job?
There are a couple things I really enjoy about the job; one is the variety, day to day. Very few days are the same, I could be in the lab at the BHF Cardiovascular Research Centre one day, next I am out at the Royal Infirmary, Golden Jubilee or QEUH liaising with the NHS staff at the Clinical Research Facilities. I also really enjoy the opportunity to learn new skills, 13 months ago, I was a janitor/ facility assistant and now thanks to the new skills learned within this position, I have the confidence and ability to work at satellite labs on my own.
What are you most proud of having been part of during your time with SCMH?
I think what I am most proud of, is how quickly I have adapted to working within a laboratory environment, under the guidance of Elaine Butler and with the pieces of advice from both Ellen Macdonald and Ross Hepburn keeping me right. After all, I have spent most of my soon to be 21 years with the university working in the Security/Janitorial section. The first I ever set foot in a lab within a working capacity was
13 months ago, when I started in this position, so the transformation in that short space of time makes me most proud.
Another proud moment, or two, (well more highlights, than proud moments to be honest) and it would be remiss of me not to a least mention something golf related (rolling eyes from quite few now!!). After all, many have made the fatal mistake of asking how my weekend went, first thing Monday morning, only to have to listen to me go on about the golf. Well last year was a good year, I won my first major at my home club, but was also part of the winning UofG team, alongside SCMH colleague, Wai Kwong Lee and others across the university including Ian Salt (aka El Capitano, formerly SCMH) who won the Ancient Universities golf match against Aberdeen and St. Andrews,
And hopefully we try to retain it again in a few weeks’ time.
First published: 28 March 2024