Dr Ciorsdaidh Watts, Lecturer
I joined the School of Chemistry as a University Teacher in 2015, on a two-year year fixed term contract, which was subsequently extended by an additional two years. With the support of my line manager and the Head of School, my position has now been made permanent, beginning August 2019. This has made a huge difference to my feelings of security, for my family, and in terms of what I can offer to the university within my role.
In fact, I have always felt supported by my colleagues while working at Glasgow. In late 2017 I became pregnant with our now 1-year old daughter, and I was initially nervous about telling my colleagues, mainly because I had no idea how others would react to the news. However, from the outset, everyone has been incredibly supportive and the reaction overwhelmingly positive.
I’m grateful that I am surrounded by a positive, encouraging professional environment
After becoming pregnant, I was unsure whether or not to apply for academic promotion, which had been my plan before my good news. I was strongly encouraged by my line manager and Head of School to apply. This gave me the confidence I needed, and after receiving support in preparing my application, I was delighted to be promoted prior to my maternity leave (August 2018).
I have really benefited from having a working mother as a line manager to help me navigate the University's parental leave policy and make use of keeping in touch days. I was also given support around organising shared parental leave, allowing both myself and my husband to take time caring for our baby daughter. All of this made my transition back to work in April 2019 as smooth as possible. Returning to work flexibly has allowed me to balance my role as mum and my career; I’m always around for my daughter’s dinner-time and bed-time in the evening.
Since returning to work after maternity leave, I have begun developing my career within the ECDP and have been supported to take career development opportunities, such as talking at the Eurovariety Conference in Prato, Tuscany in July 2019. I’ve found being a working mum challenging, but incredibly rewarding, and I’m grateful that I am surrounded by a positive, encouraging professional environment.
Eman Hussien, 1st year PhD student, Skabara group
I completed a BSc in Applied Chemistry from Jordan University of Science and Technology in 2007. After that, I worked as a school science teacher for two years. In 2017, I started an internship to study the self-assembly of peptides and peptoids under the supervision of Dr. Aaron Lau at the University of Strathclyde followed by a short internship in Prof Peter Skabara group at the University of Glasgow. Currently, I am studying as a PhD student in the Skabara research group working on the electrochemical evaluation of organic semiconductors for device applications. Outside of work I am a mother of two children, who I spend most of my time with.
"Everyone will support you!"
What is your current work pattern?
I work Monday to Friday, from around 9am to 2:15pm.
What are your reasons for working flexibly?
I have kids, so I wanted to work part-time. Now I can drop my kids off at school and collect them when they finish.
Can you explain the benefits of working flexibly and the impact on your work-life balance?
I feel comfortable with my family life and my studies.
Can you explain any challenges you have experienced in working flexibly?
Sometimes I don’t have enough time to complete long experiments, but I’ve learnt to manage my time and now I know what sort of experiments I can fit into a day. Also, I haven’t been able to attend any of the regular School seminars as they are held at 4pm, and I think being an undergraduate demonstrator would also be more difficult for me as most undergraduate labs are held in the afternoons.
How has the School of Chemistry supported you in adopting your flexible working pattern?
My supervisor suggested I try working 75% of full time and he contacted the relevant staff member to arrange it for me.
What advice would you give to somebody who would like to request a more flexible working pattern?
Just talk to your supervisor about working part-time - everyone will support you!
Dr Lyudmyla Kanibolotska, Research Associate, Skabara Group
I am from Donetsk, Ukraine where I studied Chemistry at the Donetsk State University. I obtained my PhD in Physical Chemistry from the same university where I worked as a Senior Researcher and afterwards as a Senior Lecturer for many years. I am currently a Research Associate in the group of Professor Pete Skabara. I’m interested in research which relates to materials science: the chemistry of conjugated polymers and oligomers; advanced materials based on conjugated polymers and oligomers for electronics and optoelectronics (particularly, poly- and oligofluorenes for light-emitting devices), and also oxidation of organic compounds by molecular oxygen, particularly the mechanism of one electron transfer.
"Just try it!"
What is your current work pattern?
I work three days a week – Monday, Tuesday and Thursday.
What are your reasons for working flexibly?
Family reasons, so I can spend more time with my kids.
Can you explain the benefits of working flexibly and the impact on your work-life balance?
It gives me a good balance between work and my family.
Can you explain any challenges you have experienced in working flexibly?
I have to plan my work out exactly, hour by hour, to make sure I finish all my work on time.
How has the School of Chemistry supported you in adopting your flexible working pattern?
The School helped me with everything I needed – I haven’t had any problems with my flexible working.
What advice would you give to somebody who would like to request a more flexible working pattern?
Just try it! Speak to your supervisor and they will help you to arrange it.
