As you might have heard through the grape vine, this year, we’ve had the opportunity to offer not one, not two, but three research and development secondments. We’ve sat down with Kieran Izzett to dive deep into his experience of a culture dedicated to the research revolution. 

“What is life?” often crosses my mind. I have an innate desire to understand the world. As soon as I can remember, I have been fascinated by science and the way in which the world works. In 2014, I took this flair and fashioned a Laboratory Technician apprenticeship at Glasgow City Council. 

“In 2016, I contributed to cell culture at Antibody Analytics. A year later, I saw the need for academia and applied my knowledge of cell lines to a bachelor’s degree in Immunology at the University of Aberdeen. 

“When the world closed its door in 2020, I took the new normal in my stride and drafted a dissertation on The Development of an Inducible Cell line Platform for Polyspecific Antibody Characterisation in my final year of university. While the labs were closed at university, Antibody Analytics were incredibly supportive of my studies. Not only did they provide lab space to conduct my research but provided me with training to support my project. This experience helped me learn how to manage m time, troubleshoot experiments and work in a team towards a goal. 

“It was certainly challenging to juggle university and lab work. Though, with my hard work, determination (and copious amounts of coffee), I scored a secondment in the Research and Development (R&D) department. 

“As a Study Scientist, I have the autonomy to design new assays and put them into practice. While it is satisfying to find solutions, it is reassuring to know that I have the independence to make key decisions. From a team of five in 2017 to 65 in-house experts in 2022, Antibody Analytics is growing at a speed of light, and I’m here for the ride!”