For our latest staff profile we spoke to Dr Emily Mclaren, Research Manager (maternity cover) for the Department of Immunology and Inflammation and Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction about her role and joining Imperial.
Introduce yourself – who are you and what do you do?
I’m Dr. Emily McLaren and I am the Research Manager (maternity cover) for the Departments of Immunology and Inflammation and Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction. I support academic and research staff by providing advice on suitable funding calls, supporting the process of writing grant applications, writing letters of support for funding, and assisting with research-related projects. I also manage Department Research Committees and support Department Research Strategy.
Tell us about your career so far – when did you join us and where were you working or studying before this?
I joined Imperial in September, so everything still feels quite new! I completed my undergrad and PhD at Bristol University and then spent around eight years at Barts Cancer Institute in London including successfully completing a three-year Kay Kendall Leukamia Fund Junior Fellowship using epigenome editing into blood stem cells. For the last three years I’ve worked in early-stage biotech, leading R&D projects and supporting funding bids.
What has been the most challenging part of your role so far?
So far, the biggest challenge is learning both the structure and research activities across the two departments I support. That said, I feel I’ve built a solid foundation in my first month, largely thanks to how supportive and welcoming all the people in the departments and the Research Development and Strategy team have been!
What aspect of your role are you most excited about?
I’m really enjoying the variety — so far, every day has brought a different set of queries and tasks, and this is helping me to learn as I go. More broadly, as I start to get a better understanding of the research areas of the two Departments and the priorities of the funders, I am excited that the support I provide could contribute to shaping the research strategies of both Departments.
When you are not working, what are your main passions and hobbies?
I really enjoy the outdoors, so I spend lots of time visiting the London parks with my family. I love going to the cinema and theatre when I can and I’m a big fan of musicals.
And finally – if you were stranded on a desert island but allowed one luxury item, what would it be?
My dog! He’s got zero practical skills, but he’d make up for it with unbeatable enthusiasm and moral support.