“Early career researchers are fundamental to the future of research and essential to Imperial. Our role is to keep them, enthuse them, and help train them for success.”
Jennifer Quint is one of two Deputy Directors (Academic) for the Early Career Researcher Institute (ECRI) and a Clinical Professor of Respiratory Epidemiology.
She leads the Respiratory Electronic Health Record group in the School of Public Health, alongside national roles including the Associate Director for the Respiratory Data Science Catalyst.
Jennifer said: “I love the fact that my career has been so varied and I’ve not really followed a traditional path. I did a Master’s in Epidemiology after I completed my PhD, after discovering that the lab wasn’t really for me.
“I also love big data and the ways in which it has changed over the years. When I started in this field, the concept of using routine healthcare data to answer research questions was relatively novel – particularly from a respiratory angle.”
Jennifer’s role within ECRI includes defining and driving progress towards the institute’s goals, as well as managing day-to-day functions such as thesis extension requests.
ECRI’s support for early career researchers
The overall mission of the Early Career Researcher Institute (ECRI) is to attract, develop, empower and advocate for the next generation of outstanding Science, Technology, Engineering, Medicine, and Business (STEMB) research talent.
Established in October 2024, ECRI brought together the former Graduate School and Postdoc and Fellows Development Centre forming a single institute for the support of all early career researchers (postgraduate research degree students through to Postdocs and Fellows) and those who support them.
It offers a range of support for Early Career Researchers, from one-to-one sessions to courses and training, and a regular newsletter with details of new opportunities.
Jennifer said: “ECRI is trying extremely hard to make sure that it’s beneficial for early career researchers, and it will only work if people use it. We’ve got lots of great people working behind the scenes who are passionate about this piece of work and making it as successful as it can be.”
She added that it can be a challenging career path, particularly as it often falls at critical junctions in life – like moving house or having children– and noted that it can be difficult to have a role with limited job security and what is sometimes an unclear career path. That’s why, she says, functions like ECRI are so important.
“Early career researchers are fundamental to the future of research and essential to Imperial. Our role in ECRI is to keep them, enthuse them, and help train them for success.
“One of the things I really enjoy about working with Early Career Researchers is seeing them flourish and develop, knowing that you supported them with the tools and knowledge they needed along the way. I find that hugely satisfying.”
Life outside of Imperial
Outside of work Jennifer enjoys travelling with her family, baking and cooking and is also involved in charity work, which she sees as her way of giving back to wider society.
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Learn more about the Early Career Researcher Institute (ECRI).