Researcher in Theory, Modelling and Design in Tyndall National Institute
Does your job allow you to have a lifestyle you are happy with?
Dr Simon Elliot - Researcher in Theory, Modelling and Design in Tyndall National Institute
Research must be one of the most varied jobs there is. Most of the time, I am free to organise my day how I want.
Sometimes there are bursts of stress, such as working late nights or travelling at weekends. But most of the time I am free to fit together work commitments and priorities outside work.
How did you go about getting your current job?
I was approached at an Irish conference (great for local networking) and invited to apply for an upcoming position. As the position was in a technology institute, I was dismissive about being suitable, but came down for an interview anyway.
Despite my doubts at the start, the institute has turned out to be a great place to do science and see how it can be applied. So I’ve now been here seven years.
Describe a typical day
The day starts with checking email and replying to the easy ones. Then I check the computers to see how my simulations have got on overnight. Other than that, every day is different. I’d be involved in a couple of research projects simultaneously, so I have to keep all those “balls in the air”. This can mean discussing results with other researchers (face-to-face here in Tyndall or abroad via email or phone). Or maybe putting together reports of the work as papers or presentations.
What are the main challenges?
Sometimes I feel that I’m running a small business, which I certainly find challenging. I have to keep on top of developments in the “marketplace”, bid for new contracts, find and employ good staff. But that’s OK as long as I don’t lose sight of the science that’s at the centre of it.
What’s cool?
Most science is done in teams, which are often spread across many countries. It’s great to have the chance to travel, see foreign cities and meet the other members of the team.
What particular skills do you bring to your workplace?
The most important thing is probably to be self-motivated, but that’s easy when you love finding out new things. Sticking at a puzzle and seeing it through to the end is also vital. You need an active imagination, a creative approach to solving problems and an appreciation for the beauty of how the world works. The really good scientists can also express themselves clearly and elegantly and get other people enthusiastic about what they do.
What subjects did you take in school and how have these influenced your career path?
For the Leaving Cert I took maths, English, Irish, chemistry, physics, applied maths, German and musicianship. Maths and English were probably the most important of these – because of being able to express yourself or address a problem in numbers and words. Having the basics of German meant I was able to travel for further study. Of course I really enjoyed the science subjects, but career-wise it would have been no big deal to pick them up later if I needed to.
What is your education to date?
Leaving Certificate, four-year degree in chemistry, doctorate in theoretical chemistry.
What have been the most rewarding events in your career so far?
Giving an invited talk at an international scientific conference. In some ways this was the culmination of six years’ work and it was very rewarding to have that work recognised by experts in the field.
What would be your dream job?
In research – basically what I’m doing now. As far as I can tell, most scientists feel this way – we are really lucky to be doing our dream jobs already. Of course, in my dream job I would organise the work differently and never be distracted from science by administrative tasks… dream on!
What are the three most important personal characteristics required for the job?
Curiosity, persistence, creativity.
