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Charlotte Drodge and Yara Neves Silva

Introducing Charlotte Drodge, SITU Clinical Trials Assistant and Yara Neves Silva, Clinical Trials Coordinator working on the SPAARK study.

WE ASKED CHARLOTTE...

HOW DID YOU COME ACROSS THIS ROLE AND WHAT PARTICULARLY INTERESTED YOU ABOUT IT?

I actually came across this role online while doing research for a different job interview. While it was a lab position, it had some QC work, and it would’ve been working alongside their regulatory team, which got me looking into drug development, and then research regulation, and then clinical trials, and – oh Oxford.

What did you do prior to the role you are currently in?

Before this, I was a full-time University student in Aberystwyth, so this is my first venture into the “real world”, as it were. As a Biochemistry student, I’d done a lot of lab work, and a large part of my last year was about drug development and drug-interactions, so I had more knowledge about the other side of clinical trials, rather than the management/administrative side (I’ve learnt it’s usually a lot easier to identify bacterial strains, than it is to herd 5+ people!), and this role provided me with the opportunity to get more experience in a similar field.

If you weren’t a clinical trials assistant what would you be?

Possibly the most boring response to this question ever: I’d like to be the person that edits/puts together text books. I really like learning, and while you have to put ‘xyz’ on the curriculum, why not add in something a little interesting, and more fun?

What’s the best bit about being a part of the SITU Team?

The people, hands down. Starting a new job is always a little nerve wracking, but you guys were so welcoming, and funny, and easy to talk to – about everything from data querying to asbestos!

 

 WE ASKED YARA...

HOW DID YOU COME ACROSS THIS ROLE AND WHAT PARTICULARLY INTERESTED YOU ABOUT IT?

I had been looking for a new challenge for some time. It was then that I saw the advertisement for this role and decided to apply. It is a great opportunity to acquire new experiences and skills and a good chance for a new start! In addition, the study involves surgery, an area in which I have always been interested in.

WHAT DID YOU DO PRIOR TO THE ROLE YOU ARE CURRENTLY IN?

The most recent position I had was a Clinical Trial Assistant at the Jenner Institute working across several phase I and II malaria, emerging pathogens, TB, and influenza vaccine trials, in the UK and overseas. I previously worked as a Research Officer with the NHS (Weston Area Health NHS Trust) coordinating, from start up to close out, several phase II and III clinical trials in oncology, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, HIV, among others. Before returning to the UK, I was a Technical Consultant of Research Projects at the National Research Ethics Committee in Brazil. All the experience I gained in these posts helped me with the skills I need to use in my new role.

Fun fact: I used to be a dentist! 

IF YOU WEREN’T A CLINICAL TRIALS COORDINATOR WHAT WOULD YOU BE?

Too many to choose from! I was always considering becoming a graphic designer, as it involves a lot of creativity, especially creating advertisements. Another area of great interest to me is criminal investigation. I love watching movies and documentaries and reading about crime. In the future, one wish of mine that may still come true is to work for a humanitarian organization. I have lived in a community doing voluntary work for one year in the past and it was one of the best experience I have had and has changed my life significantly.

WHAT’S THE BEST BIT ABOUT BEING A PART OF THE SITU TEAM?

It’s a joy to be part of a such qualified, competent and committed team. Everyone has been very kind, friendly and helpful. I hope to contribute by sharing my experience and meet the expectations of the department and the team.