I got the opportunity to train and work with colleagues in the SRSF, the UK's only RNAi Screening Facility

“The MSc in Genomic Approaches to Drug Discovery (GADD) immediately stood out to me as a fantastic course. Having completed a degree in Biochemistry and Genetics at the University of Sheffield, I knew this was both a research area and city that I loved, and GADD was the perfect progressive step to help develop my skills as a researcher. The course caught my eye as it offered so much in terms of practical experience and having now completed my MSc, it was 100% worthwhile.

“I got the opportunity to train and work with colleagues in the SRSF, the UKs only RNAi Screening Facility, developing skills in cutting edge techniques including genome editing, 3D cell culture, robotics and functional genomic screening. A major highlight was putting these techniques into practice throughout my 6-month project working in the SRSF looking at using immune cells as a delivery system for anti-cancer drugs.

Daniel Ray

MSc in Genomic Approaches to Drug Discovery

“I got the opportunity to train and work with colleagues in the SRSF, the UKs only RNAi Screening Facility, developing skills in cutting edge techniques including genome editing, 3D cell culture, robotics and functional genomic screening. A major highlight was putting these techniques into practice throughout my 6-month project working in the SRSF looking at using immune cells as a delivery system for anti-cancer drugs.

“Not only were we given practical training, but also training in commercial aspects of science such as producing grant applications and video resources. One part I thoroughly enjoyed was designing a novel biotech product, which we then pitched to a panel of commercialisation experts at the University. This was just one of a variety of ways in which we were made to think and adapt to different situations that gave an insight of what it is like to work in the science industry.

“When I finish my degree, I am moving to a position at Lonza, a global biotech company, as part of the Process Analytics team. This move was made possible due to the training I received at the SRSF. We’re moving towards a world full of automated robotics, and GADD helps to train students in the programming of high throughput machinery and automated devices which will soon be commonplace in all research facilities. Lonza were impressed with my knowledge of the industry and my prior training with the Hamilton STAR, a large liquid handling robot they were installing, all of which stemmed from my time on the course.”