(Episode 134) Lab Coats and Lunch Boxes: Navigating a Research Career and Motherhood скачать в хорошем качестве

(Episode 134) Lab Coats and Lunch Boxes: Navigating a Research Career and Motherhood

Research Culture Uncovered: Navigating Career and Parenthood as a Scientist Host Ruth Winden (Careers with Research Consultant) and guest Dr. Hema Viswambharan (Senior Scientist, LICAMM, University of Leeds) “Building a career after a break is like a marathon and not a sprint.” (Dr. Hema Viswambharan) Episode Overview: In this highly personal episode, Ruth Winden speaks with Dr. Hema Viswambharan about the realities of juggling a research career with parenthood. Drawing on her 20 years of experience as both a scientist and a mother, Hema shares her lived experiences, highlighting personal and professional challenges, effective coping strategies, and the value of support networks. Key Discussion Points: Inspiration and Early Career: • Hema describes her journey into science, inspired by her parents, especially her mother, “a female scientist in her own respect.” The Impact of Parenthood on Career: • Hema chose to “stay as a research fellow,” bringing up three children while maintaining her career, supported by her line manager. Challenges Faced: • Professional isolation and loss of networking opportunities during career breaks and especially when during her return to work after maternity leave, re-engaging with her career and staying up to date with rapid scientific advancements during her absence. • Balancing lab work, research and professional development with the needs of her family and her own needs. Solutions and Support Mechanisms Hema sought out and/or created: • Engaging in Professional Development to continuously upskill herself. • Finding time for personal development programs at the University of Leeds, including workshops, online courses, and seminars. • Integrating learning into her daily routine. • Proactive communication with her line manager was key to receiving necessary support. • Annual staff reviews and regular updates ensured alignment between personal and professional needs. • Mentoring and coaching provided “empathetic guidance” for overcoming career progression stalls after breaks. • Establishing routines and self-reflection helped manage practical and emotional challenges. • Building a strong support network of colleagues and mentors proved invaluable. Her advice: “Be patient and kind to yourself… seek out and take advantage of personal development opportunities and network support.” Contact/Resources: • Dr Hema Viswambharan on LinkedIn (  / hema-viswambharan  ) and her University profile (https://medicinehealth.leeds.ac.uk/me...) • Ruth Winden on LinkedIn (  / ruthwinden  ) and BlueSky (https://bsky.app/profile/ruthwinden.b...) • University of Leeds OD&PL professional development programs for research staff (https://researchersupport.leeds.ac.uk) • The British Heart Foundation (https://www.bhf.org.uk/?appealid=tis-...) All of our episodes can be accessed via the following playlists:  • Research Impact (https://player.captivate.fm/collectio...)  with Ged Hall (follow Ged on Bluesky  (https://bsky.app/profile/hallged.bsky...) and LinkedIn (  / drgedhall  ) ) • Research Impact Heroes (https://player.captivate.fm/collectio...)  with Ged Hall • Open Research (https://player.captivate.fm/collectio...)  with Nick Sheppard (follow Nick on Bluesky (https://bsky.app/profile/nickshepp.bs...)  and LinkedIn (  / nicksheppard  ) ) • Research Careers (https://player.captivate.fm/collectio...)  with Ruth Winden (follow Ruth on Bluesky (https://bsky.app/profile/ruthwinden.b...)  and LinkedIn (  / ruthwinden  ) ) • Research talent management (https://player.captivate.fm/collectio...) • Meet the Research Culturositists (https://player.captivate.fm/collectio...)  with Emma Spary (follow Emma on Bluesky (https://bsky.app/profile/emmaspary.bs...) and LinkedIn (  / emmaspary  ) ) • Research co-production (https://player.captivate.fm/collectio...) • Research evaluation (https://player.captivate.fm/collectio...) • Research leadership (https://player.captivate.fm/collectio...) • Research professionals (https://player.captivate.fm/collectio...) • Academic failure (https://player.captivate.fm/collectio...) with Taryn Bell (follow Taryn on Bluesky (http...