Hoi Squeamous

[Mr JP Fugley]

Forgive me for this and I know it's probably like asking you to crochet jelly but what is it that you actually do, in a way that a non medical researcher would understand.

If you could manage it in words of as few syllables as possible that would also be nice.

[Squeamous]

Ok, I work in a technical support division. The academic labs use our services to do things that are fiddly. So, we create genetically altered mice and we help with storage of mouse, fish and rat lines and assisted reproduction (like IVF). I suppose we help them maintain and create their animal colonies is the best summary. None of it is that difficult to understand, it's just fiddly work that scientists can't be arsed to learn. Like, you buy your shoes from a shop because you can't be bothered with cobbling them yourself type of thing....and if you did they'd probably fall apart in a few weeks.

[Snee]

It would probably be a bit a of a shame if the mice started falling apart, like. Good thing you are there.

[CrabGirl]

You've done well there. I'm glad you are using your degree in your job. The nearest I get is talking about vineyard pests!

[Something Else]

Ok, I work in a technical support division. The academic labs use our services to do things that are fiddly. So, we create genetically altered mice and we help with storage of mouse, fish and rat lines and assisted reproduction (like IVF). I suppose we help them maintain and create their animal colonies is the best summary. None of it is that difficult to understand, it's just fiddly work that scientists can't be arsed to learn. Like, you buy your shoes from a shop because you can't be bothered with cobbling them yourself type of thing....and if you did they'd probably fall apart in a few weeks.

It's like this week's episode of South Park was based on you or something else.

Uncanny.

Have you ever grown an ear on a mouse.

If yes, is there anything you wouldn't grow on a mouse.

[Squeamous]

It would probably be a bit a of a shame if the mice started falling apart, like. Good thing you are there.

[Squeamous]

You've done well there. I'm glad you are using your degree in your job. The nearest I get is talking about vineyard pests!

I didn't tell them my specialisation was in botany...that's what my final year was on . You have to lie a little bit don't you? I mean a lie of omission isn't as bad as one of addition, and I was desperate.....right? .

So are you working for defra or something or a private company? I know people from my course who are working for banks or in the service sector....now that's a real waste of a science degree I think.

[Squeamous]

It's like this week's episode of South Park was based on you or something else.

Uncanny.

Have you ever grown an ear on a mouse.

If yes, is there anything you wouldn't grow on a mouse.

I'll probably have to wait a couple of years to see it. I don't have cable and the DVD box sets are only out up to the fifth season so far. I'm not sure I like the way they always portray us as being obsessed with putting extra arses on everything but I suppose I'll live with it .

I once glued my glove to a mouse by accident, but no I've never grown anything on one. I would probably draw the line at an extra arse.

[CrabGirl]

You've done well there. I'm glad you are using your degree in your job. The nearest I get is talking about vineyard pests!

I didn't tell them my specialisation was in botany...that's what my final year was on . You have to lie a little bit don't you? I mean a lie of omission isn't as bad as one of addition, and I was desperate.....right? .

So are you working for defra or something or a private company? I know people from my course who are working for banks or in the service sector....now that's a real waste of a science degree I think.

y.

No sadly I'm working in the service sector for a wine company. Wasn't doing too badly within the company but cutbacks and relocation have just stripped my department back to the post I was in two years ago. I graduated specializing in ecology, primarily also botany and spent a few years working in conservation officer posts for various charities, and within environmental education. Most of these were short term contracts as they often are and because i stupidly decided to stay in the west country where opportunities are limited, I was forced to take customer services roles in between "proper jobs" and now I'm kinda stuck. I'm looking for jobs further afield again though now.

[Squeamous]

Pmsl!