[Portrait] Sandrine Gayrard, Biological Technician at LaPEC

What is your job?

I have a BTS in biochemistry and a professional degree in molecular biology. I then passed a competitive examination for the civil service. I am now a biologist technician in a research laboratory studying the cardiovascular system. Under the direction of the teacher-researchers, I mainly carry out experiments in biochemistry. I also train students and PhD students in these techniques by teaching them good laboratory practices. In parallel, I manage the laboratory's stocks and orders.

What is its link with Research?

My job is at the heart of researchI develop new techniques or conduct experiments to answer a hypothesis posed by the researcher. I develop new techniques or carry out experiments to answer a hypothesis posed by the researcher.

What does it mean to you to work at a university?

My internships and the teachers I met during my studies made me want to work in public research and do basic research. Working at the University gives you freedomI am autonomous in the organisation of my work. Working at the University also means working in a team with passionate and exciting people on a daily basis.

What advice would you give to people who want to work in research support?

It is important to do internships, to see different working environments. You have to be curious, organised and know how to work in a team.

What object or image from your business best illustrates you?

This picture shows the expression of a protein obtained by the Western Blot technique. This was the first technique I had to develop in my laboratory when I was recruited ... it took me several years to get a usable result!