Profile
Mike Langford
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About Me:
I live in Lincolnshire and wanted to be a scientist for as long as I can remember.
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My pronouns are:
He/him
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My Work:
Principal Scientist and Laboratory Director for Medical Laboratories
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Read more
Medical laboratories test samples of blood or tissue to see how well a person is.
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My Typical Day:
I mainly work from home as I have eleven laboratories all over the UK. I am in a senior role, so no longer on the bench, instead I work on long term plans, by reading science papers. I spend time checking that our tests are safe, and then plan to make sure we have people and equipment needed.
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Read more
I no longer work on shifts, but have long days from 830 when I log on to check emails. Lots of meetings about lot of topics, then about 4 pm will start on actions I need to complete. There are some evening meetings that start at 6 with the doctors that work with us.
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What I'd do with the prize money:
That’s tough ! I have some hand drawn body pictures and home made ‘wee samples’ that I use in schools. I would like these to be more ‘professional’
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Education:
A long time ago – schools in Suffolk, Clare Middle School, Castle Manor Upper School in Haverhill.
Left home to study at Portsmouth Polytechnic (now university)
Also studied in NESCOT (Epsom)
And… Birmigham, and London….
The learning never stops.. I’m too curious
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Qualifications:
9 O levels
BSc Biomedical Sciences
MSc Biomedical Sciences
Quality system qualifications – such as lead auditor
NEBOSH in Health and Safety
Management certificate
I have changed roles a lot – so like be as qualified as i can
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Work History:
Lots…
I did summertime work on a farm from age 14. Spent all day driving combine harvester on on 16th birthday.
Then waiter at Happy Eater, and as student a lab tech for a grain company
Bit of time in regular Army, followed by 16 years in the Army reserves (Royal Artillery)
As a scientist.. trainee Biomedical Scientist at Addenbrrookes Cambridge
Then worked up grades in Reading, Ashford, Norwich, Hull, Nottingham, London- before regional role in East Midlands and now a national role.
You dont need to move as much as I did – but it gave me wide experience.
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Current Job:
Principal Scientist and Laboratory Director
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Employer:
Spire Healthcare
An independent group of 39 hospitals throughout the UK
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My Interview
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What did you want to be after you left school?
A scientist.. and a musician in the army! I have done both
Were you ever in trouble at school?
Errr… maybe once or twice
If you weren't doing this job, what would you choose instead?
A teacher
Who is your favourite singer or band?
Queen (it’s an age thing)
What's your favourite food?
Lasagne and chips
If you had 3 wishes for yourself what would they be? - be honest!
To travel more with my family, to live in Northumberland where I grew up, to stay healthy
Tell us a joke.
Why can’t you trust an atom? Because they make up literally everything
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