With over 25 years of experience, Claire Jones has been a driving force within the Rare and Inherited Disease Lab at Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH). Her journey from junior lab assistant to lead technologist showcases the power of perseverance, hard work, and an eagerness for continuous learning in a rapidly evolving field.

A Path of Discovery: Finding Passion in Genomics

Like many young people, Claire wasn’t sure what career path to take after leaving college. Unsure of her interests, she decided to take a gap year before committing to university, during which she discovered a lab job that sparked her curiosity. Starting as a junior lab assistant, Claire got a first-hand look at the work inside a lab and realised it was something she wanted to pursue.

After one year, she took the opportunity to study for a degree in biomedical sciences, supported by a flexible work-study arrangement that allowed her to work four days a week while studying one. During the next four years of balancing work and education, Claire became an assistant genetic technologist then a genetic technologist. From there, her career progressed, as she took on a senior technologist role and later earned a Master’s degree in genomics, eventually leading to her current position as Lead Technologist.

The Dynamic World of Genomics

Genomics captured Claire’s interest because of its relevance to everyday life and its fast pace of discovery. “Genomics changes quickly,” she explains. “There are always new advancements, which makes it an exciting and dynamic field to work in.”

Claire has witnessed the transformation of the genomics field over the years, specifically the role of the Genetic Technologists. What started as a smaller role within the lab has grown, with Genetic Technologists now making up to a third of the workforce at the GOSH lab. She’s also seen how the lab has adapted to the latest advancements, including mergers and restructuring, all driven by the rapid development of genomics.

From the Lab to Leadership

For much of her career, Claire worked hands-on in the lab, where she thrived on the day-to-day technical tasks. “I really enjoyed being in the lab,” she recalls of her 15 years of lab-based work. Over time, though, her responsibilities shifted towards management, where she now oversees multiple teams, ensuring everything from health and safety to quality control and training is up to the highest standard.

As a Lead Technologist, she focuses on managing line managers, streamlining lab processes, managing systems for the maintenance and control of equipment and consumables, and ensuring teams are working efficiently to deliver the best possible results.

Advice for Aspiring Technologists

Claire’s career path is a testament to the power of persistence and learning. “It took me 20 years to move from entry-level to Lead Technologist,” she says. But her journey shows that success doesn’t always happen overnight, and every experience plays a vital role in building your career.

Her advice for those starting out is simple but profound: “Don’t rush. The best careers are built on patience, hard work, and a willingness to grow with every opportunity.” She encourages newcomers to explore different paths, learn from each role, and not be afraid to try something new—even if that means stepping outside of their comfort zone.

“There are so many opportunities now,” Claire says, pointing out that the role of a technologist has evolved to offer many career routes. Whether it’s clinical work, specialising in projects, health and safety, or management, there’s always room to find your own niche and make a meaningful impact.

“Don’t rush. The best careers are built on patience, hard work, and a willingness to grow with every opportunity.” – Claire Jones