Name: Ashlaich Lockhead 
Job Title: Research Administrator
What does your job at RGU involve?
I set up meetings and take minutes for PALS School Research Committee. I manage our School Research social media platforms and publicise any new publications and successful research bids awarded to PIs. I also share any noteworthy news items relating to Research carried out within the School by staff and PhD items progressed by PGR students. I assist staff with setting up Research events and cascading communications relating to this. I set up surveys exploring and promoting Research and Commercialisation activities. I help with financial queries relating to orders on Pecos/Cedar and PGR student consumables. I assist with ILSR by downloading information from Insight to help staff analyse and review performance and KPIs.
What do you enjoy most about your work?
It is very varied and I get to meet lots of different people on different projects. I also enjoy helping PGR students wherever possible. I have continuous opportunities to learn new skills ie databases to support intelligent reporting.
Tell us something about your work that might surprise us?
I am not a scientist and initially was unfamiliar with the processes and terminology of this environment. However, I have quickly adapted to new experiences and relish being able to support the department in any way that I can.
What’s your favourite place in Aberdeen/Aberdeenshire?
I have a joint favourite, if that’s allowed. Haddo House and Forvie Sands – so lovely to get out to both for a long walk and well earned lunch afterwards.
Best holiday you’ve had and why?
Hong Kong – my sister lived there for 25 years and it was fabulous to get a bespoke tour of both the known and hidden highlights of such a beautiful city and its surrounding areas – Macau, Stanley & Repulse Bay. We also went to Phuket for a week and hired a speedboat for a day’s visit to James Bond Island (The Man with the Golden Gun) off Phang Nga Bay and visited several beautiful, remote, islands with houseboat restaurants – magical.
Favourite TV show?
Strictly Come Dancing
Favourite band/music?
Madness
If you’re going to a restaurant and could only have one thing to eat (one course), what would it be?
Cheese board with all the trimmings and a nice Port to wash it down. (Good choice – Ed).
What would you say to anyone thinking about coming to work at RGU to persuade them it’s the right career move?
It is a fantastic place to work. The building is state of the art and the whole campus is beautiful designed; so it’s a lovely environment to work in. It has a great dynamic atmosphere with the constant buzz of student activity.
Staff are very welcoming to new comers and happy to assist in any way that they can with sharing RGU processes and behaviours.
It is rewarding to work in such an institution, which promotes students’ continued success and wellbeing and is constantly striving through research, collaborative projects and ongoing review to improve the product they currently have.
All my colleagues – administrative, academic and technical support staff – are lovely and fun to work with. My manager is very friendly and supportive and actively accommodates flexible ways of working with on campus/at home options to navigate Covid, as best possible. I am also encouraged to engage in CPD so I can upskill and have the opportunity to discuss developing the remit of my role, which is hugely motivational. I really enjoy being part of the PALS staff team.
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