Sude Yurincis, BSc Genetics with Industrial Placement Year
Where did you do your placement year & what was your job role?
I completed my placement year at the Centre for Biomarker Research (CeBioR) at the University of Huddersfield. I undertook the role of a research affiliate, where I was responsible for leading an individual research project focused on the discovery and validation of biomarkers associated with chronic neuropathic pain-related conditions.
What were your key responsibilities? How did these develop as your placement progressed?
I began my placement with an extended period of training, during which I shadowed my supervisor and learned key laboratory techniques and safety procedures. This initial phase helped me build confidence with the practical aspects of the role. Once I had completed my training, I gradually took on more responsibility. My experiments were designed not only to meet my learning objectives but also to provide meaningful insights that aligned with the lab’s broader aims. This gave my work a real sense of purpose and made me feel like a valuable part of the team. As my experience grew, I contributed more actively to general lab maintenance, such as preparing reagents, restocking materials, and ensuring equipment was properly maintained. I became comfortable working independently for most of my tasks, managing my time and experiments with minimal supervision. One of the highlights of my placement was towards the end, when I had the opportunity to train a master’s student in core molecular biology techniques. It was incredibly rewarding to pass on what I had learned and support someone else’s development, while reinforcing my own understanding.
What opportunities has your industrial placement opened up to you?
My industrial placement gave me a real insight into how research is initiated, structured, and carried out in a professional setting. This experience gave me a clear advantage going into my final year, particularly when it came to my dissertation project. I had a head start in planning experiments, managing my time in the lab, and troubleshooting when things didn’t go to plan. As a result, I was able to approach my final year project with greater confidence and independence, ultimately finishing with results that are currently in process to be published – something I’m incredibly proud of. Beyond the technical skills, the placement also helped me build valuable relationships with researchers and academics. These insights gave me clarity about the kind of work I’d like to pursue in the future. It reinforced my interest in translational research and opened my eyes to the possibility of postgraduate study or a research-based career where I can continue to contribute to scientific advancements.
What were the most enjoyable and most challenging aspects of your placement?
One of the most enjoyable aspects of my placement was the steep learning curve and being able to witness my own development, both personally and professionally. Being immersed in a working lab environment pushed me to adapt, problem-solve, and think critically every day. I genuinely enjoyed the sense of progress; looking back and seeing how much more confident and capable I became over time was incredibly fulfilling.
Building perseverance was one of the most challenging, but also most valuable, skills I developed during my placement. It’s incredibly difficult to keep your chin up when things go wrong repeatedly, especially when you feel like you’re doing everything right. There were times when multiple things failed at once, and I found myself troubleshooting the same experiments over and over again, trying to identify the root of the problem. It sometimes felt like looking for a needle in a haystack, frustrating and seemingly impossible. But the moment you finally figure it out, when everything starts to make sense and you understand where things went wrong, the sense of satisfaction is unmatched.
What are your ambitions for the future? Do you have specific career plans? Has the University (careers centre/lecturers etc.) helped you with these goals in any way?
My long-term ambition is to work in translational research, where I can contribute to turning scientific discoveries into real-world medical solutions that improve patient outcomes. I’m especially interested in bridging the gap between laboratory research and clinical application in areas with high unmet medical needs. Completing a year in industry had a huge influence on shaping these goals. Before my placement, I was still unsure about which path to take after my degree. But being immersed in the research environment and witnessing the impact that science can have on human health gave me a sense of direction and purpose. It’s what inspired me to pursue a Master of Research degree and, potentially, further study beyond that. Without a doubt, my placement year was a turning point that clarified not only what I want to do, but why I want to do it.
What was the highlight of the placement?
The highlight of my placement was knowing that the work I was doing was contributing to research that could one day help people living with chronic neuropathic pain. Being part of a project aimed at addressing such a complex and often overlooked condition made the experience incredibly meaningful. It gave me a real insight into how important it is to bridge the gap between fundamental research and clinical application, especially for conditions where treatment options are limited or non-existent. This experience shifted my perspective on research; it wasn’t just about running experiments or getting results, but about working towards something bigger that can give hope to people with such conditions. That sense of purpose motivated me every day. Another memorable moment was being asked to train a master’s student, which made me realise how much I had grown in both confidence and ability. Sharing what I’d learned and seeing someone else develop because of it was incredibly rewarding and reaffirmed my passion for research.