Name: David BradleyPresent occupation:Staff Editor, International Journal of Systematic and Evolutionary Microbiology (IJSEM) Society for General Microbiology Education:BSc Biology, University of Bath Work history:Mycoplasmologist, Department of Statutory and Exotic Bacteria, Veterinary Laboratories Agency, Surrey |
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Q: What got you interested in microbiology?I’ve been interested in microbes ever since I started studying them at school. I think their diversity and wide range of applications is what interested me most. Since then, I've developed an interest in pathogenic (disease causing) micro-organisms. I find it interesting that they can function in very similar ways but cause wildly different symptoms. Working with microbes was always enjoyable for me as they are a perfect model organisms for many branches of research, from molecular biology to evolutionary genetics. I have always found it fascinating that microbes constitute some of human kind’s most serious threats but also have the potential to solve some of our greatest problems.
Q:Can you describe a typical day in your job?A typical day in my job consists of reading through brand new research articles submitted to us for publication. I talk to the researchers, most of whom are experts in their fields, to check the scientific content of the paper, and correct any errors in language or style. These articles often include cutting-edge scientific findings in the field of microbiology, including the discovery of novel species that have never been seen before! With that in mind I also keep an eye out for any especially interesting articles that might be suitable for press release. |
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Q: What do you love most about your job?Through working on journals such as Microbiology and IJSEM I get to learn about new breakthroughs in microbiology and the isolation of novel species of bacteria from a variety of mind-boggling environments such as deep-sea hydrothermal vents and radioactive waste, which I find really interesting! For example we recently published an article describing a novel species of rust-eating bacteria found on the RMS Titanic!
Q: What do you like least about your job?Working in publishing is less physically active than working in a lab. But it still keeps me on my toes!
Q: What are the most important skills you need to successfully do your job?It is important to have a keen eye for detail, a good foundation in scientific knowledge and language and a great interest in science in general. Good communication skills are also very important and a morbid curiosity for strange and wonderful science couldn’t hurt!
Q: What two pieces of information do you wish someone had told you at the start of your career?That a degree in science doesn’t have to lead to a lifetime of labwork and that there is a whole range of careers in science that are just as rewarding. |
