Meet VH Bio’s Lab Assistant, Jakub, in this Q&A!
Describe what your job entails.
Managing the day-to-day running of Laboratory Services including sample receipt and storage, paperwork and communication to customers, sample preparation and DNA extraction, and performance of routine assays and analysis.
What is your career and/or educational background?
In the summer of my first year of sixth form, I did a 1-week placement here at VH Bio, this was my first introduction to laboratory work, and I loved it! It inspired me to pursue a career in science. Hence, I went on to complete a Biomedical Sciences BSCs Honours at Newcastle University. In July 2023 I graduated, and I was welcomed back to where it all started, VH Bio!
In your opinion, what is the greatest advancement in the history of science?
Edward Jenner- Creation of the smallpox vaccine. Vaccines have saved so many lives by eradicating diseases such as smallpox and polio.
Alexander Fleming- Discovery of penicillin. Countless lives have been saved by using antibiotics to kill bacteria causing infection.
When you were younger, what did you want to be when you grew up?
Airline pilot
What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?
Hiking- such a challenging but rewarding hobby.
I enjoy going to the pub, eating good food and having a few pints with my friends, whilst having good chats.
I would say I enjoy running, but I’m not sure if I love it or hate it!
I’m very adventurous and love travelling abroad and exploring different countries, whether it’s climbing mountains, exploring beaches or exploring cities I enjoy it all!
What is your favourite animal?
Penguin.
What was the worst job you’ve ever had?
Football referee – the abuse from coaches, players and parents was absolutely brutal.
Describe your perfect weekend.
Drive up to the Lake District in the summer with friends and check into a cabin. During the day head out and do some hiking, followed by heading to a pub, grabbing a couple of pints and enjoying some pub food! In the evening, head back to the cabin, sit outside beside a fire, drink some more beers and chat all night.
What is your favourite film?
Interstellar- I’ve always found space extremely fascinating.
If you had to eat one meal, every day for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Very basic answer, but it’s got to be pizza- it’s so versatile, you can pretty much put anything on a pizza.
If you were stuck on an island what three things would you bring?
A tent- Provides shelter from the sun during the day and would make me feel less exposed at night.
A lighter- To be able to start a fire because I don’t think I’d be able to achieve this by the classic method of rubbing two sticks together.
A filtered water bottle- So that I can drink water safely and survive.
Or if I knew someone was on their way to rescue me:
An icebox full of bottles of beer, a sun lounger, and a pair of sunglasses.
What is the first concert you attended?
I’ve never actually been to one! However, I really want to go see Post Malone live.
5 famous people – dead or alive – that you would invite to a dinner party?
David Goggins- Such a motivating and inspiring guy.
Kevin Hart- He’s hilarious.
Post Malone- My favourite music artist but also an amazing guy, would love to have a conversation with him.
Bass Reeves- Would love to hear some of his stories.
Madison Beer
Thanks for taking the time to share your answers with us, Jakub, we are delighted to have you on the VH Bio team!