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(Episode 134) Lab Coats and Lunch Boxes: Navigating a Research Career and Motherhood
Manage episode 515034745 series 3409585
Research Culture Uncovered: Navigating Career and Parenthood as a Scientist
Host Ruth Winden (Careers with Research Consultant) and guest Dr. Hema Viswambharan (Senior Scientist, LICAMM, University of Leeds)
“Building a career after a break is like a marathon and not a sprint.” (Dr. Hema Viswambharan)
Episode Overview:
In this highly personal episode, Ruth Winden speaks with Dr. Hema Viswambharan about the realities of juggling a research career with parenthood. Drawing on her 20 years of experience as both a scientist and a mother, Hema shares her lived experiences, highlighting personal and professional challenges, effective coping strategies, and the value of support networks.
Key Discussion Points:
Inspiration and Early Career:
- Hema describes her journey into science, inspired by her parents, especially her mother, “a female scientist in her own respect.”
The Impact of Parenthood on Career:
- Hema chose to “stay as a research fellow,” bringing up three children while maintaining her career, supported by her line manager.
Challenges Faced:
- Professional isolation and loss of networking opportunities during career breaks and especially when during her return to work after maternity leave, re-engaging with her career and staying up to date with rapid scientific advancements during her absence.
- Balancing lab work, research and professional development with the needs of her family and her own needs.
Solutions and Support Mechanisms Hema sought out and/or created:
- Engaging in Professional Development to continuously upskill herself.
- Finding time for personal development programs at the University of Leeds, including workshops, online courses, and seminars.
- Integrating learning into her daily routine.
- Proactive communication with her line manager was key to receiving necessary support.
- Annual staff reviews and regular updates ensured alignment between personal and professional needs.
- Mentoring and coaching provided “empathetic guidance” for overcoming career progression stalls after breaks.
- Establishing routines and self-reflection helped manage practical and emotional challenges.
- Building a strong support network of colleagues and mentors proved invaluable.
Her advice: “Be patient and kind to yourself… seek out and take advantage of personal development opportunities and network support.”
Contact/Resources:
- Dr Hema Viswambharan on LinkedIn and her University profile
- Ruth Winden on LinkedIn and BlueSky
- University of Leeds OD&PL professional development programs for research staff
- The British Heart Foundation
All of our episodes can be accessed via the following playlists:
- Research Impact with Ged Hall (follow Ged on Bluesky and LinkedIn)
- Research Impact Heroes with Ged Hall
- Open Research with Nick Sheppard (follow Nick on Bluesky and LinkedIn)
- Research Careers with Ruth Winden (follow Ruth on Bluesky and LinkedIn)
- Research talent management
- Meet the Research Culturositists with Emma Spary (follow Emma on Bluesky and LinkedIn)
- Research co-production
- Research evaluation
- Research leadership
- Research professionals
- Academic failure with Taryn Bell (follow Taryn on Bluesky and LinkedIn)
Follow us on Bluesky: @researcherdevleeds.bsky.social (new episodes are announced here), @openresleeds.bsky.social, @researchcultureuol.bsky.social
Connect to us on LinkedIn: @ResearchUncoveredPodcast (new episodes are announced here)
If you would like to contribute to a podcast episode get in touch: [email protected]
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