Microbiology and Infection - Mike Gong's Story

Please tell us about your current role & employer

I’m currently working as an Application Scientist, providing specialist knowledge of biological products, including pre-and post-sales support.

I work for Biolegend, a company that develops world-class cutting-edge antibodies and reagents for biomedical research, manufactured in our state-of-the-art facility in San Diego, CA. Our mission is to accelerate research and discovery by providing the highest quality products alongside superior customer service and technical support.

What does a typical day in your current role look like?

It depends on the day! As I work for a US company, I spend a lot of time responding to emails. Most questions and concerns come via email, and I answer an average of 30 – 40 per day. I also have meetings to attend and I’m often presenting or providing training about the work we do at Biolegend.

In the afternoon, I spend some time answering the more difficult queries and might read scientific reports to deepen my understanding of the technology. Sometimes I’ll visit customers with our sales team.

What was the journey to getting a job after graduating from Birmingham?

Initially I wanted to apply for a PhD in the UK, but the funding was difficult to secure. After failing to achieve funding from the CSC in China or Darwin Trust, I turned my attention to opportunities in Europe. After several interviews, I finally secured a PHD with a French supervisor who was starting a new lab in the Chinese Academy of Sciences and I moved to Shanghai. My English proficiency and the professional skills I developed at Birmingham were key factors in his decision to accept me as a PhD student.

How do you feel the learning experience on your course helped to prepare you for your career?

The cutting-edge knowledge I gained and the technologies I used during the course were incredibly helpful. My time at the Institute of Microbiology and Infection gave me first-hand experience of how a world-class research institute operates, which was valuable for my further studies.

The professors and lecturers also supported me in adapting to the English language, which has given me a real advantage now that I work for an international company.

What are your top tips for students graduating today?

Bioscience students should spend some time finding out what they’re most interested in – both scientifically and for in terms of their future career. Consider if you’d like to work in industry or academia and what might be the best fit for you.

What were the best things about your course?

I would say everything was perfect- the course structure, the schedule and the tutor system. The professors were able to share cutting-edge research and knowledge which gave us a real sense of what’s happening in the field of Biology.

What was your biggest achievement during your course (personal, professional or academic)?

Personally, I managed to pass all my courses despite facing a significant language barrier, and I graduated with a merit. Professionally, I achieved my dream of pursuing a PhD after graduating from Birmingham. Although I didn’t publish during my time at Birmingham, the skills I developed and the academic mindset I gained helped me to complete my further studies and secure my current job.