Question: what is it like to be a scientist

Vicki Onions answered on 14 Jun 2010:

Oh my word, what a question!!!
Obviously i enjoy being a scientist – it is an incredibly varied job. No two days are the same really and there are constantly new challenges and new things to investigate. There are so so many different roles to play in science that i could probably guarantee you that no 2 jobs are the same either!!
Being a scientist, for me, means tackling problems head on. Its like being private detective – you have a problem or a question and the first thing that happens is you invariably generate a LOT more questions!!! Then you sit down and try and find out what sort of things other people have found out about the same or a similar problem. Then you try and think of possible ways to try and answer those questions.
In doing this, its very hard work and demanding and quite often i find myself getting myself in knots!! But you learn so many things without even realising you are doing it and when you find yourself in a postition when you can answer the questions you posed in the first place, its amazing!!!
I’m not going to lie and say its all plain sailing….but its like any job, some days are hideous and cake is the only answer, but there are far more good days than bad!!