(Episode 134) Lab Coats and Lunch Boxes: Navigating a Research Career and Motherhood

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 (https://www.linkedin.com/in/hema-viswambharan/) and her University profile (https://medicinehealth.leeds.ac.uk/medicine/staff/844/dr-hema-viswambharan)
• Ruth Winden on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/ruthwinden/) and BlueSky (https://bsky.app/profile/ruthwinden.bsky.social)
• University of Leeds OD&PL professional development programs for research staff (https://researchersupport.leeds.ac.uk)
• The British Heart Foundation (https://www.bhf.org.uk/?appealid=tis-ppc-br&gclsrc=aw.ds&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=21663238508&gbraid=0AAAAAD6mX5512dOX3DqOLAZF651hrtPM9&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIh5Dy1-W1kAMVWZFQBh3LTwQlEAAYASAAEgLeyfD_BwE)
All of our episodes can be accessed via the following playlists: 

• Research Impact (https://player.captivate.fm/collection/60d10ee0-197a-4648-a3ea-55458f799776)  with Ged Hall (follow Ged on Bluesky  (https://bsky.app/profile/hallged.bsky.social) and LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/drgedhall/) )
• Research Impact Heroes (https://player.captivate.fm/collection/c2f4fdc5-ee6a-4f39-8bdd-84c66f9ea3fc)  with Ged Hall
• Open Research (https://player.captivate.fm/collection/859c3801-ad5d-41e8-a8f5-bad2b278692f)  with Nick Sheppard (follow Nick on Bluesky (https://bsky.app/profile/nickshepp.bsky.social)  and LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicksheppard/) )
• Research Careers (https://player.captivate.fm/collection/ed099aeb-00b5-4bec-b0e3-a4c059dfb826)  with Ruth Winden (follow Ruth on Bluesky (https://bsky.app/profile/ruthwinden.bsky.social)  and LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/ruthwinden/) )
• Research talent management (https://player.captivate.fm/collection/687a0477-5846-4db4-936c-ac53a4484adb)
• Meet the Research Culturositists (https://player.captivate.fm/collection/f62132a4-2297-4af5-a659-288dccc47220)  with Emma Spary (follow Emma on Bluesky (https://bsky.app/profile/emmaspary.bsky.social) and LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/emmaspary/) )
• Research co-production (https://player.captivate.fm/collection/599ab0c4-5878-4ef9-bedd-dca5cff5dc77)
• Research evaluation (https://player.captivate.fm/collection/e83123ea-b1c6-463b-98d8-5e964afb07eb)
• Research leadership (https://player.captivate.fm/collection/33415149-cfbb-4cbc-aaf8-4e9a98e1af54)
• Research professionals (https://player.captivate.fm/collection/1249a4ac-e38d-4019-ae42-07620eda1dbf)
• Academic failure (https://player.captivate.fm/collection/36ece93f-61f8-4260-b0b1-5da73333872d) with Taryn Bell (follow Taryn on Bluesky (http...

Видео (Episode 134) Lab Coats and Lunch Boxes: Navigating a Research Career and Motherhood канала Research Culture Uncovered