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October
2004
 Job title and General Description
I am a Research Scientist in drug discovery at Xenon Pharmaceuticals
Inc. My job involves 75% lab work and 25% administrative work
including supervising a team in the lab.
Xenon is involved in the exciting field of developing new
drugs from specific genomic targets. Different groups of scientists
work on the various stages in this process. There are scientists
at Xenon that determine the specific sites in the genome that
could be potential targets for drugs. With these targets,
another group of scientists develop the specific chemicals
that may be affective in working with those targets. My role
is to test these chemicals to determine if they work within
biological systems at various levels. My team tests the physical,
chemical and pharmaceutical properties of the novels chemicals,
such as stability of the molecule, as well as the chemicals
ability to work in cell cultures and animal systems.
Specific skills and qualities required
to do this job
This work, as with many scientific lab jobs, requires meticulous
attention to detail. It is also important to have a love for
science and the desire to be learning continuously. It requires
an open mind as well as patience and perseverance as things
don’t always go the way you expect them to.
As my job involves supervising other employees and working
with other scientist internationally, the ability to work
well and collaborate with other people is essential.
What do you like most about your work?
My favorite part of my job is that I’m always learning
and that I have many opportunities to meet with other scientist
from around the world to share ideas and experiences.
What do you like least about your job?
The only aspect of my job that I find challenging would be
the influence of being part of a business such as the deadlines
and expectations that we experience that would not be involved
in an academic research lab. There is always a balance that
must be found between the business requirements and the science
that we are trying to move forward with.
Where do you see your career going from
here?
I love this work environment and I can see myself being here
for a while. I can see the projects that I am working on evolving
and expanding. I hope to eventually move up in this industry
and perhaps even have my own business some day.
What is the range of salary that comes
with your job?
In Canada, $30,000 and up, including full benefits plan. There
are similar jobs in the USA that pay more but considering
many aspects of my life, I have chosen to stay in BC.
When did you know you wanted to work in
sciences?
I came to realize that a career in the research lab appealed
to me after I spent a summer working in a lab during my undergrad
years at UBC.
What is your educational background?
I started at a college on Vancouver Island and then transferred
to UBC where I completed my B.Sc. and a Ph.D. in Biochemistry.
I think that the most important academic background to have
is a good understanding of math and general sciences as well
as classes that interest you and stimulate your ability to
analyze and to be intellectually creative and innovative.
What was your favourite course?
Microbiology, I love learning about microbes.
What other hobbies and interests do you
have?
I enjoy wood working. I find it allows me to take my mind
off of work when I need a break.
Do you have any advice for young people
thinking about getting into your line of work?
Immerse yourself in areas you are aware of that may be of
interest to you. Try things out and see what fits.
The true sign of intelligence is not knowledge but imagination.
- Albert Einstein
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