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Lee Wing-Sze

Scientists run into a lot of problems when doing experiments and need a sharp mind to come up with solutions

Young Post: What is your daily routine?

Lau: I work as a laboratory superintendent at the Manufacturing Technology Centre of Hong Kong Institute of Biotechnology.

I am responsible for molecular cloning, gene expression and protein purification projects.

I also run day-to-day laboratory work and provide on-site guidance to technicians of the molecular biology and process development laboratory.

YP: Did you have other work experience before this?

L: No, but I did a lot of research projects after I won a pre-doctoral travel award by the American Society for Cell Biology. I was studying for my PhD degree in New York.

I also gained a better understanding of the field from my summer internships when I was an undergraduate student.

When I was studying biology at the University of Hong Kong, I had the chance to work as a student research assistant for the Department of Zoology in the summer. I helped with the experimental setup and took part in experiments on DNA cloning, DNA sequencing and Northern Blotting.

The following summer I worked as a plant biotechnology research assistant at the Plant Biotechnology Unit of the Hong Kong Institute of Biotechnology.

YP: What qualification do you need to become a biotechnology scientist?

L: To be a research assistant at university or a laboratory attendant, all you need is a bachelor's degree in science. For a research associate or pre-doctoral fellowship, you need to have a master's degree.

To be a project leader in the commercial sector, you need a PhD.

YP: Is there any difference between working for universities and commercial organisations?

L: Yes. Actually, academic research is more difficult. After completing the research, we have to write a thesis and publish what we've found.

It is also the job of academic researchers to conduct research on disease, such as Sars.

This type of research takes a long time.

In the commercial field the research generally doesn't take as long. It is more result- orientated and sometimes you do not know the purpose of the research.

YP: What qualities should a biotechnology scientist have?

L: You must have an analytical mind. Being patient and careful is also very important. If you are not careful enough, you might make mistakes during an experiment and fail to get the required results.

You also need to be independent and have problem-solving skills.

When we're working, we run into lots of problems during experiments, but there are no instructions on how to solve them.

We have to find the solutions ourselves.

YP: Is the field dominated by men?

L: Not really. Unlike physics and biochemistry, the ratio of women to men is quite balanced.

YP: Does this job involve much interaction with other people?

L: In my job I talk to clients about their projects and I give technicians guidance. However, if you are a research assistant in the academic sector, you might not need to say a word for a whole day. You don't need to interact with other people after you get instructions from your supervisor.

YP: Are you happy with your job?

L: Yes. It allows me to learn management and interpersonal skills. However, I prefer working in the academic sector. The research is more specific, profound and innovative.

You get more satisfaction as the research is usually related to disease and can benefit a lot of people.

YP: Any advice for those who are interested in the field?

L: You need to be really into science.

It is a life-long career and you need to keep updating yourself on the latest technology and knowledge.

Commitment and determination are also crucial when doing experiments.

Name: Ann Lau Sin-nga | Occupation: Biotechnology scientist | Age: 26



Life in the laboratory