What colleagues said about Imran: He is so on top of/involved in everything in his working roles, while being the life and soul of the party, and sharing the fruits of his extracurricular labour (from his allotment).
Overview of current position and main responsibilities
I initially joined the Institute in Oct 2017 as Department Administrator in Movement Neurosciences and with the changes to the Departments; I took over as the Departmental Administrator in Clinical and Movement Neurosciences in 2018, working across the different sites (Royal Free Campus, 33 Queen Square, Queen Square House and 1 Wakefield Street)
My day-to-day work involves working closely with all staff and students in the Department – My main role is to ensure the Department runs smoothly, working with HoD and Senior Academics to resolve any challenges. No two days are the same; it keeps the role interesting with the various responsibilities across the Department.
What was your career path to this position and subject area?
I have been working in Research Management for over 20 years – after graduation, I joined Diabetes UK (formerly the British Diabetic Association), working in the Policy Team and was involved in a number of campaigns to get the message out to all hard to reach communities. I initially joined UCL in 2011 in the Engineering Department as Project Officer, managed a Research Council project and led the Doctoral-training programme (EngD). In 2016, I moved to QMUL as a Programme Manager in the Principals Office, but returned back to UCL in 2017 to take up my current post at ION. I was also a researcher and Project Manager at KCL – you could say I have been round the block.
Do you feel you have a good work / life balance? Why?
It is important keep the work/life balance, It has taken me awhile to find the balance but not sure I have completely achieved it, still working on it.
Who has inspired your career?
I have found inspiration in numerous people I have worked with in the last 20 years, but my first mentor Juliana who inspired me – she was passionate about working in Academia and encouraged me to think out of the box.
What advice would you give to your younger self?
Ask questions – loads of questions - do not be afraid even it is a stupid one!
What is the best thing about working at IoN?
Working in the Square you get to meet loads of different people – Great people to work with!