Virginia Silio - Confocal Technician, CDB

How did you arrive at CDB?   

I come from a working-class family and I’m the first to get a degree and a PhD. I was always good at science, so I chose science subjects at school. I studied biology at university because it wasn’t available in my hometown and I really wanted to move out!  After graduating, I did a PhD in Molecular and Cell Biology, and then a post-doc at the University of Warwick. 

I really enjoyed the research, but it was very focused – working on one protein and one process. What I loved most was microscopy, because it allows you to work on many different things. That’s what drew me into a support role: I prefer working in a skills-based position, where I can apply and develop a broad range of techniques, rather than focusing narrowly. 

So I moved to a similar position at a smaller facility in another London university, and later applied successfully for my current role at CDB.

What would you advise someone on choosing a career? 

I wish someone had told me after my PhD that a post-doc wasn’t the only pathway.  It’s easy to feel pressurised to follow this traditional route, but it’s worth considering roles that are skills-based and hands-on. The right choice doesn’t always look like the next step on paper. 

For me, moving into a technician role was the right move – I’m much happier, and it allows me to focus on the aspects of science I enjoy most. Happiness in your work is a big part of the equation.

What are you mainly focused on now and for the future? 

I’m investing a lot in learning open-source image analysis to complete my profile and keep up with the growing amount of data produced in microscopy. 

I’m also interested in working on different techniques, like expansive microscopy and STORM (short for Stochastic Optical Reconstruction Microscopy), which is a super-resolution fluorescence imaging technique that creates high-resolution images. I would love to include them in our repertoire.

I’m also focused on my four-years-old child; she’s just starting school now.

What do you do now to chill and get work-life balance? 

Running marathons became really important to me after becoming a mum. I found it hard to stop during pregnancy, and it took a while to get back into it afterwards. These days, I run about 10 miles during my commute to UCL CDB, and this year I’ve even completed two ultras (runs longer than a marathon)! 

I also enjoy swimming and oil painting, although I’ve paused the painting for now to keep potentially toxic paints away from my daughter.

Would you recommend joining UCL CDB? 

Yes, it’s a fantastic department. There’s a wide range of analytical instruments and projects to work on, and I’m constantly learning exciting new things, while working alongside skilled and supportive colleagues. 

I really enjoy the variety and the chance to develop my expertise every day.