Martyn Rhoades
Manager, In vivo Operations
Which Cambridge do you work from and how long have you been with F-star?
I work in F-stars UK office and have been with the company 4 years.
Tell us a little bit about yourself.
Having previously worked in the animal technology industry for nearly 25 years I joined F-star in 2017 wanting to use my previously gained experience from my previous career as well as setting myself a new challenge.
What’s your role at the company?
I am a leading member of our In vivo team and the Project license holder for the company, it is my responsibility to ensure care and welfare is always maintained to the highest standards possible.
What is a typical day like for you at F-star?
My typical day varies depending on the work so it is either in the office, the unit, the lab or working from home (1 to 2 days a week normally) or a combination of both.
What are you working on currently?
I am working with the FS118 project team and supporting the other projects as needed. I provide functional support across projects as well as providing Biochemistry expertise and investigation which was something new that I learned when I joined F-star.
Has the agile working policy changed the way you work?
Yes, during Covid times it helped with the shortened school days from a personal side, but also it has allowed me to work from home if there is no need to come in making a nice change to the working week and helps me to focus away from office.
Who had the greatest influence on you in your career?
My direct line managers at F-star (and the project leads that I have worked with) have been all supportive and influential especially as I did not come from a scientific background the transition could not have been done without them.
What do you enjoy most about the F-star culture?
Everyone works hard with a positive mind set, it is a friendly place to work and everyone supports each other with their different expertise, there is no such thing as a stupid question and there is also a good social side to the company.
What activities do you enjoy when you’re not working?
I have several things I like doing outside of work but my most interesting would be that I have interests in criminal psychology, I also love a visit to the Norfolk broads to recharge the batteries and maybe some karokee.
What do you enjoy most about your work at F-star?
The people, the openness and the recognition of the contribution people make to the company and its research to help people.