[Date: 23 October 2024]
Careers in Research Administration
In this seminar, we invited Dr Sumita Anant, Director and Assistant Dean at Duke-NUS Medical School, to share her inspiring journey from researcher to research administrator, shedding light on the pivotal role of research administration in advancing scientific discovery.
Through her candid reflections, she provided attendees with practical insights into the challenges, opportunities, and personal growth that come with this multifaceted career path.
Navigating the Complexities of Research Administration: Insights, Challenges, and Resilience
Sumita shared how her unexpected transition from research to administration shaped her career, highlighting the value of transferable skills like communication, collaboration, and problem-solving. She encouraged adaptability and continuous learning when exploring alternative paths.
Providing an overview of research administration, she detailed responsibilities such as managing lab operations, research infrastructure, and safety compliance. Her team oversees diverse tasks, including high-containment lab moves and core facilities like the sleep lab and metabolomics core.
Drawing on her experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic, Sumita highlighted the critical role of business continuity planning. From ensuring liquid nitrogen supplies to maintaining access to research facilities, her team demonstrated resilience and foresight in navigating challenges. She emphasised the importance of risk management and preparedness for emergencies, including mental health crises and cybersecurity threats.
She also discussed challenges in handling audits, planning equipment replacements, and navigating regulatory compliance, illustrating the balance required to meet operational demands while supporting the research community.
Career Growth and Team Development
Sumita reflected on the joys and challenges of administrative work, highlighting the satisfaction of problem-solving and supporting her team’s growth. She stressed the importance of creating an environment where staff feel valued and can develop their skills, as well as the personal rewards of seeing the tangible impact of her work on research progress.
Sumita encouraged attendees to explore research administration as a viable and fulfilling career path. She shared actionable advice on building networks, leveraging transferable skills, and embracing continuous learning to thrive in administrative roles.
Dr Sumita Anant’s seminar offered an enlightening perspective on the diverse opportunities in research administration, inspiring attendees to consider alternative careers beyond the lab bench.