A day in the life of a Senior Validation Specialist

Tamara Hamovic joined Oxford Biomedica in July 2017 as a Validation Specialist and has since developed to a Senior Validation Specialist for Computerised System Validation (CSV). Day to day she takes ownership of validation aspects on projects which bring new software for GxP use or major updates to existing GxP software.

Tell us about your career journey at OXB.

I started in July 2017 as a Validation Specialist looking after validation of ASG laboratory equipment (new and old). I was promoted into my current role in June 2019 where I took on the responsibility of validating the initial install of Q-Pulse, followed by various process additions. Since then, I have focused solely on CSV of major software implementations such as LIMS. I am also currently studying part time for an MSc in Bioprocessing to help me understand our business better from a scientific standpoint. After that, anything is a possibility.

What is the best part of your job?

Working with a variety of people across the business, from scientists to senior leadership individuals, and all of us coming together for the same common goal.

How would you describe the culture at OXB??

When I started with OXB we were in low 300s in terms of staff numbers and in the 5 years we have grown by over 500 (including the pandemic period), so sometimes I do feel like a newbie, not having met some of the team members who may have joined us during the pandemic, but the general feeling is one of welcoming friendliness.

What values do you see demonstrated within your team?

Getting things done, correctly – which sometimes gives us a bad name as it means things take longer to reach completion.

What is the best career advice you have ever given/received?

1. Don’t become a teacher until you have some life experiences of your own (Karl, my A Level Biology teacher, thanks to him I became an industrial microbiologist rather than a teacher, and that started me on my current path)
2. Don’t do what you think others expect of you, but what you feel is right and most importantly you enjoy! (If I had listened to my dad I would have a maths degree and be an architect right now…)

What would be the most surprising scientific discovery imaginable?

If we were able to regenerate amputated limbs and/or spinal injuries affecting use of limbs - that would be amazing yet surreal.

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