In our “Meet the Team” series, we highlight the talented individuals who drive Phastar’s success. Each team member brings unique skills, experience, and passion to their role, working together to deliver high-quality biometrics and data science solutions in clinical research. Below, we share their career journey, insights, and the impact they make every day.
Can you tell us a bit about your background and what led you to join Phastar?
I initially didn’t know roles like this existed until university, where I discovered my passion for coding while studying Mathematics at Sheffield Hallam University. During my studies, I secured a university placement at another CRO, where I worked for a year. After graduating, I stayed on for an additional 1.5 years, before taking a gap year to travel across Asia and New Zealand in 2020. When I returned, I was looking for new opportunities, and I already knew several people at Phastar. The strong recommendations regarding the company’s work-life balance and staff-friendly culture made Phastar an ideal choice for my next step.
What is your role at Phastar, and what do you enjoy most about your day-to-day responsibilities?
I’m a Senior Programmer in the Functional Service Provider (FSP) department, working directly on the client’s system. It’s fascinating to see the other side of the process after spending my career working with CROs. I truly enjoy the programming work itself, especially the satisfaction of fixing broken code and solving complex problems. It’s incredibly rewarding to see the progress of junior programmers and help mentor them as they grow in their roles.
What has been your favorite moment or achievement at Phastar so far?
One of the most rewarding experiences has been contributing to successful trials for drugs that have ultimately been approved and are now helping to save and improve lives. I’ve also significantly improved my programming skills and had the opportunity to lead a team in delivering programs and outputs with minimal comments, getting the programs right the first time. A personal highlight was being accepted to present at PHUSE EU Connect 2024 in Strasbourg, which was a fantastic milestone for me. Here, I presented a poster on considering and reducing the environmental impact of healthcare data science.
What opportunities for growth or professional development have you had since joining the team?
When I was a more junior programmer, I was asked to provide training around the Office of Scientific Investigations (OSI) and Bioresearch Monitoring (BIMO), which eventually became a reference guide for colleagues. I’ve become a subject matter expert in that area, and now colleagues reach out for advice. I’ve been fortunate to have incredible mentors throughout my time at Phastar. A senior team member recognized when I wasn’t thriving in my previous role and suggested I transition to FSP, which was a great move for me and came at just the right time. Now, I’m proud to be able to mentor others and offer guidance as they progress, I’m excited to see what the future holds at Phastar.
What do you value most about working at Phastar?
Phastar offers excellent flexibility with hybrid and compressed hours, allowing for a healthy work-life balance. Phastar also has a nearby office in Sheffield, giving me the opportunity to socialize with colleagues in person and build meaningful relationships. I appreciate the open-door policy with senior leadership, they’re always receptive to conversations about improvements and are proactive in visiting offices in person. The collaborative and down-to-earth culture makes it a great place to work, and I truly value the relationships I’ve built with my colleagues. Phastar’s approach to listening, improving, and fostering a supportive environment has made a significant impact on my experience here.
Looking for a career that offers flexibility, professional growth, and the opportunity to make a real impact?
