Georgina is Head of Technical Programme in our Cambridge lab meaning she leads the teams responsible for all the technical, wet lab aspects of genetic testing from sample reception through to sequencing and other test methods.
Can you tell us more about your role?
I oversee the technical workforce, equipment, space and improvement projects related to the technical or ‘wet lab’ testing pathways in Cambridge.
I lead and manage a brilliant team of technical programme managers and leads, each specialised in their particular area of the technical programme and our technical training lead who is key in ensuring staff training is high quality and supports professional registration pathways.
What inspired you to follow a career in science?
I was fascinated by life sciences, why we become who we are, inheritance of traits and inheritance or predisposition to disease; all coded in our DNA! This led me to study a BSc in Biochemistry at university.
How has your role changed since joining the lab?
I first joined the lab shortly after finishing my degree in 2005. This was before the creation of the NHS Genomic Medicine Service and East Genomics.
My first role was as a junior lab technician. Through dedication to increase my skills and knowledge, along with a focus on improving patient care, I was successfully promoted several times within the technical team.
My longest serving post to date was as a senior genetic technologist supervising the karyotyping, FISH and microarray teams, and performing cytogenetic analysis.
I was proud to become technical lead in 2020, which was a newly created post that was formed as part of the transition to East Genomics, and becoming the lead for NHS regional testing in the East. As demand for testing has grown rapidly, we have expanded our teams and capabilities and in 2022, I became the head of technical programme.
What qualifications have you gained during your career?
I am a HCPC registered Biomedical Scientist (BMS), which I achieved through the IBMS equivalence route (opens in a new tab) and am proud to be the first BMS to achieve this in an NHS genomics laboratory.
I'm also a registered Genetic Technologist, which is a voluntary registration as a Healthcare Science Practitioner (opens in a new tab) with the Academy for Healthcare Science (AHCS)
In 2025, I completed a MSc Technical Leadership from Keele University, which was also linked to an Apprenticeship Level 7 as a Research Scientist. This has strengthened my knowledge and skills of project management, research and leadership, helping me to further grow and progress my career.
Can you tell us about why you chose to work here?
When I first joined, Addenbrooke’s stood out to me due to its established reputation as a centre of excellence, and as the regional genetics laboratory for East Anglia. I originally looked into getting some work experience but found they had technician roles available.
I was successful in applying for one of these roles. I started in October 2005 and haven't looked back since!
What does a usual day look like for you?
The operational side of my role involves managing resources within the laboratory to ensure the smooth running of a diagnostic genomic service. This means making sure we're progressing samples efficiently through the lab so we can deliver results in a timely manner for patients.
The other part of my role encourages and supports continuous improvement to ensure we are giving our patients the best service possible.
I am lucky enough to lead on development projects that involve bringing in new technologies and assays which are revolutionising the way we perform tests, delivering faster, more accurate results that can have real benefits for treatment and care.
What do you enjoy most about your role?
My role is diverse, anything can happen, which requires me and my fantastic team to act promptly and safely for our patients, it certainly keeps it interesting! I enjoy working in a dynamic area of science and with resourceful, knowledgeable, and helpful people striving to deliver the best patient care possible.
I really enjoy mentoring and encouraging staff to develop, I love seeing people come in straight from university with a keen interest in science especially genomics and build a long-term career in the laboratory.
What do you like to do in your spare time?
I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, meeting for long country walks, or on the coast.
My husband and two children were very proud to join me at my Masters graduation; they are my biggest supporters, and in turn of course I enjoy supporting and encouraging them, whether it be watching my son play football or baking cakes with my daughter.
Is there anything else you'd like to say?
I’d like to thank the lab's leadership team for their mentoring, support and encouragement over the years, and of course the managers, leads and technical staff within the technical programme, they all work incredibly hard and are dedicated to safe patient care. Thank You!
I’d like to encourage anyone who loves being hands-on in the lab to consider a career in a genomic laboratory and pursue accreditation as a genetic technologist or as a biomedical scientist.