What I've been reading lately

Grit - Angela Duckworth

Ancient Rome - Simon Baker

Augustus - Adrian Goldsworthy

About

About Me

I’m Ryan, a PhD graduate looking for work. I’m a naturally curious, driven person, with a passion for understanding how things work. I recently completed a PhD at the Univeristy of York, where I investigated how mutations in the gene FGFR3 might contribute to the formation and progression of Bladder Cancer.

I’m also passionate about science outreach and teaching - I love it when you get a question from someone that shows they’re really engaged in what you’re saying. When you’re explaining something to a student, it’s very rewarding when you see them have that “Aha!” moment. I have >40 hours of experience as a Graduate Teaching Assistant, teaching in lab practicals, problem classes, and marking reports.

Skills: Research, writing, speaking, teamwork, project management
Education: PhD in Biomedical Sciences, Masters in Biochemistry
Qualifications: Human Tissue Authority Level 2, Epigeum: Research Integrity in Biomedical Sciences, ILM Level 3 Certificate in Leadership and Management
Interests: Kendo, Reading, Teaching

Resume

PhD in Biomedical Science, now seeking a now seeking a role where I can apply my skills and knowledge in industry and solve real-world problems. I am passionate about teaching and outreach, and I love to engage with students and the public to discuss science!

Experience

May - November, 2025

Associate Medical Writer

Oxford PharmaGenesis

Adapted quickly to become familiar with new scientific fields outside of my previous expertise and work within industry codes of practice.

Worked flexibly to support the Business's agile working model and meet tight deadlines.

Developed a range of publications deliverables including graphical abstracts, slide decks and manuscripts.

Acted as a volunteer fire warden.

Jan - April, 2025

Medical Lab Assistant (Band 2)

Mersey and West Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust

See Below.

October - December, 2024

Bereavement Officer (Band 2)

Mersey and West Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust

Received calls from bereaved families, offering compassion at all times.

Liased with hospital doctors, the medical examiner and medical examiner officers to ensure accurate and timely completion of documentation necessary for death certification.

Ensured timely and comprehensive communication with the Coroner's office and funeral directors.

Took on an increased level of responsibility, as this role is typically advertised at Band 4.

July - October, 2024

Medical Lab Assistant (Band 2)

Mersey and West Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust

Work as part of a team in fast-paced enviroment.

Multi-tasking and constantly adapting to shifting priorities and changing workflow needs.

Contribute to ensuring a timely and accurate histopathology service for patients.

As part of this role, completed training in conflict resolution and information governance.

2018

Laidlaw Scholarship

University of Oxford and Aix-Marseille Université

Laboratory project to genetically engineer E. coli bacteria which can recognise and kill Colorectal Cancer cells.

Researched background literature and developed a successful project proposal to obtain >£8000 funding.

Obtained Institute of Leadership and Management Level 3 certificate and completed Epigeum course of Research Integrity in Biomedical Sciences.

Education

2020-2025

PhD in Biomedical Sciences

University of York

PhD in Biomedical Science. You can read my thesis here!

Laboratory project investigating how mutation of the gene FGFR3 may induce changes in the normal bladder epithelial lining and whether this drives development of bladder cancer.

Strong communication skills developed through regular lab meetings, national and international conferences presenting posters and research talks, as well as numerous outreach events.

Effective project management and self-organisational skills, developed through scheduling of experiments across multiple projects simultaneously. Balanced short-term goals and report and conference deadlines with long-term project goals.

Overcame numerous experimental and technical setbacks. Each time I was able to push through and adapt in order to continue my research, and as such I have developed a high level of resilience.

Ran “Meet a PhD” outreach sessions where undergraduate students could speak to postgraduates in a relaxed environment to find out if they wanted to undertake postgraduate study. I have also delivered several outreach talks at Sixth form colleges about degrees and careers in science, and also delivered a series of laboratory practicals to sixth form students to show them how lab techniques can inform on cancer treatment.

Started my own outreach website and blog to inform students thinking about postgraduate study on topics such as how to find PhD funding, and what studying for a PhD is actually like.

2016-2020

Undergraduate and Integrated Masters in Biochemistry

University of Oxford

MBiochem (Hons) - Upper Second Class (2:1)

Laboratory project investigating which parts of the protein Mad1 are required for cells to control the timing of how they divide.

As a guest author, wrote a historical perspective article for The Oxford Scientist the History of Blood Transfusions.

As President of the Kendo Club, organised equipment orders and tournament entry and chaired executive committee meetings. Also liaised with the Treasurer to obtain club grants and submit annual financial reports.

2014-2016

Sixth Form

Carmel Sixth Form College

A Level - Biology (A*), Chemistry (A*), Mathematics (A). AS Level - Psychology (B) and EPQ (A*).

2011-2014

Higher Secondary School

Rainhill High School

GCSEs - 8 A*and 4 A’s including English, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry and Physics.

Download CV

Presentation and Outreach

Presentations and Outreach

Below is a list of academic presentations and outreach events I have been involved in.

I'm Ryan Ellison

Open to Work

I'm Ryan Ellison

Open to Work

I'm Ryan Ellison

Open to Work

I'm Ryan Ellison

Open to Work

I'm Ryan Ellison

Open to Work

About

About Me

Resume

Resume

Experience

Associate Medical Writer

Medical Lab Assistant (Band 2)

Bereavement Officer (Band 2)

Medical Lab Assistant (Band 2)

Laidlaw Scholarship

Education

PhD in Biomedical Sciences

Undergraduate and Integrated Masters in Biochemistry

Sixth Form

Higher Secondary School

Presentation and Outreach

Presentations and Outreach

You can read my blog on Substack

I write about what it's really like to study for a PhD

Contact

Contact Me

Have a Question? Click Here