Michael Griffiths
Meet Michael Griffiths, a Data Manager in the Sanders Group. His diverse career spans supporting oceanographic science at sea, leading the database team at Rightmove, and managing ERP systems for semi-trailers in France. His current role focuses on building and supporting data pipelines for researchers within the team.
Tell us a little about your role. What does it involve on a day-to-day basis?
We use Amazon's cloud (AWS) for our data storage and processing, so my day is partly spent in building and maintaining our infrastructure. The stuff I really enjoy though is helping our scientists to build and run data pipelines - I try and focus on making things consistent, reliable and repeatable, allowing the scientists to concentrate on the actual science.
How did you find your way to this position?
Oh, I've done all sorts of jobs over the years! I did Mechanical Engineering at university, but went straight into IT once I graduated. I've worked at multi-nationals and tiny start-ups, in healthcare, finance, education, retail - all sorts. I was at Rightmove for many years, running the team that fed and watered the databases 24/7. One favourite role was working at the National Oceanography Centre (in those days it was the Southampton Oceanography Centre) - I was writing and maintaining code to collect and analyse instrument data during ocean-going expeditions, a role that saw me on research vessels all around the world, as part of a global effort to understand the effects of the oceans on climate.
What do you enjoy most about your current role?
Like the oceanography work, it's lovely to be involved in something that has positive social value - but with added the benefit that I don't get sea-sick! That sense of contributing is enhanced by Stephan's direct links with the patient advocacy groups which makes all the work seem real and tangible. Also, genuinely, we have a lovely, lovely group of people working in the lab, which makes coming to work an absolute pleasure - it's a joy to be working with super smart people who love what they do, but want to have fun while they're doing it!
What has been the most significant challenge you've faced? How did you overcome it and what valuable lessons did you take away from that experience, both personally and professionally?
In this role? Well, not having a clinical or genetic background. Most of the presentations go straight over my head! The team, however, are very patient and take the time to explain things (sometimes over and over again!), and I'm very aware that we all bring something different to the party - whilst I don't write papers and grant proposals, my work (hopefully) makes those tasks easier for those that do.
How has being a part of the IDRM community helped shape your role and/or career development?
I consider myself in the twilight of my working life, and don't really worry about career development. I have a fantastic, hands-on role, the field of genetics is fascinating, and I'm supporting great people - it's all gravy!
What is your go-to place when stepping away from the IDRM to relax and recharge?
Ha, ha - the team will laugh when I say the garage!! I love cycling, and although I'm at my happiest on the bike in beautiful surroundings, I've recently taken up Zwifting (indoor cycling), and can happily spend hours riding around digital landscapes (even when it's not raining outside!). I've also taken up knitting this year - I was inspired by Tom Daley - and now find myself looking at people's jumpers and scarves and wondering what stitch was used and how I can get the pattern!
What would be the theme song to your life right now?
Well, my go-to genre is progressive rock, so I should try and get a nerdy reference to some hippy twenty-six minute seventies opus. However, and without wishing to be too gushing (I've Had) The Time of My Life (Bill Medley and Jennifer Warnes) sums up how I feel at the moment - I feel quite blessed that all those decisions, the ups and downs, over the many years has led me to working in Stephan's group at the IDRM.