Meet Dr Nunu Mchedlishvili Corrodi assisting research operations

What did you know about D-BSSE before you came here, and what was your motivation to come to ETH Zurich?

I learned about D-BSSE during my doctoral studies at ETH Zurich. I heard that at the D-BSSE, basic and applied biological research is conducted by using more interdisciplinary approaches than at our department, the Department of Biology. During my doctorate I enjoyed a lot the outstanding work environment at ETH Zurich. Therefore, I was very excited about the possibility to come back after my Postdoc in the UK and the work I did at the University of Zurich.

What were your expectations and were your expectations met since you arrived in Basel?

I expected a vibrant, multidisciplinary and multicultural environment at D-BSSE and my expectations are fully met.

What were your first impressions?

I was very warmly welcomed by Professor Mustafa Khammash and his group. I also would like to acknowledge the very friendly and supportive staff (first of all, administration and finance and controlling), who helped me to settle in my new job. In general, everybody at the department is very helpful. In addition, although I heard about it before, I am still very much impressed by the interdisciplinary approaches, which are applied at D-BSSE to conduct biological research.

What is your work about at D-BSSE?

As a Scientific Coordinator I assist Professor Mustafa Khammash in the operational aspects of running his Control Theory and Systems Biology Laboratory. My tasks include coordinating EU grants to ensure that the deliverables are met, preparing EU grant reports, planning and monitoring lab budget, coordinating meetings, maintaining the group-web page and assisting Mustafa in daily administrative matters. From my previous experience as a Lab Manager, I knew that this position would mean a lot of responsibility for the whole group, which is a bit different from being a scientist, responsible for your own project and for several students at the same time. As a Scientific Coordinator I also need to liaise with a lot of other people to accomplish my tasks, which was not the case when I was a scientist. Thus, there are quite a lot of new aspects in my current job description. The only thing that has not changed is that I still have my hands full at work. However, since I work only part-time, I now enjoy not only my work, but also having finally some time for the continuing education in the field of science administration.

Which hobby or private interests do you hope to pursue in Switzerland?

My husband is Swiss and is quite happy with living in Switzerland. It was not difficult for me to agree with him on this, especially as I enjoy skiing a lot. Thus, Switzerland is an ideal place for me to be.

Thank you, Nunu, and good luck in your new position!