One lab, two generations of laboratory specialists

In 2013 Hazel joined her daughter, Amy, working for Viridien Laboratory Services in North Wales. Ten years on, we ask them about their experiences working together and for tips on maintaining a healthy work-life balance.

Viridien Laboratory Services

Set amidst the scenic landscapes of North Wales, our Laboratory in Conwy is a hub of innovation and expertise, delivering precise analyses, data and expertise to support our clients in their exploration and development efforts. Viridien Laboratory Services provide comprehensive geochemical and mineralogical analysis, using cutting-edge technologies such as gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC-MS), X-ray Fluorescence (XRF) (a technique for determining the elemental composition of materials), QEMSCAN-SEM automated mineralogy, onshore and wellsite sample preparation, and biostratigraphy (fossil pollen, spores and microfossil preparation).

How geoscience found Amy and Hazel

Before starting at Viridien (which, at the time, was Robertson Research) in 2011, Amy was set to study history at university and Hazel was working in childcare. There’s no single road to science, and at Viridien, our people, and their experiences and passions, are our strongest assets.

Looking back, Amy says she didn’t have a particular dream job but always saw herself wearing a white lab coat. In one week, she passed her driving test, got her A-level results – exam results that determine your university placement in the UK – and a job offer from Viridien. By the end of the month, she was in that lab coat.

Two years later, Hazel joined the lab as a micropicker – a specialist who prepares microfossils for analysis. Unfortunately, on the day before she started her new job, Hazel had a slippery-dining-chair-and-unfortunately-placed-dog bed-related fall, resulting in a broken wrist, and a three-month delay starting her new role. Although the accident had a lasting effect on her grip strength, this hasn’t held her back as a technician, as she has since branched out her laboratory expertise from micropicking to QEMSCAN, XRF, geochemistry – you name it.

While both Amy and Hazel often work together on these analyses, there is one task that sets them apart – picking. Amy "absolutely hates" it, while Hazel finds it therapeutic, and feels the same about working on geochemical samples for XRF.

Seeing your family at work

For Hazel and Amy, it's been rewarding to observe the development in both their careers. At first, Hazel says Amy was somewhat reserved and hesitant about leading meetings. However, over time, she has become more confident and assertive, gaining recognition and respect within the company for being approachable yet firm when necessary. From Amy's perspective, she feels proud to see how far Hazel has come in her own career. Starting out as a micropicker, Hazel has since been promoted to senior technician.

Top tips for working together: “Be prepared for your daughter to tell you off!”

Avoiding the intertwining of personal and professional lives can be challenging, especially with family obligations that require coordination during working hours. Such is the case for Amy and Hazel, who have found a way to balance their respective roles as a working mother and grandmother through careful planning and communication.

“We’re quite good; we have a laugh after a challenging week and that’s it – no talking about work on the weekends” , says Hazel

When working with relatives, they both say impartiality is key to avoid others feeling uncomfortable or thinking there's unfair treatment. After Amy’s promotion to lab supervisor, Amy tried keeping things formal at first (no "Mum" talk), but her coworkers were quick to correct her by saying: “Don’t do that. It’s weird”.

“Nowadays, I only call my Mum by her first name around visitors to the laboratory site”, says Amy.

Amy recommends embracing the opportunity to grow together:  "Just enjoy it," and Hazel agrees, calling it "a great opportunity."

Join our laboratory team in North Wales!

As of writing in June 2024, the Viridien labs in Conwy have a number of vacancies available. Search all our openings here Careers at Viridien