Matthew Thompson
Aberdeen
Summary
Recent graduate with foundational knowledge in marine biology and hands-on experience gained through academic projects and internships. Demonstrates strong teamwork, problem-solving, and time-management skills. Prepared to start career and make meaningful contributions with commitment and drive.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Internship Student
Scottish Fish Immunology Research Centre
Aberdeen
09.2023 - 04.2024
- Completed the research for my honours dissertation studying the effects of stressful aquaculture practices on the antiviral response in salmonids with a particular focus on rainbow trout and atlantic salmon.
- Formulated research questions, created a project plan, and managed the timeline and budget.
- Completed comprehensive laboratory training sessions covering topics such as biosafety practices or proper waste disposal procedures; enhancing overall competency levels.
- Completed comprehensive training on ethical handling of animals for research.
- Constructed detailed risk assessments for lab work, field work and office work.
- Obtained approval from University of Aberdeen's ethics committee.
- Conducted comprehensive literature reviews to inform research direction and ensure relevance within the field.
- Gained experience of ·in-silico analysis – data mining genomes using ensembl, performing specific and multiple nucleotide/protein alignment analysis.
- Designed primers for specific genes and their prologues.
- Gained experience in most common laboratory techniques - microscopy, pipetting, cell culture, RNA extractions, RT reactions, PCR, RT-qPCR and gel electrophoresis, among others.
- Maintained detailed records of all experiments conducted, ensuring data integrity and reproducibility of results.
- Actively engaged in the troubleshooting process when issues arose during experiments; identifying root causes and implementing solutions efficiently.
- Learned Genex software to analyze real time qPCR data.
- Performed statistical analysis of gathered data, presented to professors and produced a detailed academic report.
- Gained hands-on experience in marine animal husbandry by maintaining aquaria of rainbow trout and atlantic salmon (30 fish) and ensuring their proper care.
Internship Student
Millport Field Science Centre
Isle Of Cumbrae, United Kingdom
05.2023 - 06.2023
- Worked on a project comparing two rocky shore habitats - one sheltered, the other exposed.
- Improved understanding of marine ecosystems by designing and implementing field studies on species richness, population dynamics, biodiversity, behaviour and habitat use.
- Gained experience of marine sampling methods on board the Marine Research Vessel Actinia - beam trawling, day grabs and corers.
- Handled specimens and conducted tests according to established protocols and ethical guidelines, keeping efficient records on all experiments.
- Used dichotomous keys to identify >50 marine species.
- Enhanced marine species identification skills by conducting field surveys and collecting data on local ecosystems.
- Gathered first hand data and synthesized databases for statistical analysis.
- Presented findings to peers and research centre tutors.
Customer Assistant
Lidl UK
Aberdeen, United Kingdom
03.2012 - Current
- Developed effective time management by meeting productivity targets such as working deliveries by targeted time.
- Maintained a clean and organized store environment, promoting an inviting atmosphere for customers.
- Built strong relationships with customers by providing personalized recommendations and attentive service.
- Ensured customer satisfaction by helping with their questions, queries and requests in an open and friendly manner.
- Managed multiple tasks simultaneously while maintaining composure under pressure from busy store traffic.
- Increased sales through upselling and cross-selling products to meet customer needs.
- Helped to achieve inventory targets by minimizing waste in stores. Developed problem solving skills, helping to identify areas of loss and developing ideas to prevent or minimize loss.
- Followed waste and recycling protocols to minimize carbon footprint and promote environmentally friendly business practices.
Shift Manager
Lidl UK
Aberdeen, United Kingdom
01.2015 - 09.2020
- Managed the day to day operations of a Lidl retail store with an annual turnover of more than £5 million.
- Managed up to 10 people at a time.
- Maximized profitability by monitoring labour costs closely, optimizing staff deployment based on expected customer traffic patterns.
- Contributed to increased sales revenue by motivating staff to achieve individual and team goals consistently.
- Improved overall team performance by effectively delegating tasks and providing clear instructions.
- Led by example, demonstrating strong work ethic and commitment to excellence, inspiring staff to achieve their best.
- Promoted a positive work environment through open communication and constructive feedback.
- Excelled in every store position and regularly backed up front-line staff.
- Resolved customer complaints with effective problem-solving techniques, maintaining high levels of customer loyalty.
- Implemented energy-saving measures across facility, contributing to sustainability goals and reducing overheads.
Training Mentor
Lidl UK
Aberdeen, United Kingdom
06.2015 - Current
- Provided one-on-one coaching sessions for employees seeking additional guidance or support in specific areas of responsibility.
- Enhanced employee retention through engaging and tailored mentorship programs.
- Established clear expectations for each mentee''s role, promoting accountability and fostering self-motivation toward goal achievement.
- Promoted a positive learning environment with open communication channels between mentors and trainees.
- Boosted overall team performance by identifying individual strengths and areas for improvement, then providing targeted support.
Education
BSc (Honours) - Marine Biology
University of Aberdeen
Aberdeen, United Kingdom06.2024
LLB (Honours) - Scots Law
University of Dundee
Dundee, UK06.2016
Higher Business Management -
St Johns RC High School
Dundee, UK06.2011
Higher Computing Studies -
St Johns RC High School
Dundee, UK06.2011
Higher History -
St Johns RC High School
Dundee, UK06.2011
Higher Biology -
St Johns RC High School
Dundee, UK06.2011
Higher Chemistry -
St Johns RC High School
Dundee, UK06.2011
Higher English -
St Johns RC High School
Dundee, UK06.2011
Higher Mathematics -
St Johns RC High School
Dundee, UK06.2011
Skills
- Compound and dissecting microscopes
- Cell culture and maintenance
- RNA extractions
- Reverse transcription reactions
- Gel electrophoresis
- PCR and RT q-PCR
- In-silico analysis
- Designing primers
- Taxonomic classification
- Analytical skills
- Data handling and interpretation
- Effective use of statistics
- Excel
- Minitab
- R
- Basic GIS and arcGIS
- Problem solving skills
- Effective communication
- Critical awareness
- Professional codes of conduct
- Risk assessments
- Technical report writing
- Water quality monitoring
- Biological sampling methods
- Aquatic animal husbandry
- Aquarist experience
- Marine sampling
- Basic conversational Spanish
Certification
- Certificate of Skills, School of Biological Sciences, University of Aberdeen and Royal Society of Biology, 2024.
- Currently working towards PADI Open Water Diver (up to 18m) certification.
- Currently working towards PADI Emergency First Response CPR & AED certification.
- Full UK driving license.
Timeline
Internship Student
Scottish Fish Immunology Research Centre
09.2023 - 04.2024
Internship Student
Millport Field Science Centre
05.2023 - 06.2023
Training Mentor
Lidl UK
06.2015 - Current
Shift Manager
Lidl UK
01.2015 - 09.2020
Customer Assistant
Lidl UK
03.2012 - Current
BSc (Honours) - Marine Biology
University of Aberdeen
LLB (Honours) - Scots Law
University of Dundee
Higher Business Management -
St Johns RC High School
Higher Computing Studies -
St Johns RC High School
Higher History -
St Johns RC High School
Higher Biology -
St Johns RC High School
Higher Chemistry -
St Johns RC High School
Higher English -
St Johns RC High School
Higher Mathematics -
St Johns RC High School