We Are UHB: Hollie Morgan, Research Project Manager

University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust runs Good Hope, Heartlands, Solihull hospitals, Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham, the Birmingham Chest Clinic, and Solihull community services.

My NHS career started with a placement at Heartlands Hospital. I studied Biomedical Science at university and then got my first job in Cellular Pathology department here at Heartlands, which involved lung cancer research. I then moved into projects based on COVID-19 research and seamlessly moved into respiratory research. No two days are ever the same. I know it sounds like a cliché, but every day is different in this role. Different projects have different requirements, and different projects are at different stages.  One day I might be securing funding streams or chasing feedback on database builds, the next, I’m supporting the delivery teams with sample processing or patient recruitment. 

This is where I hope to bring in my passion for genomic medicine. In 2020, I completed my Master’s in Genomic Medicine at the University of Birmingham, funded through NHS England’s 100,000 Genomes Project. My MSc really opened my eyes to the future of personalised healthcare, and was useful when working in lung cancer, and COVID-19 research. My current research interest is on improving patient outcomes in conditions such as interstitial lung disease and asthma and I’m excited to explore how I could utilise the skillset I acquired during my MSc to further research in these areas and support patients living with complex respiratory conditions.

I enjoy the variety of work that my role offers. I find new challenges exciting and thrive on learning new things. I love the team that I work with, and having such a strong, supportive team makes all the difference. The people I work with are a big reason as to why I’ve stayed for almost 11 years now. They’re like a second family, and they make even the busiest days enjoyable.

Speaking of challenges, I’m also a keen runner. I first got into running in 2015 after losing my dad. I signed up for the Birmingham Half Marathon and caught the running bug and haven’t looked back. Since then, I’ve joined local running clubs and try to do as many park runs as I can. I’ve even completed the London Marathon, twice!

The first time was in 2020 after getting a place through the ballot. I was on such a high after that race that I entered the ballot again. In a twist of timing, I found out I was pregnant shortly after entering and had my little boy in July 2023. Just two weeks after giving birth, I discovered I’d got a place for the 2024 marathon. Let’s just say common sense prevailed and I deferred for a year, but I came back and ran it this year, which was such an achievement, especially given how hot it was. The London Marathon is such a fantastic and uplifting experience. If I could offer anyone who is sitting on the fence about entering the ballot, I would urge them to take the plunge!

Balancing running with work, a toddler, and my Master’s wasn’t easy. Time becomes your biggest challenge when you’re juggling so many hats. Most of my training happened in early morning windows or late at night, fitting everything around family and work life. But running has become a real outlet for me, a way to reset, refocus and take care of myself.

There’s so much I love about working in research at UHB. It’s fast-paced, rewarding, and constantly evolving. But above all, it’s the people who keep me coming back. It’s an honour to work alongside colleagues who are just as passionate about improving care and making a difference to our patients.

If you’re inspired by Hollie, and would like to join #teamUHB, visit our Jobs website below to see all our current opportunities: