Name: Adrian Maj
Job Title: Senior Laboratory Technician
Tell us a bit about yourself
I spend a large amount of my free time training for primarily running events, several a year, the biggest over the last several years has been annually entering the London Marathon as a charity runner (helping Nerve Tumours UK is a passion of mine – you can sponsor me here), and the Thunder Run, as a 24 hour two man team relay race. Beyond that, I have an interest in art, and when I have time I like to draw, usually with pastels. And also, time allowing, I like to read.
Describe your job to a five-year-old
I make runny clay which is used to make toilets and sinks and then I test it, and if it isn’t good enough, I adjust it to make it right.
What do you like most about your job?
That would have to be the friends and colleagues I spend a large amount of time with here, and the autonomy my role gives me.
How did you get here?
Originally I started out here with the intention of it being just a temporary job on the factory. When a laboratory job became available, that suited me much better, and I’ve stayed here ever since.
What motivates you?
“Having the best boss in the world”… Allan Walker, Technical Manager, and he must be right, he tells me he is often enough.
If you could swap jobs with anyone, who would it be?
I studied art and technical illustration as a student, so I think that could easily have been another direction my career could have gone.
Your favourite song lyric or line from a film?
Sooooo many… “You either die a hero, or live long enough to see yourself become the villain” The Dark Knight, or “Some days you just can’t get rid of a bomb!” Batman 1966, or any line from The Princess Bride.
Your favourite app?
With the training, I find Strava, which keeps track of the running and swimming very useful. You also see your friends’ workouts; it’s sort of an exercise Facebook.
Biggest facepalm moment at work?
Several years ago I flooded the fireclay department when I forgot to put a magnet back in place and went looking for a forklift… embarrassing!