Here at Edinburgh Instruments, we are proud of all our employees for all they do behind the scenes, so we thought it was time to put them in the spotlight. This series does exactly that; it gives you a sneak peek into what drives, excites, and enamours our team. We hope you enjoy it!
Let’s get into it
Meet Ellis, a Development Engineer here at Edinburgh Instruments. Our development engineers drive innovation at EI. They work hard to create, enhance, and test instruments and software, ensuring that we consistently deliver top-tier products to our customers.
What has been your journey to get you to where you are now?
I’m very much a homebody. I was born and raised just outside of Glasgow. I completed my master’s degree in physics at the University of Strathclyde in 2019. After this I began my doctorate in engineering with the Centre for Doctoral Training in Applied Photonics, where I was hosted by Strathclyde and Fraunhofer CAP. I knew of Edinburgh Instruments through peers, when I saw the advert for a Raman Development Engineer, I knew I had to apply, and I’ve been here ever since!
What does a typical day/ week in your role look like?
A large part of my role is testing new features in our Ramacle software and seeing how these perform before releasing new versions. Week to week in development can vary quite a bit. Our overall aim in development is to enhance and improve our Raman instruments and software. This involves frequent liaising with different teams, which I really enjoy. It’s always helpful and interesting to get different perspectives and inputs, this is invaluable in continuing to develop our products.
What’s your favourite project you have worked on here?
I’ve spent a lot of time working with our RM5 instrument. I’ve now got a bit of a soft spot for this instrument through the work conducted on it.
What do you do in your spare time? / Where would we find you on the weekend?
At the moment, most of my time is spent writing up my doctoral thesis. But when I’m not doing that, you can find me out supporting my local football team or in a cafe with a nice coffee and a sweet treat. Otherwise, I’ll be curled up with a good boxset (something with lots of episodes and seasons, I like a good commitment!)
Tell me something interesting about yourself
I’m a Gàidhlig (Scottish Gaelic) speaker. I completed my primary education in the Gàidhlig medium – something I am extremely grateful for and proud of. While I don’t get the opportunity to use it every day, as I once did, I take every opportunity I can to use it.
What was your first ever job?
I worked in an HMRC call centre dealing with the public, which for a 17-year-old with very little life experience was very eye opening! But I really enjoyed my time there, although I still feel slightly stressed when January 31st rolls round. Even after all these years still feel haunted by the busiest deadline day of the year!
What is your favourite food?
It’s got to be a Sunday roast dinner! There aren’t many scenarios where I’d pass this up. Everything about it just works, all the components of it individually are incredible and together it’s just an elite combination. A good potato, lots of gravy, Yorkshire puddings and I’m sold!
What is top of your bucket list?
I’d love to go on a game show – something like Mastermind or the Hit List. I’m quite competitive so I’d be playing to win but think this would be so fun and a once in a lifetime opportunity.
Top five films
