Meet the Team: Archie

Hi, I’m Archie!

My name is Archie, and I am the Chief Technical Officer for Generation Scotland. I am in charge of the data collected about our volunteers, and making it available to researchers. I am also the longest-serving member of the team (apart from our boss), so I can advise the others about what happened in the past.

I joined Generation Scotland as a data analyst and programmer in 2007. Generation Scotland was still recruiting volunteers. I’d previously spent 15 years in IT in small businesses, mostly working on accounting and retail software. I knew nothing about Generation Scotland when I started, but a former colleague told me about a vacancy. I needed a job after taking a year out to travel round the world. It took a little while to adjust to scientific research, but I enjoy working for the University and doing a job which contributes to society.

I later became the data manager, and at one point I was the only Generation Scotland employee left. Gradually we have built up the team again thanks to new funding. It will be good to recruit new volunteers using new technology that we didn’t have 15 years ago.

My average working day sometimes seems to consist of reading and writing emails, with occasional bouts of data wrangling, but it is always interesting. Plus I get to work with a great bunch of people, even though we have only seen each other online over the past year.

Outside of work, my main hobby is gardening. We have had an allotment for over 20 years, and having moved house last year also have a new garden to develop. I’m keen on cooking and trying out new (vegetarian) recipes. I play several musical instruments and enjoy a wide range of music. I have really missed going to gigs and also going to the theatre. I love to travel and visit new parts of the world, and look forward to being able to do more of that one day.