Beyond the bench: A career fuelled by passion, purpose, and possibility

As part of Lab Week, our Lab4Life feature celebrates trailblazers in laboratory science who are reshaping what it means to work in clinical diagnostics and beyond. In this guest blog, Aida Noor — a Biomedical Scientist, author, and founder of two influential career platforms — shares her unconventional path into biomedical science, her passion for mentorship and innovation, and her mission to empower others to create careers with purpose and possibility.

When I began my journey into biomedical science, I didn’t take the conventional route. My degrees weren’t accredited, and I lacked direct lab experience. But what I did have was curiosity, determination, and a vision that extended beyond traditional expectations.

After becoming a qualified Biomedical Scientist, I began working across both private sector and NHS diagnostic laboratories, specialising in Infection Sciences and Microbiology. I’m proud to say that my professional journey started in a fully automated microbiology laboratory, where I gained hands-on experience using Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS) and digital imaging technologies — tools that have since become the backbone of modern diagnostics, alongside conventional methods we still rely on today.

While I’ve always been passionate about clinical excellence and diagnostics, I realised early on that my role as a Biomedical Scientist could be far more dynamic and expansive. Over the years, I’ve developed an entrepreneurial mindset, driven by a desire to bridge the gap between education, real-world practice, and the future of work.

This led me to establish two platforms on LinkedIn:

• Biomedical Science and Beyond – A space for aspiring and practising scientists to explore opportunities beyond the lab.
• Creating Your Dream Career – A career development platform designed to empower individuals to take bold steps toward personal and professional growth, especially during career transitions.

I’m also the author of two career-focused books — 'Aida Noor Thoughts' and 'Creating Your Dream Career: Beyond Job Applications'— written to guide students and professionals through the evolving world of work and inspire them to forge paths aligned with their strengths and values.

One of the things I value most is using my voice to inspire others. As a self-employed Biomedical Scientist — now in my fourth year of self-employment — I’ve had the privilege to speak at universities, deliver webinars, and connect with students navigating uncertainty in their careers. This flexibility has allowed me to take intentional career breaks, reflect, travel, and deepen my understanding of what meaningful work really looks like.

Lab Week is the perfect moment to highlight the many ways Biomedical Scientists contribute — not only through diagnostics but also through education, communication, and leadership. It’s time we celebrate those who are building new pathways, challenging the norm, and creating impact beyond the lab bench.

Whether I’m creating content for social media, sharing my story on YouTube, or mentoring others through my platforms, my mission is simple: to empower and uplift others while staying grounded in the values that led me to biomedical science in the first place.

What’s next?

I’m currently in a reflective phase of my career — using this time to grow, create, and connect through digital content. I’m expanding my reach to help others navigate career uncertainty, explore meaningful work, and build their own dream careers — whatever that may look like.

To all the incredible lab professionals: thank you. You are seen, valued, and essential.

Visit the Lab4Life feature page to read more blogs submitted as part of Lab Week>>

🔗 YouTube: @Aida-Noor
🔗 LinkedIn: Aida Noor
🔗 Books: Aida Noor on Amazon
🔗 Platforms: Biomedical Science and Beyond I Creating Your Dream Career