Name: Nico Caltabiano, PhD September 2002

What is your current job/who do you work for?

Staff Scientist, International CLIVAR Project Office (ICPO)

What is your background – how did you get to this point in your career?

My degree is in Oceanography, and have worked with Satellite Oceanography since my undergrad final year project. After I finished my PhD, I had a brief Research Assistant position with the Satellite Team at NOCS. When the contract was about to finish, I wrote to the Director of the ICPO introducing myself and letting him know that I was looking for a job. Luckily, someone in the office was leaving so I was the right person, at the right time.

What do you enjoy about your job?

It is always good to meet people who are at the forefront of research in their field of expertise. Travel to interesting places is also a bonus, although it can be tiring.

What don’t you enjoy about your job?

Writing reports! But it is part of the job and it has to be done.

What is a typical day like in your work?

It’s mainly in front of the computer, dealing with emails and request that can come from the Director of the ICPO, from others who are part of the CLIVAR community or from contacts from external groups associated with CLIVAR. Organising meetings and following decisions made a previous meeting.

What are the key skills involved with your line of work?

Time management is a very important one. Inter-personal skills play a role as it is necessary to liaise with different people, from different cultures working at different level (from junior to very senior positions).

What top tips and advice can you offer to other people who may want to follow a similar career path to you?

As any other career, you have to enjoy it. Yes, there are frustrating times but it’s important to enjoy. Also, for roles in scientific coordination like the one I am working, you need to realize that there will be no time to do research of your own.