Saif Rahman

Work

What’s your job title? 

I am a post-doctoral researcher for Evidence Synthesis Ireland (ESI) and Cochrane Ireland (www.evidencesynthesisireland.ie) based on University of Galway.

How long have you been working here? 

I am working with the University of Galway for 1 year (since April 2022)

Where did you work before this position? 

I was a PhD fellow at the Department of Public Health and Health Systems, Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya University, Japan. Before my PhD, I worked as an Associate Scientist at icddr,b which is a research organisation based in Bangladesh.

What does your day-to-day look like? 

Simple, and busy. I remain busy conducting my research (mostly evidence synthesis), writing scientific manuscripts, managing my team, etc. I love the diverse nature of the work. Apart from the scientific work, I also remain busy in strategic meetings, mentoring ESI fellows, etc.

When would someone come to you? 

Depends on purpose. If it is an academic/official visit, anyone can visit during office hours. If it is a social visit, it can be after working hours/ on weekends. However, I always love to meet people and have a chat.

How do you prefer to start your work day? 

Usually, I start my working day by checking emails and updates. I try to continue working as per my plan.

How do you prefer to end your work day? 

No specific preference. It depends on my schedule. However, I don’t prefer to have a meeting in the last hour. I prefer to review the upcoming commitments at the end of the day.

What’s your favorite task at work? 

I always prefer to write scientific articles, and grant proposals. However, I love to take academic sessions for students, and fellow researchers.

What motivates you at work? 

To explore new research areas, newer methods, and new evidence. Evidence synthesis provides precise evidence and helps researchers, clinicians, and the public to decide on health and infirmity. We provide the best evidence at different tiers. Our work reduces research waste and ensures the best utilisation of resources.

What’s the most exciting part of your job?

I am an evidence synthesist. I perform evidence synthesis to support guidelines and recommendations. Evidence syntheses also map the existing research gap and suggest potential avenues for newer research. In addition, I love to work on evidence synthesis methods. It is indeed exciting.

What’s a work-related accomplishment that you’re really proud of? 

In general, publishing scientific articles, and achieving competitive research grants are always rewarding. I have led projects commissioned by the World Health Organisation to help them in developing guidelines. This kind of work demonstrates the impact of research at the practice level.

What’s the biggest misconception people have about your position? 

The biggest misconception is that a post-doctoral position is a degree/ studentship like PhD. In reality, post-doctoral researchers lead research projects, contribute to fund generation, and are engaged in teaching.

What’s something you find challenging about your work (What are the toughest challenges you’ve had at work)? 

Scientific work is always challenging. However, some of the most challenging parts are time management, and team coordination.

Who do you look up to within the company (Who’s someone you admire)? 

Our team leader Prof. Declan Devane. I wish I could multitask on time like him. I also admire his creativity and very good sense of humour.

What’s the coolest thing you’re working on right now? 

I’m leading a project that focuses on evidence synthesis methods.

Personal/Social 

What was your first paying job? 

When I was a medical student, I used to teach science to school/ college-level students. That was my first part-time paid job. My regular job started after my graduation as a physician.

Have you ever met anyone famous? 

I think it depends on the definition of “famous”. I have met many renowned scientists who are famous in the scientific world. I have met some famous writers, singers, and sportsmen.

Where did you grow up? 

In Bangladesh. Bangladesh is a South Asian country with a proud history of the movement for mother language and independence. International Mother Language Day is a worldwide annual observance held on 21 February to promote awareness of linguistic and cultural diversity. In 1952, students fought for the recognition of Bangla as the mother language of then-East Pakistan (now Bangladesh). In 1971, we had our liberation war for 9 months for independence. Bangladesh is known for its cultural heritage. 

What’s the best book you’ve read recently? 

The recent read is the “The Da Vinci Code”

Are you a cat or dog person (or neither)? 

I am a cat lover.

Are you a coffee or tea person?

I like both.

What’s the best place you’ve travelled to? 

Many places are my favourite. At this moment, I will name The Cape of Good Hope in South Africa and Okinawa in Japan.

What’s your favorite thing to do on the weekends? 

Travelling, watching movies.

What three items would you take with you to a deserted island?

I will love to explore the island. However, I will take books to read.

What’s your favorite place to eat around Galway? 

No specific place. I have been to several places and I liked them.