Jose Chiriboga (he/him)

About me

I was born/grew up in: I was born and raised in Quito, Ecuador, and finished my last year of high school in Panama City, Panama.

I now live in: I live in Vancouver, BC.

I completed my training/education at: I did my Bachelor of Science in Animal Science at North Carolina State University and my Master of Science in Immunology at the University of Calgary.

What I do at work

I work with our Scientific Support Team. We organize and deliver training programs at STEMCELL Technologies. These training programs explain how our products can be used to support scientific research and innovation.

One of my duties is to grow the cells we use in our different training programs. I work with different types of cells, including lung cells and neurons. In this role I work a lot with microscopes. I am careful when working in these sterile environments. This helps avoid contamination and keeps the cells I work with healthy.

I also help plan and carry out the training programs. I get the right people involved and help create the curriculum and schedule. For this work, I need strong organizational, communication and leadership skills. Here I work closely with my colleagues on the Scientific Support team and in sales. I also work closely with the scientists and specialists on my team. This helps make sure our programs are high quality.

I have research experience. Also, I understand the biology and physiology of many mammal species. These help me succeed at my job. My experience in STEM means I can be analytical when faced with challenges and decisions. I always try to think back to core scientific principles and consider troubleshooting options.

My career path is

Originally, I wanted to be a veterinarian. This is why I enrolled in an animal science program. I still love animals and working for their health. But I also developed a passion for science while attending university. My interest in science developed when I took a physiology class during my undergrad. I loved learning about the different systems in the body. The immune system, in particular. My professor taught with so much passion that it made the subject engaging and inspiring.

I became involved in undergraduate research and had the opportunity to teach. This was a great learning experience. It allowed me to discover that I am good at teaching! During my master's degree, I taught a couple of courses. This increased my knowledge and gave me more experience. I was also able to conduct my own scientific research.

I am motivated by

Teaching and working with people are what I enjoy most about my work. I really enjoyed teaching during university. I also enjoyed the customer relations I had in an internship during my bachelor’s degree.  At STEMCELL, I get to combine both interests in my role. It’s exciting to interact with so many smart people. This includes the people I work with as well as scientists at other companies. I enjoy supporting people and helping them accomplish their goals.

I often teach others about the science behind our products, and how to use them correctly. I enjoy learning about so many different areas of biology. I also like learning how to use STEMCELL products myself.

How I affect peoples’ lives

I support colleagues and customers with education and resources. It’s very rewarding to see people gain an interest in science and become more confident in a subject. STEMCELL’s training programs help empower colleagues. They also help educate scientists and customers around the world. This support helps advance scientific and medical research.

Outside of work I

I like to explore the city! I’m a foodie. I enjoy trying all the different restaurants and coffee shops in Vancouver. I also have a passion for animals. So, I help my grandparents manage a pasture-based dairy farm in Ecuador. Of course, I do that remotely.

My advice to others

In science, be open to different opportunities. Work hard so they come your way. Surround yourself with good mentors and role models. Don't be afraid to ask for help and guidance. Approach things with passion, curiosity, and enthusiasm. It is always important to believe in yourself.