Gunnel Lundberg

The Project Coordinator is an important part of the project team. We are the ones who keep the project running smoothly and ensure that everything is correctly documented in the Trial Master File, which is, after all, an essential part of a clinical trial.

“I like being a cog in the right machine”

When we take on a new study, we also assemble a project team. Normally this includes a Project Manager, Lead Image Analyst, Imaging Director, Imaging Specialist, Lead Software Developer, Image Analysts, and a Project Coordinator. For larger studies, there may be several people in each role. An essential part of a study is the Trial Master File, and as a Project Coordinator you are responsible for ensuring that all the study documentation is complete, and that we have a version of every document. This is important because a clinical study should be reproducible, and therefore thoroughly documented. In my role, I support the team with general document management.

Motivated by teamwork
Because I thrive on collaboration, this job is very satisfying for me. I genuinely enjoy making things work and helping people get started in new systems. There are many rules for how things must be done in drug development – it is a highly regulated industry. For example, you need to sign documents in a specific way, and it’s part of my job to motivate the team and ensure things are done correctly. Some people might see being a ‘cog in a machine’ as a bad thing, but I like being a cog that is part of the right machine. I want to be part of the solution rather than part of the problem and it’s important to me to contribute to something good in society. It makes everyday life more meaningful.

Harmonica-playing mom of teens
My family and I live just outside Uppsala. It’s a bit like a summer cottage area, with lovely mushroom-picking trails within walking distance. My best friend lives just down the road – and that’s no coincidence. She scouted the house for us and went to the viewing when we were moving here from Lund. I have two teenagers, so I’m still very much a mom, but now I have plenty of time to work in the garden, which I really enjoy. I’m also interested in music and like to go to concerts now and then, preferably with Swedish artists. Right now, I’m learning to play the harmonica and I’m slowly starting to get the hang of it.

Since this interview took place, Gunnel has moved into a new role as Associate Project Manager, Systems & Solutions.