She is a professor at the University of Auckland[2] and was New Zealand Prime Minister's Chief Science Advisor during the administration of Jacinda Ardern.

[4][5] Her family frequently moved around the United Kingdom when she was a child, living in various locations including Nottingham, Wales and Grimsby.

[11][12][13][14] Her research includes investigations of protein-protein interactions, lysine biosynthesis (particularly the enzyme dihydrodipicolinate synthase) and the application of protein chemistry to the food industry.

[7] In June 2018 she was appointed the New Zealand Prime Minister's Chief Science Advisor, succeeding Sir Peter Gluckman[18] and taking up the role for a three-year term starting 1 July 2018.

[7] In the 2021 New Year Honours, Gerrard was appointed a Dame Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit, for services to science.