Marie, Analytical Chemist
I work as an analytical chemist in the Analytical Technologies group, which is part of Discovery Chemistry. I develop analytical and purification methods using chromatography to purify compounds before they go through to biological testing.
We are a service group so I have to check the submission system to see what samples are in; then I will either start developing a method so a sample can be purified, or I will start purifying a sample. I have to multi-task so I can get as many samples run during the day as possible, without losing any quality.
It is difficult to plan my day, as someone may have an urgent sample, or a sample may not behave as expected when I start purifying it. I may have to run instrument checks to ensure the instrument is working correctly, if it’s not working I have to try and fix it, or log a call and wait for an engineer from the manufacturer to come and fix it.
Sometimes I have meetings or courses with the rest of the department, or with external visitors, or could be involved with projects that are to do with something other than chromatography.
I’ve been in this particular role for 6 years.
I joined the company straight from school, after taking A-levels in Biology, Chemistry, Geography and General Studies. I started off in Spectroscopy, as a technician. I ran NMRs, IRs and LC-MS (liquid chromatography- mass spectroscopy), and learnt to interpret the spectra. I then moved into Chromatography, where I started to learn about achiral and chiral purification. I ran an open access service for Chemistry whereby chemists could come and purify their own samples achirally, I had to keep the instruments up and running, provide training and advice to chemists, and troubleshoot when necessary.
Soon after I started my job I began a Masters degree in chemistry, which took me 5 years to complete. I have been able to go to several conferences both in the UK and abroad, at one of which I presented novel work.
It depends on the person, I picked things up very quickly, and received excellent on the job training. I think, in my company, if someone is keen to learn, and willing to work their way up, it isn’t essential to have experience or higher level qualifications.
There is an active sports and social club. People play badminton, tennis and football together, and there is a pilates class. Apart from sports activities, it offers everything from learning Spanish or wine appreciation, to trips to the theatre and go-karting. There are big parties at Christmas and in the summer. You can take part as much or as little as you wish.
I am really proud to have been promoted 5 times in 8 years as well as obtaining my Masters degree in Chemistry whilst working at the same time.
I could choose to go up the managerial or technical ladder. If I choose to become an expert in analytical science I could take on responsibility for supervising or mentoring someone. I could also be transferred to our research sites in Spain or the United States.
Very good organisation and communication skills are essential, together with IT literacy. It is important to be eager to learn, and willing to ask for help. But the most important skills are being able to be efficient and effective.
The pharmaceutical industry is quite competitive and fast-paced, so it is useful to understand what goes on in other areas within a pharmaceutical company as well as knowing about the role you want to do.
It can take up to 10,000 compounds to be synthesised to produce one drug, and so people must be prepared to focus on small achievements and not be despondent that they don’t get immediate results. If you want to get a lot out of your career then you have to be prepared to put a lot in. Dedicated, enthusiastic and effective people will be noticed and therefore promoted.