Katie, Trainee Research Assistant
I purify compounds, to prepare them for biological testing. I started off as a synthetic chemist and five months ago transferred to become an analytical chemist.
Preparing and analysing samples, purifying them, then testing them to see if they are clean again. I am also part of a board of people who support further education whilst working. I attend meetings to discuss other peoples work and how we can improve what we do as a whole. I spend one day a week at university.
I enjoyed chemistry at school. To be honest I didn’t know much about what the job I was taking on would actually involve, but I have been lucky and I enjoy it.
I had three A-levels, Chemistry, Biology and Psychology. I joined a pharmaceutical company straight from school. I am studying part time for a degree, in my fourth year of five years of study.
I didn’t want to study full time, yet I wanted to gain some further qualifications. When I saw this scheme advertised in my local paper it seemed like an ideal solution.
Managing to obtain good grades whilst still working hard!
The social life is good, there’s a social club and a gym, with plenty of facilities and classes. Whatever your hobby you can find someone else who enjoys it too.
The possibilities are very varied. Working for such a big company there are so many different departments I could do some work in. I could even work in a different country.
Attention to detail, and an enjoyment of chemistry, and willingness to continually learn and take on new technology.
The desire to succeed counts for so much.