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  • The Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry
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  • Laboratory Technician (chemistry)

Laboratory Technician (chemistry)

I joined a pharmaceutical company straight from school. I am now studying part time for a degree.

Katie, Trainee Research Assistant

​So, what do you do?

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.

What does your typical day involve?

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.

Why did you decide on a career in the pharmaceutical industry?

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.

What qualifications do you have?

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.

What made you decide to go straight into work when you left school?

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.

What are you most proud of in your career?

Managing to obtain good grades whilst still working hard!

What is it like socially where you work?

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.

What possibilities are there for your career in the future?

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.

What do you think are the most important skills for someone in your role to have?

Attention to detail, and an enjoyment of chemistry, and willingness to continually learn and take on new technology.

What one piece of advice would you give to someone seeking a career in the pharmaceutical industry?

The desire to succeed counts for so much.

 

Case studies

  • Analytical Chemist
  • Analytical Chemist (Discovery)
  • Animal Technologist
  • Apprentice - Higher Laboratory Scientist
  • Biologist (biomarkers)
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  • Clinical Data Manager
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  • Commercial Director
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  • Head of Drug Safety and Local Safety Officer
  • Head of Health Economics
  • Head of Market Access
  • Healthcare Manager
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  • Industrial placement student – biologist
  • Industry Accountant
  • IT Project Manager
  • Laboratory Technician (biology)
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  • Lean Coach
  • Learning and Development Business Practice Lead
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  • Market Access Director
  • Mathematical Modeller
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  • Medical Director and Managing Director UK & Ireland
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  • Medical Director UK and Republic of Ireland
  • Medical Information Scientist
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  • Medical Writer
  • Medical writer (freelance)
  • Medicinal Chemist
  • Medicinal Chemist – Video
  • Medicinal Chemistry Director
  • Occupational Health Manager
  • Patent Attorney
  • Pharmaceutical Formulation Scientist
  • Pharmaceutical Technologist
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  • Pharmacokineticist (DMPK) – Video
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  • Synthetic Medicinal Chemist – Video
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  • UK and Ireland Medical Director
  • Veterinary Surgeon

ABPI

The Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry is a company limited by guarantee registered in England and Wales 
(registered number 09826787) and its registered office is at 7th Floor Southside,105 Victoria Street, London, SW1E 6QT.
Telephone +44 (0) 207 9303477

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Prescription Medicines Code of Practice Authority (PMCPA)

The Prescription Medicines Code of Practice Authority (PMCPA) was established by The Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry to operate the ABPI Code of Practice for the Pharmaceutical Industry independently of the ABPI. The PMCPA is a division of ABPI which is a company registered in England and Wales (registered number 09826787) with its registered office at 7th Floor, Southside, 105 Victoria Street, London SW1E 6QT.

Office of Health Economics (OHE)

The Office of Health Economics (OHE) is a company limited by guarantee registered in England and Wales (registered number 09848965) and its registered office is at 7th Floor Southside, 105 Victoria Street, London, SW1E 6QT. OHE provides independent research, advisory and consultancy services on policy implications and economic issues within the pharmaceutical, health care and biotechnology sectors.