Organic Synthesis IP Review

I thoroughly enjoyed my placement year at GSK, in terms of both the work I performed and the people I worked with. I worked projects which were relevant to the company and synthesised targets which have the possibility of becoming marketed drugs. The theory behind the synthetic chemistry I used daily linked very well to what I have learned thus far at University.

I was lucky enough to work with employees of GSK who were welcoming when I started my placement and got to know them very well over the course of the year. Everyone outside of the group I was in was also very pleasant and approachable - a nice experience when joining such a large company. I felt as if the contributions I had in project meetings were valued and considered as much as FTEs.

In terms of my supervisor, we had fortnightly 1:1 meetings about my progress and discussed areas that I personally wanted to develop over my IP year. Provided very useful advice and comments on a presentation and report i had to complete as part of my University work. Senior members of the project offered priceless advice and guidance throughout the year.

Rarely found myself bored with nothing to do or be planning. My supervisor made sure I always had targets/chemistry to be working, but always made sure I was able to balance workload so not to rush practical work and make mistakes. If I wasn't working on chemistry then I would be making slides for upcoming meetings or looking at data on compounds.

After becoming comfortable and confident in the lab then I was given independence and trusted that I was working in a safe manner and completing work at a reasonable rate. Trusted to synthesise compounds of great interest to the group, making sure they are of sufficient purity and submitted for in vitro testing in the correct manner.

Developed communication skills, something which I hadn't had much of a chance to do during my course. In terms of synthetic chemistry, becoming acquainted with good lab etiquette and an understanding of how to perform reactions successfully. Will be of great use as in both my Masters project and then hopefully PhD.

Lovely atmosphere, particularly when I first joined I was made to feel very welcome. My desk was part of the lab space which was a very efficient method of working. Much more relaxed work environment than one might think for such a large company. Went for tea breaks as a group once or twice a day.

Good correspondence with both employees at GSK and SRG. Lots of paper work to fill in which got a bit arduous but I suppose is necessary when working with a big company. Had a placement familiarisation day ~2 months before I started with was very helpful to see the site and be told everything we needed to know before starting.

When I first started, I was trained on all of the automated purification equipment and analytical equipment they have in the lab. In addition the chemistry IPs had a week at the University of Bristol being introduced to all aspects of chemistry at GSK. My supervisor and other members of the group always offered support and advice on how to develop as a med chemist.

Would require a PhD to work as a medicinal chemist as there is currently no graduate scheme for the role. Interest of the company is turning more towards biopharm so job prospects in chemistry might not be that great. Clear career progression if a job was able to be secured.

Over 100 IPs on site made it easy to meet loads of new people at the start. IP unite was a scheme run to organise social and networking events for IPs at the Stevenage site and cross-site. Socialised outside of work with other IPs, and will probably keep in contact once placement is over.

Stevenage - very high for how awful the area is, same price rent as what I pay at University (Bath). Pubs/meals out aren't too expensive, is the same case with amenities e.g. food shopping and petrol. Bus fares are quite expensive. Close to London so the cost of rent is understandable.

Never really experienced the 'clubs' in Stevenage, e.g. bar and beyond, but there are plenty of nice pubs in Old Town to go around. Close to London (20 min train) which is good for going and doing things at the weekends as not a great deal to do in Stevenage.

IP unite organised events throughout the year both at the weekends and during the week. Gym and sports centre provided other activities.