Synthetic Organic Chemistry Industrial Placement Review

My placement is in process chemistry although the types of work within this can vary. I spend most of my time in the lab carrying out organic synthesis reactions using a range of equipment from round-bottomed flasks to jacketed vessels depending on the scale. This has involved route design where I've carried out different reactions to make a synthetic target or process design where I have ran the same reaction but changing parameters to optimize the reaction. Outside of the lab I attend meetings for the drug project I'm on which can include presenting the work that I have done in the lab.

I have greatly developed my practical skills during my placement as I have had access to state-of-the-art equipment that my university didn't have. I have learnt how to carry out a variety of synthetic and analytical procedures to support and monitor my reactions. I have also improved my knowledge management skills in the recording and reporting of experimental data. Outside of the lab I have improved my presentation skills and confidence through giving regular presentations.

Yes, I have felt like I am just as part of the drug project team as the permanent employees and it has been this way since day 1. The work I do is similar to the work done by the graduate scientists at the company. I have been given work to do that has supported the current manufacture of the drug I am working on. I have found this work to be meaningful which has motivated me during the placement.

I have received a lot of support throughout the placement. I have a supervisor who I have regular meetings with to discuss my work plans and results. My supervisor also gave me a lot of support with my university masters project and report which was carried out at the company. I have received support from my line manager through monthly meetings. The rest of my team and drug project have also provided lots of support with chemistry problems and work planning.

The company culture at AstraZeneca is great. Employees are encouraged to follow their wider chemistry interests, for example through external speaker events. There is a team of people that put on cultural events so there is something interesting going on regularly and people are encouraged to get involved. There has been a diversity week and pride month events. There is a group of around 20 placement students who get together outside of work so that we can maintain a social life despite living in a new area. There is also a bouldering center a 5 minute walk away from the site.

I have really enjoyed my placement year. The work has been really interesting and rewarding and has given me great insights into process chemistry. My team has been really supportive and welcoming which helped me to settle in quickly. The company culture is great and I have attended many chemistry/ non-chemistry events that I have enjoyed. It has exceeded my expectations and I would be happy to work here in the future and will hopefully get a full-time job here eventually,

Yes

Make sure you know your basic synthetic organic chemistry reactions and theory before the technical interview but don't worry if you can't answer everything as they want to push you to see what you know. You don't need to do much to prepare but show up with a positive attitude on the first day. I'd recommend having coffee breaks with each member of your team to break the ice and get to know everyone.