Analyst Review

I work as an analytical chemist in the new modalities and parenteral development product development department. On a day-to day basis I work doing routine analysis of drug products for release/stability purposes or developing new methods to use to analyse oligonucleotide drug products. I then process and analyse this data and draw any conclusions. Within my team, we also do some investigational work into things such as the stability of drug products and mechanisms of degradation. I have also worked on developing models to predict chromatographic behaviour of an analyte.

I have learnt many new analytical skills including several new techniques including liquid chromatography, dissolution, UV thermal melt, NMR and mass spectrometry. I have also developed my existing scientific skills to plan investigations and developed my abilities in the lab. I have developed many of my soft skills by working in a professional environment including communication and collaboration with people in other departments. I have had many opportunities to present my work and therefore develop my presentation skills. I have also learnt so much about how the industry works and how protocols etc are developed.

Yes, each piece of work that I was involved in provided the opportunity to take as much responsibility as liked. There were many work packages/analyses that I was responsible for and some that I was responsible for planning, with as much support as I needed. Especially towards the end of my placement, each piece of work I took on was my own responsibility to deliver. I also undertook a 10 week project which I was wholly responsible for, with support from my supervisors.

As much as I asked for/needed. I had a supervisor who was very active during the start of my placement especially, supervising me in the lab and ensuring that I was safe in the work I was doing, as well as that I understood the purpose of it. As I progressed through the year, I had less hands-on supervision but my supervisor/whoever who had asked me to deliver a work package was always very willing to help or explain anything I asked for. My supervisor especially was a great source of support, both with work and managing my uni workload on top. My team were also a great source of support and were always willing to answer any questions I had. During my 10-week project, I had three supervisors who specialised in the project area. We had weekly meeting where they were able to help with any problems I encountered and helped plan the next steps. They were also also reachable via Microsoft Teams if I needed help in the lab.

Everyone was really helpful and friendly. Throughout my placement I collaborated with many people across departments and everyone was very willing to help and very interested in my work and development. The general culture is really welcoming and friendly, with everyone always interested to learn more about you and your work. I had the opportunity to be involved with several inclusion and diversity initiatives, including AZPride. The presence of these initiatives really promoted an inclusive culture where everyone is valued.

I absolutely loved my year in industry! There were many times where it was difficult to balance a full time job with uni deadlines, but overall it's been a brilliant experience and I've learnt so much about the pharmaceutical industry and really feel like I've developed as a scientist. I've had many opportunities to develop, both scientifically and personally, including achieving the Registered Scientist Award. I've really enjoyed being given responsibility over the work I perform and my team have made me feel really valued and included.

Yes

Take every opportunity you are offered and chat to as many people as you can, most people will make time for a coffee with you if you ask and it's a great way to learn about different job roles. Also, ask for help if you need it, nobody will mind you asking questions or get annoyed if you don't know something. In terms of balancing uni workload, it is always worth keeping your supervisor in the loop with how much you have to do as they might be able to help you out or offer advice.