Bioanalysis (LBA - Immunoassay) Industrial Placement Student Review

I have been working on method development and validation of immunoassays to quantify different biomarkers relevant to different clinical studies. I look at automating current immunoassay workflows to improve the efficiency and robustness of the assays being carried out. The role involves maintenance of lab equipment and the general lab environment. My project has involved developing an immunoassay to quantify a biomarker for a disease of interest to the company. I also attend regular meetings and get the opportunity to be involved in STEM outreach.

I have developed many technical and laboratory skills including how to use laboratory automation and how to carry out immunoassays. Placement has allowed me to build my confidence, decisiveness and independence as I have been much more in control of managing my own time and structuring my week. Communication and presentation skills have also been really important, by attending and presenting in meetings I have gained much more experience in communicating to a range of people.

At the start, a large amount of training was required to be able to enter the lab and start to take on responsibilities (this is partially because we are a regulated lab). Until we and our managers felt confident, we were not forced to take responsibility for anything, so I felt completely confident and comfortable when I was given tasks that I had to take responsibility for. After a few months, I was more or less treated like another member of the team, meaning I took on responsibilities where I could. However, if I ever felt uncomfortable or unsure my team would always help or take on the responsibility themselves.

I was given constant support throughout my placement. I had weekly one-on-ones with my line manager allowing me to check-in and ask any questions about my plans for the week. I also regularly discussed my results or plans for an experiment or asked questions if I was confused. I always felt like I could ask for help or support, everyone in the team was always willing to lend a hand whenever it was needed. This made placement much more enjoyable.

The general atmosphere was enthusiastic and engaging especially at the start. Throughout, I have been amazed at how passionate people are about really making a difference for patients, as this is something that also motivated me to work at GSK. You can really tell that people are passionate about their area of expertise as they are so willing to share knowledge and explain what they do. A reorganisation during the year definitely adjusted the atmosphere for a while whilst people were finding out their futures in the company but this tension did not last long.

I have really enjoyed placement, I have learned so much and have been given many great opportunities to work on projects that will aid the development of new drugs through clinical trials which has been hugely rewarding. Everyone has been so welcoming and I have developed many transferable skills that I will be able to use in any future career although this year has definitely proved to me that a career in industry would be very rewarding so this is something I intend to pursue.

Yes

Being enthusiatic and passionate is really important as in applications and interviews it is often easy for those observing to tell if you are truly interested and thus suited for the placement. It is helpful to have some lab experience and knowledge about the role that you are interviewing for - reading through and researching elements of the job description would really help with this. Making sure you align with the values of GSK is also important, as if not then maybe this is not the placement for you.