UIPS Analytical Chemistry Review

As an analytical scientist, I analyse drug product samples and process all the data. I support daily with developing new methods as well as in-silico modelling. The data I collect contributes to continuous improvement projects and regulatory submissions. To do so, I record my experiments via an electronic notebook in the lab and present my work to different groups. I'm also part of a number of employee resource groups (ERGs) including groups focused on early careers talent and LGBTQ+.I also have 1:1 networking and mentoring session with supervisors, managers and others.

I have learnt new skills mainly in chromatography. Some of the techniques I have been trained in include liquid chromatography (LC), gas chromatography (GC), ion chromatography (IC) coupled with UV or mass spectrometers (MS) as well as dissolution and NMR. I have presented my work in a number of external conferences via poster sessions and internally in showcases, developing to a great degree my presentation skills. Working as part of a diverse team also helped my improve my communication skills. As part of the ERGs I am part of, I also organised 2 events which had more than 200 attendees combined from different part of the business.

A great deal of responsibility was given to me. Once all my training was completed around a month and a half into the placement, I was the key analyst supporting a method development project. After this project, I then carried out my 10-week student project in which I carried out most work independently. After this, I was supporting different project from different teams.

It was the perfect balance between support and independence. During the course of the whole placement, I had a meeting every week with my supervisor who was also sat next to me in the office. I could reach out to them at any point, with technical as well as personal issues. I received a lot of technical support and I always knew who to contact when I run into a problem. The rest of my team was very supportive too and I was able to connect with people from other departments.

The general culture was focused on personal development with a deep sense of purpose, always keeping the patients in mind. The level of research and development done at AZ is really high and you can tell everyone at work is truly passionate about the science behind our medicines.

It was an incredible year and I have made so many connections which will play a key role in my future. It was a steep learning curve but I am coming out of this placement as a skilled scientist and a more confident person. I could not have asked for a better placement experience and I am keen to apply to more positions at AZ in the near future.

Yes

In your application answers, always refer back to AZ's values and how you fit into them. In my experience, they are looking for someone with a can-do attitude with an appetite to learn real world-impacting science so your application should showcase this.