Process Chemistry Internship Review

My role is to investigate amide forming reactions in water. I work mostly in the lab, screening parameters and conditions of this particular reaction using model substrates. I assess the reaction progression involved, purify and isolate the products in order to characterize them, and also synthesize impurities to profile them.

I've learnt how to fundamentally optimize a reaction using design of experiment concepts. I've also learnt how to sample for and analyse UPLC-MS chromatograms, in addition to using other equipment like the EasyMax and automated Karl-Fischer titration machines. Lastly, I've gained theoretical and practical knowledge in the synthesis of amide bond formations in water and the relevant factors that affect it.

A sufficient amount: being in charge of setting up, executing, monitoring, and characterizing my own reactions after training and supervision. At the same time, it was not too overwhelming, and I could seek advice where required as well.

There was an incredibly wide range of support and guidance provided. In addition to my own direct supervisors teaching and assisting me with my experiments as well as my line manager providing me the welfare support I needed, the team I worked in gave me lots of assistance where required, and the others working in the office or lab were also very open to discussing ideas and teaching me more of their expertise.

Extremely friendly and helpful. You could ask anybody for help in any area and they would be really willing to help you out or direct you toward the relevant parties. It was a joy to work in such a supportive and collaborative environment and I really could not have asked for more. People here appear to enjoy their work very much and that enthusiasm translates to their interactions with each other. A truly enjoyable experience.

It was incredibly enjoyable and I learnt a lot from it. From the technical skills in the lab, to soft skills such as communication and presentation skills, as well as the big picture of how the pharmaceutical industry is structure and how it is run at all different levels. I gained insights into how chemistry is discussed in addition to upper-level management decision-making. It is really exciting to see how the company comes together to work towards the common goal of drug discovery and development.

Yes

Keep an open mind and be receptive to learning new things. AstraZeneca possesses a incredibly collaborative and inclusive culture in a collaborative effort to advance the science it develops. There are so many areas in AstraZeneca that involve working together and open communication, where people build on each others' expertise to push the barriers of cutting-edge science to produce ground-breaking research. The application process also allows one to discover more about oneself and reflect on one's goals and eventual career options, so I believe there is limited drawbacks to applying to AstraZeneca!