Analytical Chemist Review

I am placed within a team in chemical development as an analytical chemist. I mostly work on one project and perform various analyses for different stages of the drug substance synthesis. I prepare samples in the lab, analyse them, process the data and report the results. My time is split roughly equally between the lab and the office. I also attend team meetings and informally present at some of these meetings. I have also completed a 10 week student project in a different department, using different techniques to the ones I use in my usual department.

On a regular basis, I run analyses independently after being trained on the techniques. After running analyses, I report results which are used to inform decisions on different routes and processes. I am responsible for making sure that my work is completed on time and to a high standard. I took over the responsibility for giving a safety update at our monthly team meetings. Furthermore, I participate in tasks that ensure the standards in the laboratory are maintained at a high level.

I have developed my presentation skills as I have presented safety updates for my team at our monthly meetings. I have also presented informally at bi-weekly meetings on the work that I have been doing. I have been trained on multiple techniques which I had not used before my placement. For example, I am trained to run liquid chromatography, gas chromatography, NMR and inductively coupled plasma- optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES). I have developed my communication skills by working in a team envionment.

I was assigned a supervisor at the start of my placement who was always happy to help me with any issues that I had. My supervisor was available to talk to throughout the year and would schedule monthly catch ups to check on my progress during the placement and opportunities that I could take. I am placed in a team (which my supervisor is part of) so I can also ask other members of the team for support when needed.

The company had a great atmosphere and aims to be a 'great place to work'. They are open to any suggestions that could help to achieve this goal. Everyone was very friendly and there are events throughout the year, such as a charity netball tournament, which help to create a sense of community. The company has strong core values which are repeatedly referred to and put into practice. There are goals aligned to these values.

I really enjoyed my placement year. I learnt a lot about the industry and was trained in many new techniques which I wouldn't have had the opportunity to do at university. The year gave me clarity on what I would like to do after university. I enjoyed meeting new people and have made lots of new friends during my placement year. I would like to apply for a job in the company at the end of my placement.

Yes