Industrial Placement Synthetic Chemist Review

Day to day, most of my time is spent in the lab, carrying out experiments to improve process understanding and solve any problems should they arise during manufacture on plant. I work on several different intermediates of a range of active pharmaceutical ingredients.
My team of synthetic chemists regularly share ideas, and we work closely with the analytical team. After carrying out experimentation and receiving results from the analytical chemists, I write up my experiment, results and conclusions in a lab notebook in a GMP manner.

After my initial training, I was carrying out experiments autonomously, but could always ask for help or advice when needed. I have since planned experiments on synthetic chemistry projects that I have led. Since the start of my placement, I have interacted with a variety of people on site, including process chemists and the technical director, who have discussed with me the importance of my work for the site. Many of my experiments have directly impacted site, for example the synthesis and characterisation of an unknown impurity which forms in one of the processes.

I have learnt how to use much more equipment than I had used at university, including controlled lab reactors (to mimic plant) and carousels (to carry out several small scale experiments simultaneously). I have also had the opportunity to plan experiments, which I had not previously done. My confidence when presenting has also improved dramatically, through bimonthly presentations of my work to the technical director, culminating in a presentation to the site's senior leadership team.

Throughout my placement, I have received a lot of support and guidance from both my supervisor and line manager. My line manager was always available for both technical and non-technical support, whilst I could ask my supervisor for advice on any technical questions or problems. I was also able to seek more specific (product-related) guidance from the relevant process chemists, who were always willing to help.
All placement students at GSK also have a buddy (another placement student) who you can discuss your work with, along with anything else.

All employees at GSK have the opportunity to take part in 'Orange Days', which involve volunteering in the local community and are a good chance to meet colleagues in other departments on site. Some examples of Orange Days include: volunteering for food banks, leading the local parkrun, and working in a nature reserve. There are also employee resource groups, including one for the LGBTQ+ community and allies. There is also a group called IP Unite, which connects IPs from different sites.

I have thoroughly enjoyed my placement, and got on well with my immediate team as well as the wider department. I really enjoyed my projects, and felt like I was contributing to the site throughout, including during my first projects. My placement year has introduced me to many new synthetic chemistry techniques, and has also given me an insight into what it is like to work within the pharmaceutical industry. Overall, I would definitely recommend a placement year with GSK.

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