16 Apr 2013
What does your current job
involve?
I am a Data Analyst at Penn
Pharmaceuticals in the Analytical Services
Department. As a contract company, the
laboratory tests products for release to
the European market. These products are
either made at our site or made by the
client.
We perform the testing and produce a certificate of analysis and release to the market by a qualified person (QP). I am responsible for collating the data for these products, performing statistical analysis and writing reports for the client during the year. I also assist the QPs with an annual review of the results produced by our laboratory.
Some products may be entered into a stability study. This is where the product is stored in chambers that are set at a defined temperature and humidity. After a set period of time a sample is removed and tested by the lab.
This is repeated several times and can last up to three or four years. In this way a profile of the drug product can be built up and any changes in assay, or build-up of impurities can be monitored. Again statistical analysis can be applied to assess the data and reports are written to show any trends in the data, and to assist our clients in establishing a shelf-life for their product.
I joined the company in 1995 as an analyst in the quality control laboratory testing the raw materials.
We use classical wet chemistry techniques such as titrations for assay determinations and precipitation reactions for limit tests and identification. Instrumental methods are also used such as infra-red, UV-Vis and liquid and gas chromatography. I spent two years in our quality assurance department checking results and documents before moving to the position I hold now.
Did you have an interest in
science from childhood?
Yes, I did. I remember growing crystals
using a kit I had as a present. I also
had a crystal wireless that I assembled
and received radio signals with, which
fascinated me. I also had a model steam
engine that I later used in a physics
project at school.
How did you decide that you
wanted a career in science?
I enjoyed science at school and my
teachers encouraged me to continue,
first to A-level, then to university. I did
mathematics, physics and chemistry at
A-level. Chemistry is such an important
subject in the modern world and
underpins all sorts of products that we
take for granted, from the paint we apply
to our houses, to the detergents we use
to clean our clothes, to the advanced
materials used in the construction of
cars and buildings. I decided to study
chemistry at university.
What are the most important
things you've learned in your
career so far?
One of the most important things in
industry is communication. Even small
changes or improvements run smoother if
you explain the changes and benefits to
everyone involved. An associated topic is
training, so that processes are completed
in a consistent manner. Being well
organised is also very important. We are
currently going through several efficiency
exercises at our company, so my desk is
looking a lot clearer!
Would you have done anything
differently?
Although I wanted to enter the
pharmaceutical industry after university
I took other jobs to gain experience. I
count myself lucky as I have enjoyed all
the positions that I have had.
What would you say have been
the significant milestones in
your career?
My first job after university was with a
very small company. There were only
seven of us and we were setting up a
new laboratory to make and test new
washing powders for textiles. This was
a very interesting time as we dealt with
suppliers of analytical equipment and
tested washing performance with colour
analysis. It was my first experience of
working as part of a team, and I learnt a
lot from the other members.
What key things would a young
person need to do if they
wanted to get to the position
you've achieved?
I would advise them to work hard
at school and college. Make use of
employment agencies. I had two
placements in the cosmetics industry
through an agency, before I moved to the
pharmaceutical industry.
How did you first become
involved with SCI and what has
that involvement meant for
you?
I joined SCI while I was studying for
my PhD. I enjoy the main articles in
C&I magazine and browsing the new
appointments in industry.
If you hadn't pursued a career
in science, what would you be
doing now?
I did briefly consider joining the navy as a
teenager but did not pursue it. My other
choice might have been a chef as you can
experiment with different techniques and
flavours.
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