• UK careers
• Students and graduates
• Meet our people
• Siobhan

Meet our people

University: Universtiy of Kent, Loughborough University
Degree type: BSc Forensic Science, MSc Pharmaceutical & Analytical Science

Tell me about the Analytical Chemistry Development Programme.
When I finished my MSc, I knew I wanted to work in the pharmaceutical industry, using my studies as a strong foundation in my day to day job.  The analytical chemistry development programme is great because I specifically wanted hands on experience of analytical instruments  and their use in pharmaceutical analysis.  Over three years I get to experience a range of departments and techniques allowing me to broaden my analytical knowledge whilst forming a strong understanding of the many areas in which they contribute. Theres also the flexibility to spend a year working in R&D.

What can I look forward to?
You can look forward to some contrasting placements.  I’m currently in my second year at GSK Dartford. Dartford is a primary manufacturing site where we make the active pharmaceutical ingredient before it is sent off to secondary manufacturing where the active ingredients are transformed into their final formulations, which will be taken by the patient. Here I use a range of instrumental techniques to analyse the active pharmaceutical ingredients manufactured on a primary site.  In contrast, last year I worked at GSK Crawley, in secondary manufacture where I gained experience of both quality assurance and New Product Introduction. Hence the analysis at those two site have very different aims, requirements and customers.

What kind of support will I receive?
Support is available in many forms. I receive significant support from other graduates also on the development programme. We have a strong network of socialising and support where its nice to have friends of a similar level of experience in the workplace. The programme is also set up so that support is available from managers on site and the technical development manager in the form of regular meetings. The company also has a fantastic range of support schemes which allow a nice work/life balance.

What does it lead on to?
After completing my three years of technical and business wide knowledge, I intend to remain working within the GMS sector of GSK on the area that has interested me most.  I’d like to achieve a good depth of knowledge in the areas of analysis used within GMS and quickly become a technical expert in my field. With the way GSK and the development programme is set up this is a very realistic and exciting goal.

Back to top