Chester from Medicinal Chemistry

• • Discovery chemistry

  • Matt - synthetic chemistry
  • Galith - synthetic chemistry
  • Theresa - synthetic chemistry
  • Richard - computational chemistry
  • Attilla - computational chemistry
  • Jon - medicinal chemistry
  • Sara - synthetic chemistry
  • Linette - physical chemistry
  • Julie - protein crystallographer
  • Matthew - physical chemistry
  • Chester - medicinal chemistry
  • Denise - synthetic chemistry
  • Hiroki - medicinal chemistry

After going through an extensive applications and interview process across the UK, I finally decided to accept an offer from AstraZeneca. Since then I have been working in the medicinal chemistry department at the Charnwood site and have never regretted my decision.

"Above all, it is the company’s commitment to research and the friendly work environment that set AstraZeneca apart from the rest" Chester

After attaining both B.A. and D.Phil. in chemistry from the University of Oxford, I remained in academia as a postdoctoral fellow for two years. This has helped to enrich my experience in organic synthesis in preparation for a career in medicinal chemistry.

As a medicinal chemist, my priority is to prepare biologically active compounds that possess the potential to be the next blockbuster drug. My typical day is therefore largely devoted to the synthesis of novel targets and resolving the challenges that is associated with this.

My work has been greatly enabled by use of state-of-the-art equipment and the expertise available within the department. Aside from hands-on laboratory work, it is great to be in the position to contribute to the design of the molecules I synthesize and influence the direction of the project I am involved in.

In addition to delivering compounds for biological testing, I am encouraged to further my own knowledge in chemistry and related areas that would enhance my work. I found the frequent departmental seminars from both internal and external speakers tremendously informative and there had been numerous opportunities to attend conferences.

Within the department, we work in different teams and teamwork play an important part of my research since ideas and experience are openly shared between team members to overcome chemistry problems. There is also frequent communication with computational chemists, NMR spectroscopist, HPLC specialists and biologist as they play crucial roles in my day-to-day research. I am fortunate to have one graduate chemist reporting to me and it has been a valuable introduction into management. This year I have gained additional responsibility within the department such as being involved with the recruitment process.

Above all, it is the companys commitment to research and the friendly work environment that set AstraZeneca apart from the rest.