Denise from Discovery 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

I joined the Medicinal Chemistry Department at AstraZeneca as a Research Chemist after graduating with a MChem(Hons.) from the University of Oxford.  I currently work in Hit-to-Lead, which is part of Lead Identification, synthesising compounds that are potentially new medicines.

"AstraZeneca is a fun and lively place to work where I believe I will be able to fulfil my career aspirations." Denise

I enjoyed my final year at University, working in a synthetic chemistry laboratory, and it was this that helped me to decide that I wanted to pursue a career in research.  I wanted to use and apply the knowledge and practical skills I had acquired in my everyday work.  

I was particularly attracted to a career with AstraZeneca, as I liked the idea of working for a large, global pharmaceutical company that provides a flexible and supportive working environment, and is committed to the technical and personal development of its employees.

Medicinal Chemistry involves the search for novel compounds that have the potential to be new medicines.  There are two main areas:  Lead Identification and Lead Optimisation.  Lead Identification is commonly a 6-10 months process, and focuses on discovering chemical series of compounds that have the potential to develop into new medicines for biological targets of unmet medical need.  In Lead Optimisation the properties of the chemical series are optimised to produce a candidate drug.  This usually takes 2 years.  

I find my job extremely stimulating and rewarding.  Day-to-day I work as part of a team in a laboratory, where I am responsible for planning and carrying out the synthesis of target compounds.  Analysing spectra and problem solving are key aspects of my work.  

Although my work can be very demanding at times, and not go according to plan, I get great satisfaction from being able to overcome the synthetic challenges that are thrown at me.  In addition to working in the laboratory, I attend group and departmental meetings, where I have presented my work, and I also actively participate in chemistry problem classes.  I am currently beginning to learn and understand how compounds are designed so that they have the desired drug properties.

AstraZeneca has ensured that my learning did not stop when I left University. Over the past 18 months I have taken an active role in several projects and I have expanded both my knowledge of synthetic chemistry and my technical skills in the laboratory.  I have received on-the-job training and have also attended synthetic chemistry and medicinal chemistry courses, as well as training sessions on various computer packages.

AstraZeneca is a fun and lively place to work where I believe I will be able to fulfil my career aspirations.