Galith 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 studied for 5 years at the INSA (French « grande école ») in Rouen and graduated with an ingénieur chimiste diploma (equivalent of an MSc) with a specialisation in organic chemistry. During this time I carried out a number of projects in the pharmaceutical industry and in particular my experience at the Cancer Research Laboratories at Nottingham reinforced my wish to start a career in a drug discovery environment.

"I find it very gratifying to have contributed to the discovery of new molecules that may one day deliver real benefits to peoples' lives." Galith

After several successful interviews in the UK I initially joined AZ to work on a 12 month contract within the High Capacity Synthesis group, where I carried out the parallel synthesis of novel compounds for biological screening as potential enzyme inhibitors.

I then applied for a graduate position and joined a lead optimisation project within the Cancer Research Area. No sooner had I learnt about the project than I was already in the lab preparing compounds for biological tests. My everyday work is very much assisted by computer, used for literature searching, ordering chemicals, compound registration, etc Thanks to my previous experience within the company I became quickly independent for planning, organising and problem solving.

Astrazeneca provides excellent working conditions with state-of-the art equipment, including more and more Chemical Technology equipment, which helps us increase our effectiveness and efficiency. Since I joined this project I appreciate the variety of chemistry I have been given, such as methodology development, reaction optimisation (using a statistical design technique), multi-parallel synthesis, microwave and large-scale chemistry.

I am responsible for a chromatography system in the lab, role including maintenance and update of equipment through regular contacts with the company representative and engineer, and organisation of on-site demonstrations.  On top of that, I'm very lucky to be part of a team that had a Candidate Drug successfully nominated for development recently. I find it very gratifying to have contributed to the discovery of new molecules that may one day deliver real benefits to peoples' lives.

Team work and communication are very much encouraged at AZ: since I started I've interacted, shared ideas and experience not only with chemists but also with scientists from other areas such as the structural purity group, bioscience and DMPK. AZ supports us in developing our potential to the full with excellent learning and development opportunities that are tailored to the individuals skills and aspirations. As part of this, I can constantly broaden my chemical knowledge by attending internal courses, regular chemistry discussions groups, seminars and colloquia.

AstraZeneca offers me a challenging and rewarding job, in an excellent working environment, where I can learn and grow to achieve my career goals.