Linette 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

After graduating with a BSc (Hons) in Chemistry from the University of Glasgow, I moved to Edinburgh University to study for a PhD in lanthanide molecular recognition with application to luminescent labelling of biomolecules.  I was fortunate to receive a CASE studentship and the few months spent in discovery research labs provided a window into life in the pharmaceutical industry.

"Presentation and discussion of results forms a major aspect of the job. Strong communication and problem solving skills are essential." Linette

After leaving Edinburgh I worked as a contract Physical Organic Chemist with the Process Studies Group at Syngenta in Huddersfield for about 18 months.  I joined AstraZeneca having completed one year of postdoctoral research into supramolecular organic chemistry at Bristol University.    

I applied directly to the Physical Chemistry Group at Alderley Park and after a short initial first round interview was selected to attend a two-day assessment centre, after which I was offered a job as a Senior Physical Scientist.  

The Physical Chemistry Group sit at the interface between biology and chemistry, which is both challenging and rewarding, providing physical property measurements for discovery project teams.  A major part of my role as a physical scientist is to provide phys-chem support to cancer projects,  working closely with medicinal chemists and DMPK scientists to guide selection of lead chemical series from early “hit identification”, with the aim of ensuring that “drug-like” physical properties are retained throughout the discovery process.  

Day to day my work is really varied and includes some time spent in the laboratory where I am responsible for chemical stability measurements.  A large part of my time is spent on analysis of phys-chem and DMPK data with a view to providing predictive relationships to guide the design of potential drug molecules.  Presentation and discussion of results forms a major aspect of the job. Strong communication and problem solving skills are essential.        

I really enjoy my work at AstraZeneca.  The environment at Alderley Park is really supportive. The broad range of experience and expertise in-house means that all the technical training required is readily available. There are ample opportunities to develop as an individual, and in my first year with the company I’ve had the opportunity to  travel to international meetings and conferences.