Coleen from Process Chemistry

• • Process chemistry

  • Emma
  • Alison
  • Gair
  • Catherine
  • Coleen
  • Naomi
  • Zakariya
  • Darryl
  • Jacob

I graduated from The University of Salford with a MChem (Hons) in Chemistry with industrial experience. As part of the course I carried out an industrial placement in Process Chemistry at AstraZeneca, Charnwood. Before the placement I had little knowledge Process Chemistry but during this year I found that the position was both interesting and varied.

"The facilities and experience within the department are excellent and I feel I have learnt a huge amount about process development in the short time I have been here" Coleen

I realised that Process Chemistry was not simply 'doing things' on a larger scale and that there were a large number of factors to consider when designing a suitable process. After completing my degree I applied for the position through the graduate recruitment process and was invited for an interview.

I have now been working in the Process Chemistry Department in Macclesfield for two years and have been involved in a number of oncology projects. I have found that within the department there is a friendly and supportive atmosphere. The working environment is largely project based and involves interaction with other process chemists and the other main functions of Research and Development. The facilities and experience within the department are excellent and I feel I have learnt a huge amount about process development in the short time I have been here.

From day one I was given responsibility and was provided with the support and training to become independent as a Process Chemist. The company has a strong commitment to training and personal development. I have been able to develop both my chemical knowledge and process chemistry skills through a number of courses, which are run both within the company and externally. As part of the graduate training program I am also due to carry out some large-scale lab and plant training. I think this is an excellent opportunity to get an appreciation of scale-up issues, first hand.

The majority of my time is spent developing processes suitable for scale-up. This can involve lab work, literature searches and discussions with colleges. Work can also involve developing and assessing new routes for manufacture. Through this type of work I have been exposed to a large amount of chemistry and a number of new technologies. The work involves problems solving of both a chemical and practical sense and I have found this aspect of the job challenging but very rewarding.

Other responsibilities include the transfer of process to Development Manufacture and supporting the manufacture, this is done through relevant documentation and a high level of interaction with the Development Manufacturing Chemists.

I have enjoyed my time at Astrazeneca and have found the work both varied and rewarding. I have had huge opportunities to develop as Process Chemist and feel that this will continue.