What are your main responsibilities?
As a Quality Control Analyst, my work usually involves using various methods of chromatography, such as high-performance liquid chromatography, gas chromatography, ultra-violet spectroscopy and infrared spectroscopy, to check that the pharmaceutical samples we get sent contain the correct levels of the specified ingredients, and that there are no unexpected impurities.
How did you get into the industry?
Having always loved science, I opted to do a degree in chemistry at Leicester University and then, after graduating, I went into an analytical role testing the nutritional content of food. After a couple of years, I saw that Broughton was doing pharmaceutical testing, which I thought would be a good fit for me as it required similar skills, but was in an area that better fit my natural interests.
What do you do in a typical day?
In the morning I usually process data from the day before to find out whether samples have passed or not, and to examine any unexpected results. Then, in the afternoon, I’ll be running the tests; some injection methods take only a few minutes, while others will need to run overnight.
What’s your proudest work moment?
I currently hold the record for the most paracetamol assays completed in one day — 23 in case you’re wondering. I’m also the reigning Star Baker in the Broughton bake off, I got an apron and everything, it was great.
What’s the best part of your job?
The people I work with. Everybody is so willing to help you with whatever you need, whether it’s to assist with something technical or to help you meet a deadline. Teamwork is really important in a laboratory environment, and to me that means giving each other proper feedback, sharing expertise where possible and making sure people know that they’re valued.
As a Quality Control Analyst what’s the worst part of your job?
Because we have such a focus on delivering for our clients, sometimes there might be a tricky assay to get done in quite a short amount of time. That’s when the team really has to come together to get the job done — it always feels good when we pull it off in the end.
Do you have any advice for anyone starting out in the industry?
When you’re starting out it’s important to do what’s best for you, to learn everything that you can and to strive to be the best version of yourself. At Broughton, for example, there’s plenty of opportunities to learn new skills; it’s worth finding somewhere where you can really maximise your potential.
The other thing is that you don’t need a master’s or a PhD to be a scientist. I have a BSc and you can always work your way up from that position.
How do you like to unwind after work?
Me and my husband are always going to rock gigs and festivals to see our favourite bands and artists. My favourite band at the moment is Bury Tomorrow, who I got to see at a couple of festivals last year.
What career would you like if you weren’t doing this?
Well, I really enjoy what I do now so it’s hard to say. I guess in another life I might open my own bakery. As they say, baking is essentially chemistry, but you get to lick the spoon!
