Student Analytical Chemist (Industrial Placement)

Under contract to the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), LGC hosts and operates the UK’s combined Official Medicines Control Laboratory (OMCL) for chemical testing and the British Pharmacopoeia (BP) Commission Laboratory.

The work of The MHRA Laboratories at LGC helps the MHRA protect public health by ensuring that medicines and healthcare products are safe for those who use them. The laboratories are operated under Government Owned, Contractor Operated (GOCO) model at our site in Guildford.

One of The MHRA Laboratory's primary roles is to procure, establish and maintain reference standards (British Pharmacopoeia Chemical Reference Substances - BPCRS). The laboratory also supports the work of the British Pharmacopoeia Commission in establishing methods (known as monographs) for generic medicinal products (including herbals) available in the UK. The monographs established by laboratory staff are subsequently published in the British Pharmacopoeia.

Job Description

We are seeking an industrial placement student Analytical Chemist to join our team at MHRA Laboratories. This role offers an opportunity to gain valuable experience in pharmaceutical chemistry. The position entails the following responsibilities:

• Conduct physio-chemical testing of pharmaceutical active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), impurities, and formulated products using various analytical techniques, including FTIR, HPLC, TLC, GC, and titrations.
• Analyse formulated products, including over-the-counter medicines, antibiotics, and herbal preparations, to verify their identity, uniformity, and detect potential impurities.
• Support the production of British Pharmacopoeia chemical reference substances and assist in the development of pharmaceutical monographs.
• Adhere to quality system and UKAS accreditation requirements to maintain laboratory standards.
• Perform daily checks and periodic calibrations of laboratory equipment to ensure optimal performance.
• Collate and interpret data, solve complex analytical problems, and prepare comprehensive analytical reports.
• Collaborate with a team of approximately 30 analytical scientists to maintain efficient laboratory operations.

Comprehensive training will be provided to ensure proficiency in all required areas. You will work under the supervision of experienced scientists in a laboratory that operates in compliance with ISO/IEC 17025 requirements

Qualifications

Must be undertaking a chemistry or a closely related science subject containing a high degree of analytical chemistry content, with industrial placement year.

• Expected to achieve 2:1 or higher in chemistry (or equivalent)
• Aptitude for experimental analytical chemistry
• Good written and verbal communication skills
• Good IT skills – MS Word, Excel and PowerPoint, email & Internet
• Well-organised and self-motivated worker with a high degree of tenacity for solving technical problems
• Good attention to detail
• Methodical approach to work
• Ability to work well as part of a multi-functional team
• Familiarity with laboratory safety procedures and good laboratory practices (GLP)
• Basic understanding of quality control and quality assurance principles in a laboratory setting
• Willingness to learn and adapt to new analytical techniques and methodologies
• Ability to maintain accurate and detailed laboratory records
• Basic knowledge of statistical analysis and data interpretation
• Flexibility to work on various projects and adapt to changing priorities

Additional Information

ABOUT LGC:  

LGC is a leading, global life science tools company, providing mission-critical components and solutions into high-growth application areas across the human healthcare and applied market segments. Its high-quality product portfolio is comprised of mission-critical tools for genomic analysis and for quality assurance applications, which are typically embedded and recurring within our customers’ products and workflows and are valued for their performance, quality, and range. 

LGC’s National Laboratories deliver a range of expert science functions and services in partnership with the UK Government, business, healthcare, and academia. We manage and operate several national laboratories on behalf of government agencies, such as the UK National Measurement Laboratory (NML), MHRA Laboratories Team and National Reference Laboratories, as well as hosting the unique function of the ‘Government Chemist’.

OUR VALUES

• PASSION
• CURIOSITY 
• INTEGRITY
• BRILLIANCE
• RESPECT

EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES 

LGC strongly believes that every job applicant and employee should be valued for their individual talents regardless of age, disability, race, color, ethnic or national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, marital or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, religion, or belief. Short listing, interviewing and selection will always be carried out without regard to gender, sexual orientation, marital status, color, race, nationality, ethnic or national origins, religion or belief, age, or trade union membership.

For more information about LGC, please visit our website National Laboratories & Science - LGC

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