Upstream Vector Process Development Review

I supported my team with bioreactor production runs (mostly at th 2L scale) producing viral vector. We were responsible for optimising the process by improving viral titre, trying to reduce resources/costs of the process, etc. I also performed a series of analytical assays in order to measure viral titre, as well as optimising new process analytical technologies to improve the real-time measurements of our process.

I have vastly improved my research skills - approach to planning experiments, my lab skills and analytical/write up skills. I became much more confident and efficient in communicating with colleagues as well as presenting to groups of people. I had the opportunity to take part in a public speaking course, as well as access to various resources such as LinkedIn Learning which meant I was able to develop in areas I felt were necessary.

I was given a lot of responsibility throughout my placement - I had my own project which I was able to have a lot of freedom over whilst still having the support that I needed. I was able to plan/design experiments fairly independently as well as carry out most of the lab work on my own. I think there was a really good balance between independent and supported work with my team.

I received a good amount of support throughout my placement - with quite thorough training at the beginning. Additionally, I felt I was always able to ask questions to every member of my team and if anything this was encouraged. I was able to seek feedback from my manager which helped me to improve and become more independent as a result.

The company culture was nice, every member of staff was friendly and I felt as though almost everyone was invested in my development as an IP. The site I worked at is a big site and so it was impossible to be involved with everyone, but I feel as though there could have been slightly more communication with other departments as at times it felt like I was limited to only m department - but I think this is largely down to the size of the site/company.

I thoroughly enjoyed my placement, I feel as though I've gained a wealth of new skills and developed old ones, and it has really helped to inform the next steps in my career.

Yes

Make sure to throw yourself into the job nd take on challenges that you wouldn't' necessarily have done before. There are lots of opportunities available to you at GSK that you wouldn't otherwise have access to so it's really important to dive straight into these!