Synthetic Organic Chemist Review

This is a fully lab-based role, involving the synthesis of organic compounds which are of interest in a certain GSK medicinal chemistry project. On a day-to-day basis this involves carrying out experiments in the lab where different target molecules are synthesised, purified and characterised.

This placement provides an abundance of experience in practical work, so my lab skills were developed much further than that obtained at university. I have gained skills in presenting, as I was required to present my ongoing chemistry work in project meetings. My problem solving skills and independence have also been largely developed, as have my teamwork and communication skills.

As the placement progressed my degree of responsibility incrementally increased. My supervisor gradually gave me more independence to retrosynthesise and execute synthetic routes of target molecules, making my own decisions about the reaction conditions and isolation and purification techniques, and with this came more responsibility.

My supervisor was very hands-on and so gave me a lot of support and guidance when I needed it. I was apart of two different project teams whilst at GSK and both were welcoming and helpful.

At the core of the company culture is that employees must be focused on the patient and it was clear that my colleagues were working with this in mind. In terms of the general atmosphere, it was common to go for tea breaks in the morning which contributed to the friendly atmosphere within project teams. Whilst working in the lab people were chatty and music was often on, creating a more relaxed atmosphere.

I thoroughly enjoyed my placement and would highly recommend it to anyone doing a chemistry degree with an interest in organic synthetic chemistry, and I would go back to work for GSK.

Yes

My main advice to someone applying for this placement at GSK would be to research the company before writing the application. It's important to know what GSK's key disease and research areas are, and to know about their values and culture. For the technical part of the interview, it is good to make sure you remember the key concepts from any organic chemistry modules done at university so far.