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.

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.

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

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…