Apprentice Associate Scientist

Job Specification

This is an apprenticeship position working towards a degree within Chemistry. You will do independent learning, supported by online learning with 1 day per week focused on your studies.

We offer:

• Vibrant and dynamic employment – we are a highly specialised, growth company operating in a critical sector of the economy – our future is strong and exciting
• Opportunities to develop your skills and yourself – our rapid growth brings greater opportunities for you to learn and grow faster!
• A great team where we all support each other – enjoy your work – after all you spend about a third of your time here!

The position we are seeking to fill is for an Apprentice Associate Scientist to perform basic laboratory-based tasks on Metabolism studies for new product development based on global regulatory requirements. You will be working in the Environmental Chemistry team who perform studies to determine the fate and behaviour of agrochemicals, pharmaceuticals and veterinary products in the environment and the nature of the residue in crops and livestock.

Responsibilities:

The successful candidate will have responsibilities for:

• General laboratory housekeeping as detailed on the Metabolism rota – to include washing of glassware, waste removal, stocking and reordering of laboratory reagents, calibration of pipettes and balances and radioactive monitoring.
• Prepare general laboratory solutions including HPLC mobile phase, buffers, dose vehicles etc.
• Set up appropriate study apparatus according to specific study plans and worksheets.
• Perform routine Quantitative Radioactive Analysis (QRA) work for metabolism studies, as appropriate.
• Perform a variety of sample analysis methods, as assigned.
• Conduct the experimental phases of in vitro, in vivo and environmental fate metabolism studies, as required.
• Assist in the development of new techniques.
• Other general laboratory tasks, as applicable.
• Record data and relay results to the appropriate personnel.
• Support other members of staff in their work as appropriate or as directed by management.
• Perform established analytical procedures.
• Comply at all times with Health & Safety legislation and Company Safety Policies. Ensure that any defect which may affect safety at work is brought to the attention of Management.
• Comply with Good Laboratory Practice, Good Clinical Practice and/or Good Manufacturing Practice requirements whenever appropriate to the work being undertaken.
• Comply at all times with company Standard Operating Procedures unless specifically varied in the study plan.
• Comply with study plans.

Qualification

• A levels (or equivalent) in Maths/Science subjects (Chemistry, Physics, Biology).

Requirements:

• Previous laboratory experience with proficiency in basic laboratory techniques.
• Conscientious and meticulous in laboratory and written work.
• Good written and verbal communication skills as well as organisational skills.
• Good knowledge of Microsoft Office software.
• Accountable, dedicated and an ability to work as part of a team.
• Good time management skills and ability to work to tight deadlines.
• Willing to get involved with new ideas and initiatives.
• Flexible e.g. willingness to amend working pattern to meet study requirements including on occasions early starts, long days or weekend working.
• Commitment to self-development and learning, and a “can do” attitude.

Our Company: “We are a dynamic, fast-growing company, with an enviable reputation for leading edge science, offering contract research services to some of the world’s leading pharmaceutical companies, solving what were believed to be unsolvable scientific challenges”.

We believe in our ability to relentlessly push forward the boundaries of scientific excellence, delivering solutions for our clients, always operating ethically and with integrity. We take pride in our professionalism and commitment to always deliver our very best work.

The role is based in Northamptonshire, in the town of Rushden. The Rushden site is a centre of excellence for Radiolabelled Sciences incorporating both Metabolism (which includes Clinical Metabolism, Pre-clinical ADME, In vitro and DDI services, Large Molecule Metabolism, Environmental Fate, Plant Metabolism and Metabolite Identification) in addition to Chemistry (which includes API and IMP manufacture). We offer our employees a supportive teamwork environment, enabling them to develop and liberate their true potential.

• We offer state of the art equipment and facilities at our Rushden site.
• We offer a competitive salary and a progressive and comprehensive suite of employee benefits.
• We offer the opportunity for growth and development.

Why Should You Apply?

• This is an opportunity for you as a recent A-level (or equivalent) graduate to demonstrate your ability to make a real impact in a highly scientific and regulated environment and to gain a chemistry degree.
• Build and shape your career in an environment that sets and commits to the highest standards of scientific research.
• To be part of a team who support each other, embrace and solve technical challenges and put excellence at the heart of all that we do.

Pharmaron is a premier R&D service company supporting the life sciences industry. Founded in 2004, Pharmaron has invested in its people and facilities having established diverse drug R&D service capabilities, ranging from synthetic, medicinal and analytical chemistry, biology, DMPK, pharmacology, drug safety assessment, radiochemistry and isotopically labelled metabolism, chemical & pharmaceutical development to clinical development. With operations in China, US and UK staffed by over 19,000 employees, Pharmaron has an excellent track record in the delivery of R&D solutions to its partners in North America, Europe, Japan and China