My responsibilities for this job included analysis of wastewater for Total Petroleum Hydrocarbon (TPH) content, using a hexane solvent extraction and GC-FID instrumentation. I used GC-MS coupled with Headspace to analyse Trihalomethane compounds, a range of Alcohols and Volatile Organic Compounds found in a variety of water matrices. I also provided assistance to other sub teams when required by carrying out Polyaromatic Hydrocarbon analysis using liquid-liquid extraction and HPLC-FLD instrumentation. Aside from routine analysis, I attended a GC user-meeting event where I increased my understanding of maintaining and troubleshooting instrumentation, courses on method validation, GC and LC troubleshooting, building on prior knowledge. I carried out a re-validation of the TPH content in wastewater method that drew on knowledge from these courses, along with reviewing COSHH and Risk Assessment documents for the operating procedure. Throughout the position, I worked in compliance with ISO17025, DWQR, MACS and UKAS accredited standards within the laboratory and obtained experience in using Perkin Elmer and Thermo Scientific analytical software packages. I worked with LIMS software for documentation and reporting of analytical results for customers in a timely manner. I also took on extra responsibilities of training new staff members in analytical methods and instrument troubleshooting and made team plans distributing workloads evenly, allowing for training opportunities and completing turnaround times efficiently.

During my time with GSK I was part of the Quantitative Pharmacology unit as a DMPK analyst. My role involved routinely analysing blood, urine and tissue samples for compounds, mainly using LC-MS/MS and occasionally LC-UV. As part of analysis I improved on current skill sets by preparing samples (accurate weighing and pipetting) and completing analytical write-ups. I also developed new skills within an analytical role such as method and batch synthesis, compound tuning and quantification using various software packages like Analyst and MassLynx. Alongside the placement I also completed a literature review on the topic of Hydrophilic Interaction Liquid Chromatography (HILIC) and its place within industry. I followed this literature review by undertaking a project investigating and developing a HILIC chromatographic screening method for small polar molecules.

For this post I had to serve customers, take care of bar maintenance/hygiene and liaison with other departments within the union.I have further developed my knowledge of customer service, interpersonal skills as well as tact and diplomacy. It has also given me the confidence to show off some of my leadership and colleague motivation skills.

During this job I had to provide help to any customers with queries, look out for any hazards and unwanted behaviour to ensure the safety of the public.Through this role I have gained customer related work, and increased my communication and negotiation skills as well as my self – confidence in a customer experience role.