Name: Nicola Burke

Job Title: Senior Analytical Chemist

Department: Sciences

Can you outline your career history to date?

After graduating with a degree in Chemistry with Forensic Analysis from Queen's University Belfast, I joined the peptide manufacturing team at Almac as a Process Technician. After six months in this role I was seconded to the Analytical Development team and was then made a permanent member of that team as an Analytical Technician. In the Development team I had excellent training opportunities and mentoring from senior members of staff. I have learnt, and continue to learn, a vast amount of analytical techniques and have been able to develop a wide range of analytical methods. Through continued guidance and support I have been able to progress my career to that of Senior Analytical Chemist.

What do you enjoy about your role?

I love the variety - there is no such thing as a typical day. Developing, validating and transferring analytical methods is the main part of my job. There are many challenges and a large part of my job is also applying the 'on-the-job' chemistry and analytical experience I have gained. It’s a great feeling when you can figure out a problem and come up with a solution.

How does your role challenge you?

Despite detailed planning and scheduling of analytical activities to be performed there is always something unexpected to deal with, for example an analytical method that is challenging to develop or additional analytical methods that need to be developed that were not initially required. However there is great job satisfaction when the challenges have been overcome and the project is back on track.

Would you say that being a Senior Analytical Chemist is a good career?

I would recommend the career to someone who continually wants to learn, is methodical in their work, loves a challenge and is willing to go the extra mile to ensure the project succeeds. As a Senior Analytical Chemist there are great opportunities to learn and develop both technically and personally, for example new analytical techniques as they become available or being involved in the training and mentoring of less experienced analysts whilst overseeing projects. There is also a potential to progress to an Analytical Technical leader within the department. 

What do you think about the future prospects in your industry?

The prospects are good, the pharmaceutical industry is rapidly growing and there will always be a need for new products to be developed. The continued demand on the industry has led to well paid jobs and continued career progression.