Name: Samiyah Hamid

Job Title: Senior Analytical Chemist

Department: Sciences

Did you know you always wanted to work in the scientific field?

I had interest in STEM subjects in school but I never thought of working in the Health/Pharma sector. However, during my university education when researching anti-cancer drugs, I became interested in applying my scientific knowledge to contribute towards real world issues.

What is the best career advice you have received?

I was advised by one of my mentors to pursue my career in science due to my inquisitive capabilities and rational approach.

Describe a typical day in your role?

My typical day is very much dependent on the nature and progress of my projects. In this role, each day can bring a new challenge. For example, sometimes I have to do background research/ literature reading and then apply this learning in the laboratory to resolve method development issues. I regularly present and discuss scientific data in meetings with our customers who are based all around the world. In order to comply with GMP regulations, all my experimental work needs to be recorded promptly and accurately.

Almac is a contract development and manufacturing organisation so I always strive to provide excellent technical support and fulfil our customers’ research or scientific method development needs.

What type of skills are required for your role?

The most important skill for my role is to firstly analyse the problem and then find a suitable solution. I use state-of-the art, qualified/calibrated analytical instruments to collect large amounts of raw data and then analyse this for any potential issues that could arise during method development. If potential issues are identified, I use my scientific knowledge and judgement to find a solution which is implemented and tested before method validation commences.

What makes you proud to work in Almac??

There are various factors that make me proud to work in Almac.  Firstly, it is the largest indigenous healthcare industry in Northern Ireland and I work with many of the smartest, highly skilled scientists in the region.

Secondly, based on my experience, I feel what makes me most proud is the culture of transparency, respect and continuous development. Almac is committed to quality work and provides each employee with benefits and opportunities to learn new skills, something that motivates me a great deal.