Degree disciplines: Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry

Analytical chemists play a pivotal role in the drug development process, drawing on a wide range of state-of-the-art techniques to solve the technical challenges we face along the way. Chromatographic techniques such as HPLC, CE, GC and IC are used to analyse active components, separate and quantify impurities. Spectroscopic and hyphenated techniques such as NMR, MS, FTIR, LC-MS and GC-MS are used to identify impurities.

From a technical standpoint, it's clearly one of the most challenging aspects of the work we do. We're constantly striving to find better and more efficient ways to understand how drugs work. So as a graduate, you'll be actively encouraged to explore new technologies and try out new techniques.

Of course, maintaining the quality of our existing products is as important to us as introducing new ones. So as well as developing methodologies and specifications for new drugs, you could be involved in the analysis of raw materials, intermediates and formulated products during clinical trials.

Our development programme is designed to improve your analytical, technical and managerial skills, and increase your awareness of the pharmaceutical development process. So as well as preparing you for a successful career as an analytical chemist, it can lead to a variety of other careers in related disciplines such as research, manufacturing and regulatory affairs.