We recently interviewed one of our contractors, Katie, to find out what it’s like to work as a Stability Analyst. We asked what a general day involves, what experience and qualification are required for this job and what advice Katie would give to an aspiring Stability Analyst.
1. What is your job title?
Stability Analyst
2. What does the company you work at do?
The company I work at researches, develops and manufactures innovative pharmaceutical medicines, vaccines and consumer healthcare products.
3. What is your background? (qualifications and work experience)
I studied at Teesside Uni for my undergraduate degree in Forensic Science for 3 years and immediately after studied a further year to complete a Masters degree in Forensic Science.
4. What does your job involve?
I analyse the stability of different products which are manufactured at the facility where I am based. The batches arrive in the lab at different time points and conditions (stored at different temperatutes and humidities) and there are multiple tests which must be done to assess whether there is any changes in the content. For example, I recently completed a successful HPLC assay on an Oilatum Bath Foam which had to contain a particular amount of Sodium Benzoate and Phenoxyethanol. HPLC was carried out to ensure these components were still in spec after 3 months from manufacture.
5. What is a typical day like in your role?
It can be very busy and high pressure to get your work done in the time you have in a day. Because the job involves attention to detail and a lot of focus your day can go very quick!
6. How did you get into your current job role? (Did you need a certain qualification or experience?)
I had huge help from my agency CK Science, who put me forward for an interview. I have a big science background through university and college so I believe that also played a big part as well as me having a very strong work ethic, reflected in my working life.
7. What do you enjoy most about your job?
I like being challenged and working under pressure. I like to know I make a difference.
8. What is the hardest part of your job?
Getting your analysis perfect. If you make any mistake during an assay or any test it can make a big impact on a result which can raise a lab investigation, which can take weeks to close. Obviously that puts a hold on getting the product retested and can cause a back log of getting results out.
9. Why did you decide to pursue this career?
I have always loved science since I was in primary school. I have pursued science all through school up to uni and love that I am now working in a science related field.
10. What can this type of job lead on to?
I’m a lab analyst, so it could lead to being a senior analyst or another kind of analyst in a different area. I could now be trained to analyse products anywhere I suppose now I have a background of working in a fast paced lab.
11. What advice would you give to somebody considering this role as a career?
If you love science then do it, I love this role! But please ensure you can handle working under pressure and at a fast pace which requires constant attention to detail. If you love a challenge then it will be for you.
You may also like to read:
A day in the life of a Laboratory Analyst
