As someone passionate about understanding the natural world on a fundamental level, I chose to study chemistry because of its ability to unlock the secrets of how things function. My academic journey introduced me to a wealth of research opportunities, where freedom of exploration drives curiosity.
Yet, I found myself wondering about the world beyond academia—how is research conducted in a profitable company, where discoveries must solve real-world problems? My internship gave me the perfect opportunity to find out.
During my internship, I worked with a high-throughput screening (HTS) platform, which is used to test various reaction conditions quickly. This system is extremely useful in process chemistry for finding optimal conditions when scaling up reactions. Unlike traditional laboratory work, my role involved using the HTS platform, which involved programming tasks for a dosing robot, setting up screening plates, measuring their reaction progress, and more. Additionally, I spent a considerable amount of time maintaining various machines and analysing the large amounts of data generated by the workflow. Learning these skills was a challenge, but it was also deeply satisfying and rewarding. It was remarkable to see how modern industrial research combines cutting-edge technology with streamlined efficiency to achieve breakthroughs.
What truly stood out during my time at Roche was the incredible guidance I received from my team. Thanks to their patient support, I quickly familiarized myself with my work and overcame any hurdles I encountered. Beyond my immediate role, I discovered an open and approachable culture within the company.
"Colleagues from various departments were always willing to connect, share their expertise, and teach me more about how this large pharmaceutical organization operates as a whole. This collaborative environment not only helped me navigate my new role but also made the entire learning process enjoyable."
slide 1 of 2 I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel. Maya Angelou
This internship offered me a fascinating insight into the advanced technologies employed in industrial research, which differ significantly from the methods and techniques taught at university. It was eye-opening to witness the high efficiency of industrial research, where innovation must be both applicable and scalable to be economically viable. I enjoyed the collaborative nature of the projects, which fosters connections between people and increases work output by combining different areas of expertise. Overall, this experience provided me with valuable insight into how research is conducted in the pharmaceutical industry and how teamwork and technology collaborate to solve complex problems.
