Sarah
Method Development & Validation Technologist, Analytical Services, Lonza Slough
As a technologist working within Method Development and Validation (MDV), most of Sarah’s work involves running platform method assays, including HCP ELISA, SoloVPE and icIEF, to test each method’s suitability for specific customer products. Sarah works at our Slough site and is also part of the Early Talent Social Media Team at the facility.
I chose
Lonza because…
Lonza has the interest and safety of the patient at the core of what they do when playing their part in bringing life-changing treatments to market. The rotational graduate program allows me to experience different areas of the business and build a well-rounded view of a biopharmaceutical company before choosing where my strengths lie. This is a concept that appeals to me, as I have no previous industrial experience, having started at Lonza after graduating from university.
Since I
started at Lonza, my career has progressed…
… quickly! I feel that my technical skills and personal development have come on leaps and bounds in the short year I have been here. I have been offered a variety of opportunities and taken on new responsibilities. I have also been given ownership of specific tasks and had a say in my training plans. I am now looking forward to the next big step as I move into a new department as part of my second rotation.
It’s
special to work at Lonza because…
My department ensures we all feel recognized and our efforts are acknowledged. I have a good work-life balance, and Lonza has helped me develop both professionally and technically with specialized, directed training within the laboratory and career-development away days out of the office. It is also fulfilling to know that my efforts will benefit patients across the world.
My work
is meaningful because…
I am part of a team that is responsible for assessing whether test methods are fit for purpose for batch release testing. We are responsible for developing new customer-specific methods if existing platform methods are not suitable for the project. This means the patients are always at the heart of our work.
What
makes me feel good at the end of the working day is…
Knowing that my work is complete and having a plan for the upcoming week. My manager ensures we all have a clear working schedule for a week ahead whilst also giving us the flexibility to plan our own time. It is also fulfilling to receive good customer feedback and hear about successes that Lonza has contributed to, such as products passing clinical trials and coming to market.
The most
exciting thing about working at Lonza is…
The cutting-edge technology we get to work with on a day-to-day basis, alongside the new opportunities to learn. It is exciting to work for a firm that is at the forefront of the CDMO industry and continuously growing.
What I
most appreciate about my team is…
They are all friendly and willing to answer any questions I may have, or work with me to find solutions to my queries. I work in a small team, which makes collaboration and communication easy and allows me to gain a better understanding of their specific roles.