Chemical Engineer (CRD Fast Team) Apprenticeship - Pfizer

What will the apprentice be doing?

What you can expect from this role

The Chemical Engineering Apprenticeship will rotate between 3 different engineering teams within Chemical Research and Development. Order of these rotations will vary and a total of 3 positions are available.

1. Chemical Engineer in our CRD Engineering Team

The CRD engineering team generates knowledge to understand the physical processes which effect Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs - also known as Drug Substance (DS)) manufacturing performance. In partnership with Process Chemistry, we are responsible for the knowledge transfer of these process to our pilot and manufacturing plants. We work in a laboratory setting using state-of-the art automated reactors, process monitoring technologies and measurement techniques to get this data. We often use this information as the inputs to modelling software, or to build mathematical simulations, to assess how the process performance might change during scale-up. The team has a diverse skill set to help us achieve our goals, including physical organic chemistry, process modelling, data analytics and laboratory automation.

2. Chemical Engineer in CRD Continuous Processing team

The FAST team is responsible for developing continuous processes to deliver Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs - also known as Drug Substance (DS)) using new platform technologies such as Plug Flow Reactors and Continuous Stirred Tank Reactors (CSTRs) and applying chemical engineering fundamentals. The team works closely with Process Chemists, Analytical Chemists, API-Manufacturing and Process Safety teams to evaluate these new methods of manufacture and ensure that they are robust and safe to transfer into clinical manufacturing facilities. The team works in a state-of-the art automated laboratory to design and execute experiments and process modelling studies to explore and define the design space of a chemical process.

3. Chemical Engineer in CRD Pilot Plant

The Pilot Plant team is responsible for the safe and efficient operation of the CRD Pilot Plant (also known as the Process Development Facility or PDF) to manufacture small scale batches of Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs - also known as Drug Substance (DS)) in support of clinical studies and trials prior to commercialisation of a new product. The Process Development Facility at Sandwich is a small scale, flexible manufacturing facility. This 'state-of-the-art' pilot plant facility consists of 22 batch reactors, of 250 to 2500 litre capacity, with all ancillary receivers, filters, centrifuge, and drying equipment. In addition, there are two high pressure hydrogenation units and new manufacturing technologies. The team includes chemists, chemical engineers, control & automation engineers, process safety engineers, supply chain specialists and operating technicians. We work closely with colleagues based in the laboratories who are developing the processes we will run as well as with the other manufacturing plants within the network, both upstream supporting earlier activities and downstream in the commercial manufacturing organisation of Pfizer.

What can you expect from a science apprenticeship at Pfizer?

• Working in a fast-paced environment within a highly skilled scientific community
• Applying scientific theories to real-life scenarios in the process of drug development
• Structured training activities with close mentorship
• Hands on experience in state-of-the art laboratories and manufacturing areas
• Development of analytical skills through experimental write-up and analysis

What training will the apprentice take and what qualification will the apprentice get at the end?

• Apprenticeship standard:Science Industry Process / Plant Engineer
• Training provider:Greenwich University
• Qualification: BEng (Hons) Chemical Engineering
• Delivery model: Day release Medway Campus

What is the expected career progression after this apprenticeship?

Upon successful completion of the apprenticeship, you will be eligible to apply for other positions within the business.

Requirements and prospects

Desired skills and personal qualities

Communication skills, IT skills, Attention to detail, Problem solving skills, Analytical skills, Team working

Qualifications

A Level or equivalent Science or Maths (Grade 104 UCAS Points) Essential

Things to consider

The apprentice must be able to demonstrate the required attitudes, behaviours and interpersonal skills associated with the professional workplace. The apprentice must be willing to commit an amount of personal time to study. Please ensure you check out travel options to be able to commute to the workplace.