Chemical Engineer (CRD Engineering) Apprenticeship - Pfizer

JOB DESCRIPTION

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
• Exposure to a business environment operating within regulations set by external organisations including Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA)
• Problem solving and experimentation to recommend improvements in laboratory and manufacturing processes
• Learning to plan and prioritise tasks whilst evaluating progress against objectives
• Developing excellent communication skills to communicate scientific information and allow effective collaboration in a professional environment
• Using creative thinking to challenge assumptions, innovate and make new proposals to build on existing ideas
• Taking responsibility for personal development, demonstrating commitment to learning and self-improvement
• Tools to thrive and develop professionally to help enable a successful career

ABOUT PFIZER

You’re the future. Your ambition, talents, ideas and unique way of looking at the world will help us drive innovation in every part of our business.

Our company purpose – “Breakthroughs that Change Patients’ Lives” – guides our environmental sustainability priorities. We’re passionate about protecting human health. That’s reflected in our environmental sustainability goals: climate action & sustainable medicines.

Bringing Breakthroughs that Change Patients’ Lives goes beyond breakthrough medicines. Climate change is impacting the health we protect and the patients we serve. It’s the challenge of our age, we need to act, and our customers and patients want us to act.

We leverage scientific innovation to reduce our environmental impact through climate impact mitigation, conservation of resources and the reduction of waste.

We will continue to work in partnership, using science to combat climate change together #ScienceWillWin

We need people with a hugely diverse range of talents. “Love Science? Want to work on the business side? Get stuck into an apprenticeship to launch a career in anything from working in the drug development labs to paralegal service”.

Pfizer’s apprenticeship scheme, run in partnership with Cogent Skills, offers the best of both worlds. You’ll work with world-leaders in your field, from researchers to business gurus. You’ll study towards a nationally recognised academic or professional qualification. And all the time, you’ll be earning a highly competitive salary.

Looking for an alternative to college or university, where you can earn while you learn, and build experience with a global leader? Find it at Pfizer.

CANDIDATE REQUIREMENTS

Skills

• Knowledge of life sciences and mathematics
• Ability to follow instructions and operate in a controlled environment adhering to procedures for example safety, environment and risk management
• Interest in problem solving with a creative approach
• Ability to collaborate with a diverse mix of team members effectively
• Appreciation of the importance of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
• Competent user of IT software including Outlook, Excel, Word and PowerPoint
• Attention to detail and ability to summarise information and write up into a report or to deliver a presentation
• Capable of researching scientific topics and identifying key information relevant to the project
• Laboratory experience (nice to have – not a requirement)

Personal Qualities

• Passion for science and continuous learning
• Desire to work and ability to thrive in a team environment
• Ability to ask questions when working on an unknown or new package of work
• Motivated to drive your career progression and development
• Open to change and flexibility within a work environment
• Ability to listen and take on board the opinion of others whilst also being able to positively influence colleagues
• Self-driven and able to set goals which are realistic but also challenging

TRAINING TO BE DELIVERED

Apprenticeship standard: Science Industry Process / Plant Engineer

Training provider: Greenwich University

Qualification: BEng (Hons) Chemical Engineering)

Delivery model: Day release Medway Campus

FUTURE PROSPECTS

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

THINGS TO BE DELIVERED

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.