The Summer Internship Experience at BioPharma Services Bioanalytical Lab
Hey there, my name is Ronin, and this summer I have been fortunate enough to start a position as an assistant in BioPharma Services Research and Development bioanalytical lab. As a Bachelor of Health Sciences student at Queen’s University, gaining practical experience in my field was one of my top priorities for the summer. After two months working at BioPharma Services, I can confidently say this position has helped me achieve that goal.
Through working in the BioPharma Services bioanalytical lab, I have gained insight into the process of a clinical study, I have consolidated and expanded my understanding of concepts in chemistry and pharmacology, and I have begun to prepare for a future career as a healthcare professional.
In this blog, I will be sharing what I’ve learned working at BioPharma Services bioanalytical lab this summer, and discussing the advantages of a pharmaceutical CRO for university students in science looking to gain hands-on experience in their field of study.
A Typical Day in the Bioanalytical Lab
One of my favourite parts of working at BioPharma is the variety of my day-to-day routine. As an R&D team member, my job in the bioanalytical lab is to help develop and test methods of sample analysis before those methods are used for the real clinical study. However, as there are many different steps in developing a method, I typically get to do something different every day of the week.
On any given day, I may be researching a stabilizer for a particularly reactive drug, performing an experiment to determine the best technique for extracting a drug from a biological matrix, or learning how to calibrate the LC-MS machine to generate readings from our samples. Additionally, the sample analysis method we develop will typically be different for every drug, providing me with the opportunity to learn a wide array of analytical techniques. For example, because each project that I have been a part of required a different approach, I have learned all three main methods of drug extraction (PPT, SLE, and SPE). Because I always have something different to do, working in the bioanalytical lab never becomes tedious.
Despite the day-to-day variability, R&D projects often involve many of the same general experiments (e.g. matrix effect, benchtop stability, etc.), allowing me to repeatedly hone the different skills I have developed. On any given day in the bioanalytical lab, you can expect a daily project to complete, some preparation for the rest of the week, and of course, the unavoidable task of refilling pipette tips.
Skills I’ve Gained
Working at BioPharma Services has helped me cultivate a range of skills that I anticipate will help me succeed in my academic and professional future. Working for a CRO has given me a stronger understanding of the drug development process, a concept that my pharmacology courses focus on substantially. I am now proficient with using pipettes, repeaters (single and multichannel), vortexes, and centrifuges – all of which I expect to use in future bioanalytical lab-based classes or jobs.
Additionally, I have learned how to operate an LC/MS machine, a valuable skill to have for any bioanalytical lab research I may do in my career. Working at BioPharma has also helped me develop organizational, interpersonal, and collaboration skills that will no doubt aid me in my professional future.
In a general sense, working at BioPharma has helped me become much more comfortable in a bioanalytical lab/scientific setting. As someone working toward a Health Sciences degree, that confidence may be the most important takeaway from the BioPharma summer student experience.
Linked below is a video on Solid Phase Extraction (SPE), one of the analytical procedures I have learned at BioPharma.
Solid Phase Extraction (SPE) Tutorial
Why Did I Consider BioPharma Services?
The knowledge, skills, and connections that summer students can develop at BioPharma Services have important applications for their academic success, career aspirations, and any future opportunities they search for in this field. BioPharma Services offers hands-on experience that can supplement students’ scientific education and give them an edge in their studies. Because it provides both professional experience and industry connections, a position at BioPharma is certainly a door-opener for a future career path in science.
Additionally – for students like myself who are interested in applying to a graduate program in science, working at BioPharma Services is an amazing way to demonstrate your interest, commitment, and unique value to an admissions committee. At BioPharma you’ll get attentive management, regular employee appreciation, and brilliant colleagues helping you succeed. Personally, I don’t expect to find a better work environment anywhere else.
Some Closing Remarks
For students looking for an intellectually stimulating and rewarding way to spend their summer – Hopefully this blog has given you an idea of what BioPharma Services has to offer. Working here as a summer student has given me the opportunity to enter the workforce in a field I hope to one day find a career in. I’ve learned a lot about pharmacology, the scientific method, and how to work as part of a team – all of which will certainly help me succeed in the coming years of my studies. Working at BioPharma Service’s bioanalytical laboratory this summer has been an invaluable experience for me, and I look forward to hearing from other students who I am sure will come to the same conclusion.
Linked here is BioPharma’s careers page – I encourage any students reading this blog to apply!
Why Choose BioPharma Services for Your Career?
BioPharma Services, Inc. is more than just a leading Contract Research Organization (CRO); it’s a hub of innovation, a place where science meets passion, and a platform where aspiring professionals can grow. With a commitment to fostering talent and nurturing skills, BioPharma provides a unique environment where summer interns and employees alike can thrive.
The company is at the forefront of drug development, offering a comprehensive suite of services from bioanalysis and clinical trials to bioequivalence studies. We believe in the power of hands-on experience and the value of real-world exposure. That’s why we offer opportunities for students and professionals to immerse themselves in the dynamic world of pharmaceutical research and development.
Whether you’re a student seeking a summer internship or a professional looking for a career change, BioPharma Services is a place where you can make a difference. We invite you to explore our career opportunities and consider joining our team of dedicated, passionate professionals.
BioPharma Services, Inc., a Think Research Corporation and clinical trial services company, is a full-service Contract Clinical Research Organization (CRO) based in Toronto, Canada, specializing in Phase 1 clinical trials 1/2a and Bioequivalence clinical trials for international pharmaceutical companies worldwide. BioPharma has clinical facilities both in the USA and Canada with access to healthy volunteers and special populations.
