Biochemistry alumni stories

Jeremy Pitcher, Analytical Chemist

Jeremy graduated from the Biochemistry BSc course in 2019 and now works for Premiere Analytical Services.

What does your current Job Role entail?

My current role is focused on DNA and ELISA testing on food products for illegal GMOs and allergens, as well as the authenticity of the ingredients used. Ensuring the safety and quality of products sold to consumers.

How has your degree helped you professionally?

The laboratory sessions throughout my degree, especially my undergraduate group project, have helped me develop a strong foundation of skills and habits which have allowed me to flourish in my first role after university.

What advice would you give to a student embarking on this course?

Actively participate in laboratory sessions, it’s the best environment to develop new skills and confidence in your abilities. For lectures there can be a lot of content, however, I find biochemistry most interesting when I can see the links between different pathways and systems, and understand the overall picture.

Alex Yee, Innovation Technology Analyst

Alex graduated from the Biochemistry BSc course in 2019 and now works for AstraZeneca.

What does your current Job Role entail?

I work in the Digital/IT organisation in AstraZeneca to implement technology across the Oncology R&D organisation and with Oncology patients. My specific role is an Innovation Technology Analyst, where on a day-to-day basis I work as a Project Manager and on other projects a Business Analyst.

As a PM, I would be coordinating the project, keep track of workstreams, managing meetings and ensuring work is completed. As a BA, I would be driving implementation of the core technology with the software developers or any third parties involved.

How has your degree helped you professionally?

Understanding the science is vital to the success of all my projects. Although I am not directly working on the science specifically, it is important that the technology that I am implementing compliments the science that is involved.

For example, whilst managing a project to develop an app for patients in the NHS, the experience we wanted to create was one which could be easily accessible for patients with different cancer types, and provided support to the patient's treatment plan.

What advice would you give to a student embarking on this course?

There are many avenues in a STEM career, although I have friends who love working in a lab, there are also many more opportunities around science which are outside of the lab. It is important to do your research to find out what is out there and what appeals to you.