EPP Ltd - Junior Analyst

Kara Bruce is studying for a BSc (Hons) in Chemistry at Northumbria University and
currently on an industrial placement with EPP Ltd as a Junior Analyst

Midlothian Science Zone talks with Kara Bruce, Junior Analyst 

Kara Bruce is studying for a BSc (Hons) in Chemistry at Northumbria University, and was a former pupil at George Watson's College.

Kara is working full time on an industrial placement with EPP Ltd (from August 2022 to May 2023) to gain practical work experience in addition to academic study. Kara had a preference to work in the local area of Midlothian and applied to EPP after an introduction from a family friend who already works with the company.

What work does EPP do?

Edinburgh Pharmaceutical Processes (EPP) is an independently owned GLP (Good Laboratory Practice) Contract Research Laboratory, with over 30 years’ experience.

The company's core areas of work are Analytical and Screening including REACH and 5-batch; and Process Research and Development. EPP provide analytical testing support to the agrochemical, veterinary, pharmaceutical and industrial chemical sectors to help companies achieve product registration.

Describe your current role and any career highlights?

My role is varied, normally assisting the main Analysts working on different compounds and projects, reporting to the Line Manager for Analysts. 

My first year at University was during the Covid pandemic and lockdown so I missed out on lab time. Working within a lab environment at EPP has added a 'wow' factor to my studies. 

Tell us more about your day-to-day tasks and the aspects you enjoy most?

My main tasks include making up solutions and running them on the ion chromatography (IC) or high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) methods for speciation analysis. 

I also assist with REACH testing, a registration service required by company's producing or importing chemicals. This testing consists of UV/Vis (Ultraviolet and Visible absorption), IR (Infrared) and NMR (nuclear magnetic resonance) spectroscopy, and other structure determining techniques. 

I have enjoyed the opportunity to take part in analytical projects, shadowing my colleagues and having the chance to write up a report. One of the favourite projects I participated in was in5-batch analysis, which is necessary for identifying and quantifying impurities within the production batches of substances required for successful registration.

What experience have you gained in this work and what do you hope to do in the future?

This internship has provided me with chemical lab experience and given me an opportunity to broaden my knowledge, learn on the job and make myself more employable.

Working at EPP has also helped improve my understanding in certain areas that I found challenging at University.

The role has made me more focussed and given me hands on experience. It has also made me realise that I would like to carry on working in the world of chemistry and find a job as either a cosmetic scientist or as an analyst.

What do you enjoy most about working in Midlothian?

I was always aware of the science cluster in Midlothian and I love the quieter environment, easy commute, and beautiful convenient location. I also have friends at the nearby Vet School on Easter Bush Campus,

In the future, I would like to remain working in Midlothian; the pandemic has made me realise that I like being close to family.

Having the option to take countryside walks in the summer months is also a benefit!

 

For further information, please contact:

EPP Limited
Bush Estate,
Bush Loan,
Midlothian, EH26 0PH

e: enquiries@eppltd.com
t: +44 (0)131 285 0566