Nexxus Scotland

Clare Blue, Senior Scientist, BioReliance

Q: So, for those of us who don't know - what does a Senior Scientist in BioReliance actually do?

BioReliance is a leading provider of contract services to the world's biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies with facilities in the West of Scotland Science Park, Stirling, Rockville (USA) and Japan. We offer a range of services that include biologics safety testing, viral/TSE clearance, manufacturing, toxicology, analytical and clinical trial support so the role of Senior Scientist can vary within the company.      

I work within the Virology department (biologics safety testing) and manage the Virology Scientific Support group, a dynamic team involved in developing new assays and technologies for clients to ensure their products are free from adventitious viruses.

My role is interesting and varied and includes extensive interaction externally with clients and internally with Project Management, Sales and Marketing, Quality Assurance and other departments within the company to research, develop and promote new assays and technologies.

I manage a team of scientists, lab specialists and technologists which involves planning and organising laboratory work, training staff, analysing data and writing reports. I am also involved in formulating quotes, sourcing reagents and materials, writing protocols, technical specifications, risk assessments and GMO assessments.

Q: Tell us about a typical day (or is there no such thing?)

A typical day will involve responding to emails and enquiries from clients and colleagues, both in the UK and our facility in Rockville combined with meetings and conference calls with a range of different people.

During the development of a new study I spend a lot of time researching literature, liaising with clients, brainstorming with colleagues, formulating experimental plans and writing protocols.

When a study is ongoing there will be continuous monitoring of laboratory work, daily briefings with staff, data review, analysis and frequent updates to clients and Project Management.

Q: So what's taken up most of your time recently?

The team have recently completed a significant development project that has been ongoing for several years. The work has been in collaboration with Professor Ruth Jarrett's laboratory in the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Glasgow and completion of the project means that we are able to offer our clients exclusive testing for a range of human viruses to ensure their products are safe for human use.

Q: What's on the cards for the next few months?

BioReliance provides cost-effective biological testing services to more than 600 companies annually, including most of the largest pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical firms in the world and we are always developing our capabilities to ensure we continue to offer the best service possible to clients.

The Virology Scientific Support team and the Molecular Biology team at BioReliance are currently involved in evaluating a range of technologies that exploit cutting edge science for the detection of viral agents. Preliminary results have been very encouraging and over the next few months we hope to be in a position where we can start introducing these new technologies into our routine testing facilities.

Q: What would you want to do if you weren't doing this job?

I am very satisfied with the way my career has progressed and would not change this if I had the choice!

Prior to joining BioReliance I spent seven enjoyable years as a research scientist working on various infectious diseases and vaccine development. This provided me with excellent opportunities to work both in the UK and abroad and allowed me to develop a wide range of transferable skills that have been invaluable when I moved from research into my current role.

For me, making the transition into a contract research organisation from academia has been an excellent career choice. My job with BioReliance is challenging, stimulating, fast paced and varied and I enjoy being part of a company that is involved in delivering a crucial service through cutting edge developments in vaccine/therapeutic technology.

I am also very passionate about fitness so have often wondered how feasible it would be to combine a career in science with being a bodycombat instructor/personal trainer/coach/sports masseuse/ physiotherapist............ However - at least for the foreseeable future - I will continue to focus on ensuring continued client satisfaction with our services and fighting the battle against detecting viruses, rather than the battle against sedentary lifestyles!

For more information contact Clare

T: 0141 579 3245, E: clare.blue@bioreliance.com

Or for information about BioReliance and career opportunities within the organisation

T: 0141 946 9999, W: http://www.bioreliance.com/