Dr Maryam Hajimohammadpour, R&D PhD chemist

Could you give us a background on your education and your path into your STEM Career?

I come from Iran, I did my bachelor degree in chemistry in Iran and completed my PhD in chemistry at University College Dublin, Ireland. I worked as a post-doctoral researcher in pharmaceutical drug formulation with Synthesis and the Solid States Pharmaceutical Centre (SSPC) for 2 years and currently I'm working as a R&D PhD chemist in SK biotek Ireland supporting the manufacturing of clinical and commercial APIs (active pharmaceutical ingredients).

What is involved in your current role? Describe an interesting day in your current position.

My role is to support new product introduction (Clinical) and commercial manufacturing of APIs by carrying out laboratory-scale familiarisation, development and optimisation to facilitate GMP large scale production in the plant. It is my responsibility to provide R&D support for campaign preparation and monitor the process robustness by performing statistical analysis of key process parameters during manufacturing. Running the campaign performance meetings and flagging any issues proactively with respective departments is also part of my job.

What do you love about your current role? 

It is very dynamic, I enjoy the work culture and I learn something new every day. Most importantly I am involved in providing high-quality lifesaving pharmaceutical products to patients which is very satisfying.

What has been the most surprising element of your job? 

This job helped me to bring out all the capabilities that I wasn’t aware of! It helping me to enhance my skills which play a key role in my personality development. Looking back, I am amazed to see how much I have achieved in my carrier in a short period.

What has been your most exciting career moment to date?

It is always exciting to see my current role plays a key aspect in the production and delivery of high-quality APIs.

It is an exciting moment when I share the positive outcomes of the labwork and production can commence without any delays.

What kind of other experts do you work with on a day to day basis? 

I work directly with senior members of R&D, Engineers, Operations, EHS, and Quality.

What do you hope to achieve in the next year in your current position? 

I am hoping to learn and grow within the company by taking on new challenges and responsibilities to progress with my carrier.

Do you feel that you fit the stereotypical description of a person in your role? 

I am not sure about the stereotypical description of a person in my role, but I am an open-minded person who is flexible to fit into any stereotypes which can improve my personality.

If a young person told you that they would like to get into your role, what advice would you give them? 

I would say, if you like science and a dynamic and challenging job, this is a role for you.

I would encourage and provide the pathways required to get into my role. Eg. To pursue a PhD in the field of organic chemistry.

In your opinion, what is the biggest myth about STEM careers? 

Stem jobs are difficult to attain, hard and boring, and most of the time it is for men.

Do you believe that enough is being done to encourage girls to study STEM and pursue STEM careers? 

I believe a lot has been done to encourage girls to study STEM, but there is always room for improvement in this area.

There are many women working in powerful STEM positions across the country. In SK biotek, women are working as directors and general manager who I can look up to.

What do you think would have helped you in pursuing your STEM career?

I have been always good at math and science in school but it wasn’t possible to pursue my STEM career without the hard work and all the guidance, support and encouragement I received through the years from my teachers, lecturers and family.

Biopharmachem Ireland