Claude is team leader in charge of the High Capacity Screening lab in a Molecular Pharmacology department. “We’re involved in the beginning of the Discovery process. The Combinatorial Chemistry department sends us the compounds to test. Once the target is identified, we step in and screen compounds on specific targets related to pain. Using state-of-the-art technology we’re able to test thousands of compounds every day.” Every day is different, that is why I like my work so much. The objective is to find compounds which are selective on pain receptors. A typical day is not only to screen compounds but also to develop and validate different assays and adapt them on the robotic system to increase the throughput. Between those steps a lot of discussions take place when we try to find better and more efficient assays to run. We also keep ourselves aware of the latest technologies on the market. So my daily work is a mixture of science and research using state-of-the-art technology.” A typical day for Claude consists of preparing the compounds, programming the robot according to the assay methodology and starting the screening process. “I also spend time analysing and reporting results and planning future screenings.” “Science has always fascinated me, even when I was young, and it still fascinates me every day. I enjoy finding solutions to the different problems that arise as part of my daily work.” Claude received a master’s degree in biology after first studying oceanography. “There weren’t many interesting jobs in oceanography at the time, so I went back to school and completed my master’s degree in the department of biochemistry and molecular biology in the hope of starting a career in a health-related area. My first positions were in academic laboratories, and this helped me to discover what I really wanted – to work in a pharmaceuticals laboratory.” “What I value most about working at AstraZeneca is the company ‘culture'. What I mean by ‘culture’ is the way AstraZeneca always strives to provide its employees with excellent working conditions – the best facilities, a good work environment, opportunities for further education, family-oriented atmosphere. The quality of work being performed by AstraZeneca also appeals to me.” “I’m a very organised and structured person – I have to be, with the job I have. But when I’m not working, I like gardening. And in the summer, I love to go for boat rides and enjoy all kinds of family activities.” In Claude’s view there will be even more work to do at the High Capacity Screening lab in the future. “Things will get busier and busier for us and more challenging. We will have an increasing amount of compounds to screen and on more targets.”
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