Emma Bolam, Oxford Brookes alumna,
Environmental Biology BSC
Job Title: Production Manager, Clinical BioManufacturing Facility at University of Oxford
What do you do on a day to do basis?
I manage the running of our controlled environment cleanrooms where we currently manufacture virus vectors to be used as vaccines in early phase clinical trials. The manufacturing has to be carried out according to ‘Good Manufacturing Practice’. This means that the vaccines are produced and controlled to standards appropriate for their intended use and that every procedure is documented and checked thoroughly. We are currently manufacturing a Malaria vaccine for trials in Africa.
What’s the most exciting and the most boring thing about your job?
Exciting: It’s always great to hear that something you have been actively involved in producing has made its way into a clinical trial; especially if the results show that the new drug is working.
Boring: There’s a large amount of cleaning to ensure that the cleanroom environment meets specified standards in terms of contamination by bacteria and other particles. Every piece of equipment has to be checked and cleaned on a regular basis.
How did you end up in this role?
I moved on to a Research Assistant post, screening blood samples for markers of various immune diseases. Three years later I became a Technical Assistant for the Therapeutic Antibody Centre (TAC) working on the manufacture of antibodies. I progressed to Research Assistant and the TAC then became the Clinical BioManufacturing Facility, where I am now. I studied the structure, behaviour and function of the antibodies we made, before my current role now as Production Manager.
What advice would you give students wanting to move into your profession?
You’ll need a BSc in a biological subject, extensive laboratory experience and training in ‘Good Manufacturing Practice’. Attention to detail is critical and the ability to think laterally. You need enthusiasm and to stand out as there may be 10’s or even 100’s of people applying for the same position, and without considerable experience be prepared to start on a meagre salary!
What are your top tips for students graduating now?
· Any relevant experience in a laboratory, even if it’s only for a short period of time, can be a huge benefit.
· Some companies and university departments may offer summer work placements for undergraduates – however these may not always be paid positions. It’s worthwhile checking their websites and contacting their personnel departments.
· Make sure your CV and application letters are word perfect. Poor spelling and punctuation implies poor attention to detail.
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