Genentech STRAT

Would not have thought that Genentech, with their 2 plants, both E. Coli and Mammalian Cells, already up, will still opt to send trainees on overseas postings, but anyway, they are.

http://sg.dimension.jobsdb.com/career/Default.asp?PID=3&AC=EDBSG&EC=STRAT&GC=&JobID=593&LID=Null&SP=1&SGB14183596372604

STRAT always seems a little tight with only 20-25 people accepted within a year. So grab the chance!

Lonza BioSciences STRAT

They've started to recruit STRAT trainees for the Lonza BioSciences plant that will be built over the next few years. Job hunters, do take a look! A once in a lifetime opportunity really. Not just to work overseas and learn at the Lonza branch there, but to be involved in setting up of a brand new facility here when you return.

http://sg.dimension.jobsdb.com/career/Default.asp?PID=3&AC=EDBSG&EC=STRAT&GC=&JobID=581&LID=Null&SP=1&SGB214355105161667

Feeling the heat

Its been 7 weeks on shift now. Things are tough. The upcoming batch runs will be taxing, and boss wants me to get up to speed fast. Tasks to be performed accurately, with speed, and batch records need to be filled in correctly as well. And I need to be prepared physically and mentally for the runs as there will be less break time, or even less time for snacks and drinks. Sigh, hope to get a good review at the end of 3 months.

Japan Drug Giant opens RHQ

Taken from 09 Jul 2009 edition of TODAY:

" Japan's largest pharmaceutical firm, Takeda, has opened a research and development facility in Singapore - its very first in Asia outside of Japan.
It has also set up a regional headquarters here to boost its marketing efforts. Takeda's two new offices, with an operational cost of $12 million, are located in the Stock Exchange building and have been operational since February this year.
It is now using Singapore as its regional base for clinical trials and drug sales aimed at countries like Korea and India."

LYNK Biotechnologies / CropLife Asia

First heard of this company when I was looking around for internships back in school. It is a smaller but expanding pharma company that has recently developed a clinically-proven transdermal delivery technology platform that enables water-soluble compounds to be delivered through the skin directly into the bloodstream. This has resulted in a range of healthcare products that are widely available in Singapore and in other parts of the world. Check out the website at www.lynkbiotech.com According to Jobstreet.com it is now hiring for a post of Scientific Officer, whose job scope will be mainly analytical research and support.

Elsewhere on Jobstreet.com, CropLife Asia is hiring an intern to tag bio-agriculture documents so that it could be uploaded to a customised database. Other simple administrative duties will also be required. Candidates would be preferred to major in Biology, Biotechnology, Food Technology/Nutrition/Dietics and related areas.

As said earlier I will not be posting up so often as from now, but decided to post this info so as to introduce a couple of companies whom I have not yet mentioned about before, and the links to their websites which should provide interesting reading. Thanks to those who still bother to check out for new posts, and those who check out the blog for previous posts and information.

Upcoming STRAT

I was told by colleagues that either Lonza or Genentech is advertising for STRAT programmes in the recruit section. It was either last week or might be coming up. Am not so sure. But those interested might want to pay attention to it.

First week at the new place

I'm still trying to adapt to waking up at 2 past 6 every morning, travelling to Tuas and back. Have not started any shift work yet, but already feeling the effects of the new environment.

In a nutshell its a work oriented environment. I think people at biopolis know this anyway but it really is a more comfortable, family and lifestyle oriented environment, with the facilities, food, and flexibility of work. The first impression of the Lonza plant, office and other work areas really gives me the impression that its all driven to a sole purpose of producing work class drug production, and thats it. While the benefits and welfare of working at a biotech MNC are definitely there, one can't help but feeling that these have to be earned, every bit of it.

As reported recently in the papers, Lonza intends to set up a new cell therapy plant in Singapore, with construction to begin in 2010. There'll be more opportunities for people who want to take the plunge, and travel to the wild wild west.