Ian Brennan, Quality control biochemist, Genzyme Ireland Ltd.
Ian Brennan - Quality control biochemist
Degree
Applied Biology with Quality Management, Waterford Institute of Technology, 2000
Career snapshot
Ian’s first job after graduation in 2000 was with Trinity Biotech, in Bray, Co Wicklow. There, he was involved in testing products using mammalian antibodies. Subsequently, he worked with Aventis Pharma in Waterford, overseeing the plant’s microbiology laboratory. He stayed there for two years, before joining Genzyme in November 2003.
Genzyme Waterford is a pharmaceutical and biotechnology plant. It manufactures and packages tablets for patients with renal disease. A sterile filling facility is also nearing the completion of qualification. The plant will produce sterile enzyme preparations in both liquid and lyophilized (vacuum frozen) forms.
Initially employed as a microbiologist, his current role involves the transfer of the biochemical testing methods needed for the products that will be filled in the sterile facility. This involves validation of new equipment, and testing and troubleshooting the testing methods.
“The degree that I chose provided the broadest possible base in terms of areas of knowledge,” says Ian. “It has allowed me to work in several different areas and accumulate a range of experience.”
Background info
Brought up in Tramore, Co Waterford, Ian attended CBS Tramore
What’s so brilliant about your job?
“I enjoy my job because it is quite varied. Since joining the company I’ve been involved in both the tabletting and sterile facilities. In my current role, what I do changes from day to day, and it has also afforded me the opportunity for some foreign travel.”
What do you like least about your job?
“Paperwork is a pet hate, but it is part and parcel of the industry.”
How do you spend a typical day?
“The day begins at 8am. I organise my time depending on the method being tested at that time. Some methods might take hours to run, others are much shorter. The time I have then is dependent on any problems that might be encountered with the methods. Other days are spent at my desk collating data or writing reports. I may also spend some time with vendors or agents validating a piece of equipment.”
Does your work require a lot of equipment?
“Yes, all the typical equipment found in a pharmaceutical lab.”
Are you a science/engineering/technology nerd?
“I take an interest in most scientific disciplines, but for the most part, I try to do other things outside of work.”
Did science/engineering/technology give you a buzz at school?
“I always enjoyed the science subjects in school. I had a very enthusiastic biology teacher but I was always curious about the natural world. I also enjoyed English and history. I chose a career in science because of this curiosity about how the world works.”
Learn more:
Visit Genzyme Ireland on the Web
Learn more about the pharmaceutical industry at PharmaChemical Ireland
