Matthew, Associate Scientist at EMD Serono: Advize Career Interview
A Hamilton College graduate with a unique background blending chemistry and philosophy, this Associate Scientist at EMD Serono offers a captivating career journey.
The path included EMT training and experience at a biotech startup, culminating in a role where daily responsibilities involve creating and refining novel molecules.
A typical day balances hands-on lab work with collaborative problem-solving, highlighting the importance of detail-orientation, time management, and a willingness to learn from failures.
The most rewarding aspect is the collaborative environment, learning from experts across scientific disciplines to contribute to cutting-edge discoveries in pharmaceutical research, solving challenging diseases.
Success in this field, the interviewee stresses, requires thoughtful persistence, patience, and a willingness to embrace mentorship, learning from setbacks, and thinking outside the box.
Aspiring scientists should consider entry-level positions like research associate or technician, focusing on a specific area of interest and networking strategically.
This professional's experience shows how active college engagement and networking, coupled with a willingness to innovate, can lead to significant career advancements.
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Matthew Bleich
Associate Scientist
EMD Serono
Hamilton College 2018
UCLA Anderson Full-Time MBA
Humanities, Chemistry, Philosophy
Biotechnology & Pharmaceutical
Research and Development (R&D)
Took Out Loans
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Career Path of an Associate Scientist at EMD Serono
Matthew's career path began with a unique undergraduate education combining chemistry and philosophy at Hamilton College, followed by EMT training and organic chemistry experience. This led to roles at a biotech startup and, ultimately, Matthew's current position as an Associate Scientist at EMD Serono, where they "make novel molecules every single day" in a "tight-knit" pharmaceutical community.
Main Responsibilities of an Associate Scientist at EMD Serono
Matthew's main responsibilities as an Associate Scientist at EMD Serono involve "making molecules" and improving them for patient safety and efficacy through collaborative teamwork, while also maintaining lab safety and equipment, showcasing the multifaceted nature of the role—from molecular design to hands-on lab maintenance.
A Day In The Life Of An Associate Scientist At EMD Serono
A typical day for an Associate Scientist at EMD Serono involves prioritizing tasks, "checking on reactions" run overnight, troubleshooting failures through literature reviews and discussions with colleagues, and purifying successful products. The workday, lasting roughly nine hours, balances hands-on lab work with collaborative discussions, which Matthew describes as helpful for problem-solving, ensuring experiments are set up for overnight productivity, and maintaining a clean and safe workspace.
Most Important Skills for an Associate Scientist at EMD Serono
For an Associate Scientist at EMD Serono, "being detail oriented" is paramount, requiring a deep understanding of "the fine details" of chemical reactions and their timing. This, coupled with excellent time management skills to meet deadlines and provide accurate timelines for collaborative projects, are key to success in the role.
Favorite Parts Of Being An Associate Scientist At EMD Serono
Matthew, an Associate Scientist at EMD Serono, finds the most rewarding aspect of his role to be "learning from others," collaborating with experts from diverse scientific backgrounds—biology, physics, biochemistry, and neurology—to uncover cutting-edge discoveries within the pharmaceutical industry, a wealth of knowledge unavailable through academic publications. This collaborative environment provides unparalleled access to "fascinating parts about the cutting edge of discovery."
Biggest Challenges Faced By An Associate Scientist At EMD Serono
Matthew's biggest challenge as an Associate Scientist at EMD Serono is overcoming "a lot of failure," as medicinal chemistry often involves working with novel compounds where established reactions may not work as expected. This requires resilience and a willingness to learn from setbacks, a process Matthew views as crucial for growth in this field.
Favorite Parts Of Working In The Pharmaceutical Industry As An Associate Scientist
Matthew, an Associate Scientist at EMD Serono, finds the pharmaceutical industry rewarding because it offers the opportunity to "solve, treat, and cure some of the most challenging and brutal diseases," making a tangible difference in people's lives while collaborating with "teams of dedicated and brilliant people."
What Type of Person Thrives in the Pharmaceutical Industry, According to an Associate Scientist at EMD Serono
To thrive in the pharmaceutical industry, a person needs to be "thoughtful, smart, and patient forward," possessing "grit" and a persistent problem-solving attitude. Success also hinges on understanding the bigger picture—that one's work contributes to a larger goal, even if the impact isn't immediately visible.
What An Associate Scientist At EMD Serono Wishes They Had Known Before Entering The Biotechnology Industry
Early career scientists should embrace being a "sponge," actively seeking mentorship and learning from experienced colleagues rather than striving for immediate self-sufficiency; admitting "I don't know" and asking for guidance accelerates growth far more than independent, potentially misguided, experimentation.
Entry-level Positions for Aspiring Associate Scientists EMD Serono
Seeking entry-level pharmaceutical positions after undergraduate study requires targeting specific job titles like "research associate," "research technician," or "associate scientist," rather than aiming for more senior "scientist" roles. The interviewee stresses the importance of identifying the specific scientific area of interest—such as medicinal, analytical, or computational chemistry—and researching the day-to-day realities of such positions by networking with professionals on LinkedIn or within university communities to avoid applying for jobs "just to be in a lab."
Significant Career Lesson From an Associate Scientist at EMD Serono
Matthew's most significant career lesson is to "think outside the box," even when faced with established company processes; this willingness led to the successful application of photochemistry, a novel approach that not only solved a challenging problem but also established a new group within the company. The experience highlights the value of leveraging past expertise and advocating for innovative solutions, even when met with initial resistance.
College Experiences That Helped An Associate Scientist At EMD Serono Succeed
To achieve career success, Matthew emphasizes networking with professors and peers throughout college, not just at the end, because "you never know when one might reach back out." Active engagement with course material, fueled by genuine passion for the subjects, also proved invaluable, demonstrating enthusiasm to potential employers and providing a strong foundation for the Associate Scientist role at EMD Serono.
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