We had the opportunity to discuss with Ingmar Stuyver (8 years of experience in the Pharma industry), who recently joined Real Staffing as a Validation Expert. On what project is he currently working? What are the main advantages of working through Real Staffing? Why did he choose the pharma sector for his career? Ingmar answers some of these questions in this interview.
Which project are you working on currently?
"I’m currently working as a validation expert at Organon. The day usually starts with a meeting discussing the topics of the day. Since we are closely linked to production and work with finished products available on the market, issues which require immediate attention continuously arise, providing a very versatile work package but also requiring a fast and flexible mindset. In order to support lab operations and production, we also provide more routine tests such as checking cleaned production elements for leftover pharmaceutical ingredients by HPLC. But also SOPs to keep lab analysts up to date."
"We also provide risk assessments for the end product. For example, we surmise the amount of elemental impurities, meaning mostly toxic metals that we can find in drugs on the market."
"To reduce workload for lab analysts, we also assess the possibility of using producer tests for actives and excipients. This requires assessing the producers' compliance with current GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) and matching their tests with ours. This is updated regularly to reduce the risk of changes."
What do you like the most about your job?
"I like the flow of projects and close communication with people. Things can get quite chaotic, and priorities shift continuously. I often prefer such conditions because these bring out the best in me. However, I like to mix it up with slower periods and work on more longer-term projects."
What has Real Staffing meant for your career?
"Switching to Real Staffing allowed me to open a totally new career path. Previously, I’ve always been employed in research and development, so a switch to a GMP environment can be challenging. Fortunately, I was approached with a project at a high level where I can use my problem-solving skills, analytical experience, and work in a great environment. With this new challenge, Real Staffing offered me the opportunity to learn a lot and develop my profile. In addition to that, I have the security and advantages of a permanent contract but working as a consultant."
How would you describe the relationship between the client, yourself and your recruitment consultant at Real Staffing?
"I’ve often been approached by recruiters, but my experience with Real Staffing was one of the most positive, which certainly affected my choice to join the SThree family. My recruiter was really hands-on and followed up with me very closely, which I really appreciated."
"The relationship is positive and friendly with everyone. I like the fact that the exchanges are not too formal but still professional. When there are problems or questions, these get solved easily without too much bureaucracy, and I know that I can always count on my dedicated recruitment consultant at Real Staffing."
Why did you choose to work in the Pharma sector?
"I started in research at the University of Antwerp (medicinal chemistry department). This provided me with an insight into pharmaceuticals that still sticks with me today. We usually don’t pay attention to the time and efforts it takes to make the drugs we use in our daily lives. It really fascinates me, and I’m proud to play a part in improving people’s lives.
Furthermore, the business is quite lucrative, and in Flanders, there are multiple worldwide renowned companies."
What advice would you give to someone that aspires to start his/her career in your industry/sector?
"I think that starting in pharmaceuticals can be very daunting, especially in a GMP environment. What I would recommend to people at the start of their career is to focus on doing what they enjoy above all else. At some point, you might need to switch things up in your career to find a path that really suits you. This is where consultancy comes in quite handy as it offers much more flexibility."
Interested in joining our team? Real is hiring and growing. With opportunities across the Belgium and a global footprint, we have career-making roles within Life Sciences Industry. To find out more contact us.
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