International Women’s Day 2019 – Being a Chemical Analyst at Eurofins | BLC
As part of our monthly campaign to raise awareness of women in science ahead of International Women’s Day, we have profiled Paulina Kowaliszyn, Chemical Analyst at Eurofins | BLC Leather Technology Centre Ltd.
Paulina has worked in science for approximately 2 years and has experience working in the pharmaceutical sector prior to joining Eurofins | BLC.
Paulina has a bachelor’s degree of Engineering in Chemistry and for her degree project, she studied how copper particles can become nano particles and built an understanding of their properties.
In her day-to-day role, Paulina works in the laboratory at Eurofins | BLC in the field of analytical chemistry and tests materials for restricted substances such as PAHs and Chrome VI. Paulina also uses a range of analytical laboratory equipment including the Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry (GCMS), Gas Chromatography – Electron Capture Detector (GC-ECD) and High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC).
“My day-2-day in the lab is exciting as I always do different things. My work allows me to be flexible and to improve my knowledge of complex instruments and equipment. One of the most important aspects of my role is ensuring that I provide accurate test results for our customers.”
“I am most proud of being able to finish my degree and finding work within the same field, which is an area that I particularly enjoy and that the work I do helps to ensure the safety of our customers’ products.”
“Before working at Eurofins | BLC, I never expected to stay in the UK but my job is really interesting and I enjoy the field of work. I have a good work-life balance, so outside of work I like to bake, cook and socialise.”
Read more Women in Science profiles from staff at Eurofins | BLC:
Are You Thinking of Starting a Career in Science?
In addition to raising awareness of women in science though this profile, Paulina has some advice for those who are considering a career in science:
“I feel that women and men have the same opportunities in science and my advice to anyone looking to start a career in science is that they should follow their interests and do what they like.”
While Paulina studied for a degree in Engineering of Chemistry, you do not always need a degree to start your career in science. You could become a Laboratory Technician and specialise in a field of your choice.
At Eurofins | BLC, we will consider a minimum of five GCSEs (including science, maths, and English) a prerequisite, and any higher qualifications (such as relevant A levels or a degree) will definitely help you stand out.
For information on any current vacancies, please view our careers web page or email [email protected].
5 March 2019