My Sterling Journey: From Production Scientist to Quality Control Analyst

Name: Dale Wilson

Current role: Quality Control Analyst

Joined Sterling: February 2021

Dale joined Sterling as a Production Scientist in 2021, after graduating from Christopher Newport University with a bachelor’s degree in chemistry. Read about his Sterling journey below.

How did you begin your career at Sterling?

I joined Sterling’s Cary facility in 2021, after graduating from Christopher Newport University in Virginia where I studied a bachelor’s degree in chemistry.

My first role was as a Production Scientist in the GMP manufacturing suite. In this role, I had a range of responsibilities; I was primarily responsible for manufacturing APIs as per batch production records (BPRs), which involved sampling, packaging, and ensuring compliance with GMP standards. In addition, I was responsible for the routine housekeeping of the GMP suites, as well as the calibration and maintenance of critical equipment.

In September 2022, I moved to the quality control (QC) department as a QC Analyst, as I was eager for an opportunity to develop my skills and knowledge further. Our HR team provided me with a lot of support and encouragement while I moved departments and ensured that I was provided with the right training to qualify me for my new role.

What does your current role involve?

In my current role, I collaborate extensively with both the research and development (R&D) and production departments. My primary responsibility is analysing samples from API production through conducting various tests, such as high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), gas chromatography (GC) and Karl Fischer (KF) testing. I also assist the Production Scientists by performing release testing for the raw materials needed for their processes and final product release testing.

Effective communication with these departments is crucial as I need to be aware of sample arrival timelines and deadlines in order to plan testing accordingly. Most of the testing requires the instrumentation to meet specific criteria, which adds another layer to the testing process.

Our project managers schedule weekly meetings with our customers to keep them up to date on how their projects are progressing. These are attended by the analyst responsible for method development or external method validation, and so I often attend these meetings to share the relevant data and information with our customers.

What do you enjoy the most about working at Sterling?

We have a great family atmosphere at Sterling and across the Cary site. Everyone knows each other well, and supports each other wherever they can, which really helps to contribute towards the community feel here. It really is a great place to work.

Currently, I am part of the Sterling team involved with the Cary Tree Archive project, which aims to plant new trees and support the maintenance of the local area around our facility. From a young age, I have been very passionate about helping others. My eagerness to support our community led me to be involved with various activities, including volunteering at an organisation that helps immigrants to file necessary permits and paperwork, as well as helping to plan events and aid those who are in need at my local church. Helping others brings me a great sense of fulfilment, and this is the main reason why I wanted to pursue a career in the pharmaceutical industry. The work I do aligns with this passion and supports the development of life saving medicines for people around the world, and for that reason, I am proud of what I do.