Preceptor Training

Eli Lilly and Co.

Pharmaceutical Material Science/Research
Lafayette, IN

Setting

This group is located at the Tippecanoe laboratory of Eli Lilly and Co. in department TL448. Their research is primarily focused on determining the physical properties of pharmaceutical compounds and troubleshooting issues that arise during the synthesis, manufacture and storage of such compounds. The student's primary responsibility is to aid the group in data collection on a wide variety of equipment and to assist in experimental design and theory development.

This rotation will allow a student with an interest in physical chemical properties of drug compounds or an interest in quality control to gain valuable experience with the equipment and techniques involved in such a position in the pharmaceutical industry. A strong interest in the scientific literature and the ability to evaluate theoretical concepts is also necessary at this rotation site.  

Prerequisites

Current prerequisites are the IPPH 462 manufacturing course, some experience in a laboratory setting, and an interview with Dr. Ken Morris before being placed on the list to be eligible for this rotation. Recommended courses include the Pharmaceutical Solids and the Regulatory Affairs short courses offered during Maymester.  It is also recommended that the student have some experience with the equipment involved, but by no means is this required.  

Objectives

1)      Develop the skills of theory development, experimental design and strengthen the student's grasp of the scientific method.

2)     Be able to evaluate multiple experimental designs and pick the most appropriate and feasible design to accomplish the desired outcomes.

3)     Develop fundamental skills in microscopy, x-ray powder diffraction, calorimetry, thermogravimetric techniques, and particulate analysis.

4)     Develop operational skills with the x-ray diffractometer, differential scanning calorimeter, thermogravimetric analyzer, moisture sorption balance, BET surface area analyzer, and other related equipment in the laboratory.

5)     Develop the skills required to handle solvents and pharmaceutical compounds in a safe and responsible manner in the laboratory.

6)     Develop the skills required in keeping an industry-standard, scientific notebook.

7)     Learn about the regulatory requirements involved with drug development and NDA, and/or other regulatory documents and responses, as it is focused on physical properties of pharmaceutical compounds and how those properties are determined.  

Note
During this rotation, the student will be exposed to many of the compounds that Eli Lilly and Co. currently has in development. This being said the student has access to sensitive information about these compounds that should not be disclosed to any outside party. Before any work can be done, Eli Lilly and Co. requires the student sign a standard confidentiality agreement prohibiting information disclosure. If you have any questions related to this issue, please contact Dr. Ken Morris in the office of Industrial and Physical Pharmacy.