Mrs Navjeet Kaur Matharu

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Mrs Navjeet Kaur Matharu

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Name:

At A Glance

Licensed Body:

RSC

First Degree:

BSc Chemistry with Cosmetic Technology

Job:

Pharmaceuticals

Superpower:

I tell my daughters I would like to be near the sun and the moon discovering unusual chemicals

Big Picture

When you were a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?

I wanted to be a qualified person where I would enjoy practicing with respect

Who or what inspired you to become a scientist?

In my family, my Uncle is a pharmacist and he always excited me with chemistry. I used to help him tidying up his dispensary. I always used to enjoy practical chemistry lessons

What do you love about your job and being a “scientist”?

Since I graduated, I have been working with chemicals in formulating different types of finished products and launching them to market. Quality Assurance is involved to monitor any unusual reactions in the chemicals formulation. I love using science to try and resolve such matters. This job is never boring; it’s always creative and every day there’s a new challenge that comes along that makes it interesting and enjoyable

What would you change?

If one is granted a chartered position they should be allowed to follow a QP position

Education

What qualifications did you take at school?

I completed my GCE with advanced levels in science and a special paper in Chemistry, Mathematics and English.

Why did you choose your first degree subject?

Applied Science BSc Chemistry with cosmetic technology

Job

How do you describe your job when you meet people at a party?

I’ve worked for a pharmaceutical company for six years and had experience in their R&D and Quality Assurance departments. I’ve also taken active roles in clinical trials and been involved in new product launches. I work on a variety of projects with management and liaise with external organizations like the NHS

What are the biggest implications your work will/could have in the future?

I have worked continuously since I graduated in 1978 and entered the chemical industry. I’ve taken my learning from theory to practice and have gained a lot of confidence by working with different companies and their different ways of management and doing business

How is your job cross-disciplinary?

I deal with the technical issues of manufacturing. For customers who require information about our products, I explain certain marketing terms. I represent my organization to institutional bodies

How well is your job compensated? What is the starting salary for your field, and how much can this be expected to rise?

This varies from company to company, but the established companies in the UK offer a reasonable salary. For a new graduate, a starting salary would be dependent on the individual’s experience and then on their initiative when it comes to getting a rise. A starting graduate salary is £14K/pa

What’s the biggest achievement of your career so far?

I have acquired full responsibility on all technical issues for my company.

Life

Would you say you have a good standard of living/ work-life balance?

Definitely. I enjoy my work and spend time with family too

What do your friends and family think about your job?

They think it’s unique, especially when they see products on the market and I can explain them

What kind of hobbies or extracurricular activities do you do to relax?

I used to play Badminton. I travel a lot

CSci

Why did you choose to apply for CSci and what do you value most about being a Chartered Scientist?

The Royal Society of Chemistry granted me a CSci after being a C.Chem for six continuous years

What is the value of professional bodies?

Professional bodies offer values, which when acquired by employees give companies more power, as well as confidence to their consumers

How important is CPD? What do you think of the revalidation process in ensuring that CSci is a mark of current competence?

CPD keeps a CSci in line to what he/she is practicing and helps them to keep in touch with their goals

Advice & Reflection

What words of wisdom would you give someone interested in getting into your field?

To be open-minded when you join the industry and work with full initiative

How important is the mentoring process in your field and to you personally?

The mentoring process is extremely valuable. Mentoring helps a company to rely on you and to come up with quick, correct decisions. Mentoring gives you valuable character

How would you define “professionalism”?

Professionalism involves using one’s art and skill and promoting it

What would you like people to remember about your life as a scientist?

That I was a creative and always involved in my career

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