International Women’s Day: A day in the life of…Melanie Anderson

Melanie Anderson
Principal Scientist

Melanie Anderson is a principal scientist at Merck Research Laboratories (NJ, USA) and manages a Clinical Regulated Bioanalysis group. Melanie has over 15 years’ experience in both pharma and CRO settings, conducting LC–MS/MS analysis for quantitation of small molecules and peptides. Melanie has participated in FDA inspections and contributed to regulatory filings. Additionally, Melanie has experience in non-compartmental pharmacokinetic analysis of atypical compounds.

She received her BA in Chemistry from Hasting College (NE, USA) in 2002, and an MS in Chemistry from Lehigh University (PA, USA) in 2007. Melanie’s scientific interests include analysis of unique matrices, unstable compounds, challenges in chromatographic separations, and at home microsampling approaches for regulated clinical trials. Recently, Melanie has evaluated and helped implement microsampling devices in animal and human regulated studies.

 1My alarm goes off…

Usually it isn’t actually an alarm but a 3-year-old trying to either crawl into my bed or bribe me into making him breakfast. Someday I hope to use an alarm again. I feed the minions, check my email, drink my coffee and head to work after our nanny has arrived.

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2I’m responsible for…

I have a small group and we’re responsible for LC–MS/MS analysis of clinical PK samples at Merck and Co, Inc. We do primarily small molecules and peptides. However, we are moving into large molecule analysis as well, like so many in the industry. I currently sit on a project team for two large molecules. In addition, I contribute to a small task force at Merck that tries to incorporate smart technologies into clinical trials. From packaging to sample collection, we’re trying to use innovation to get better data out of our trials. This year, I started working on the Land of Lakes organizing committee and I contribute to Bioanalysis Zone as a Zone Leader.

3My typical day…

My typical day involves approximately 3 hours of meetings (usually the good productive kind), data analysis, data review, documentation review and the occasional, enjoyable troubleshooting opportunity. I love the lab, but struggle to find time to run experiments. I have to be content with data analysis and managing program issues.

 4The strangest thing that has happened…

There are some strange things that go on at my work: from knowing my colleague’s urine and who bleeds the best via finger stick to conducting paternity testing with DNA profiling. We always keep it fun.

5The best part of my job…

The best part of my job is the science. From program based scientific issues to bioanalytical challenges – I love it all.

6The worst part of my job…

The worst part of my job is balancing home and work. My husband and I used to negotiate about what restaurant we’d go to. Now we negotiate about who gets to go to work first in the morning…

7After work…

After work, I return to the minions and the Napoleonic ways of my toddler. Anyone who struggles with enjoying their work simply needs more children. It makes work seem like a serene, quiet paradise. To let off steam, I enjoy running and good beer (usually in that order).

 8I always wanted to be…

I always wanted to be my Mother’s puppy. It seemed like a good life-well loved, well cared for. That dream was dashed when I realized the impossibility of my canine hopes and dreams.

 Who is your inspirational hero?

My sister is the most inspirational person I know. She’s tough and kind in the best possible ways. Her example makes me a better scientist, a better mother, a better wife and ultimately a much better person.