BioAscent is pleased to welcome Rita Pereira back to the company as a permanent member of the biosciences team, following the successful completion of her 12-week placement during the summer. 

Prior to joining BioAscent, Rita had gained experience primarily in an academic setting and was eager to develop her drug discovery knowledge to launch her career in the field. Rita was drawn to BioAscent for the opportunity to complete a hands-on wet lab placement focusing on the central nervous system, which had been her main field of interest throughout her university studies. During her placement, Rita worked on a medium-throughput screen of positive allosteric modulators for treating affective disorders such as depression and anxiety.   

Reflecting on her placement, Rita says: “This project allowed me to develop key laboratory techniques used in drug discovery and gave me access to more equipment compared to academia. I also enjoyed the environment and the team I worked with, who supported me immensely throughout my time as a placement student."  

Now a full-time member of the biosciences team, Rita is currently working on a client project for a more efficacious treatment of Alzheimer's disease, where she is responsible for conducting routine laboratory techniques, maintaining accurate documentation and ensuring progress remains on track. Rita also collaborates with the wider team, where they discuss the steps taken during the project and overcome any challenges that may arise.  

This new position has allowed Rita to gain a wider perspective of the drug discovery process by working on diverse client projects beyond the scope of their previous placement.  

Commenting on her return to BioAscent, Rita shares: “I am super thrilled to be back at BioAscent full time, where I hope I can develop my skills as an early career researcher and help drive drug discovery forward. I'm looking forward to continuing to work with this amazing and supportive team of researchers and learning new techniques throughout my time here.”