API
In pharmaceutical research, an API (Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient) is the main working substance in a medicine that creates the intended health effect. Think of it as the key ingredient that makes a medicine work. For example, acetaminophen is the API in Tylenol that helps reduce pain and fever. When people in pharmaceutical jobs mention API, they're usually talking about these active ingredients, how to make them, test them, or ensure their quality. This is different from the technology industry, where API means something else entirely (Application Programming Interface).
Examples in Resumes
Supervised quality control testing of API manufacturing processes
Led research team in development of novel Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient synthesis methods
Optimized API purification techniques resulting in 25% yield improvement
Typical job title: "API Scientists"
Also try searching for:
Where to Find API Scientists
Professional Organizations
Job Boards
Professional Networks
Example Interview Questions
Senior Level Questions
Q: How do you approach API stability testing and what factors do you consider most critical?
Expected Answer: A senior scientist should discuss various environmental factors like temperature, humidity, and light exposure, explain different testing timeframes, and demonstrate knowledge of regulatory requirements for stability studies.
Q: Describe your experience with API process scale-up challenges.
Expected Answer: Should explain how laboratory processes are adapted for larger manufacturing scales, including considerations for equipment differences, cost efficiency, and maintaining product quality during scale-up.
Mid Level Questions
Q: What methods do you use to ensure API purity?
Expected Answer: Should describe common analytical techniques, quality control procedures, and understanding of acceptable purity standards in pharmaceutical manufacturing.
Q: How do you document API development processes?
Expected Answer: Should discuss laboratory notebook practices, documentation requirements for regulatory compliance, and experience with standard operating procedures (SOPs).
Junior Level Questions
Q: What is an API and why is it important in pharmaceutical development?
Expected Answer: Should explain that API is the active ingredient that produces the medical effect, and demonstrate basic understanding of how APIs work in medicines.
Q: What basic safety procedures do you follow when handling APIs?
Expected Answer: Should describe fundamental laboratory safety practices, proper handling of chemical substances, and awareness of contamination prevention.
Experience Level Indicators
Junior (0-2 years)
- Basic laboratory techniques
- Understanding of GMP principles
- Basic analytical methods
- Laboratory safety procedures
Mid (2-5 years)
- API characterization techniques
- Quality control testing
- Method development
- Documentation practices
Senior (5+ years)
- Process optimization
- Regulatory compliance
- Scale-up experience
- Project leadership
Red Flags to Watch For
- Lack of GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) knowledge
- Poor understanding of documentation requirements
- No experience with analytical techniques
- Unfamiliarity with basic safety protocols
