Hammersmith Medicines Research Ltd (HMR) is one of the largest clinical trial units in Europe, located in North-West London. It specializes in Phase I and early Phase II clinical trials, testing new drugs for safety and effectiveness on healthy volunteers. HMR has 145 beds across 3 wards, an in-house pharmacy, analytical laboratory, and offices for over 200 staff members including physicians, nurses, and various research roles. Clinical trials involve screening volunteers, testing new drugs in low doses, and measuring their effects on the body over time. HMR offers opportunities for career experience and skills development in fields like biomedical science, project management, quality assurance, and more.

1. Hammersmith Medicines
Research Ltd
Samuel Barnett – Biomedical Science (BSc Hons)

2. About Hammersmith Medicines
Research Ltd
Hammersmith Medicines Research Ltd (HMR) is one of the biggest clinical trial units in Europe. It
specialises in phase I and early phase II trials in humans
HMR is based in an attractive premises in North-West London
It is composed 3 wards consisting of 145 beds, approximately 200 members of staff composed of
physicians, nurses, research technicians, pharmacy staff, Biomedical scientists, Data managers,
quality research associates, project managers, screening technicians and many more…
HMR facilities include; in-house pharmacy, analytical laboratory, wards, vast office space, staff-
restaurant with balcony, screening clinic to name a few

4. Where is it located?
Hammersmith Medicines Research is located in North-West London in Park Royal in the borough
of Brent, situated with a view of the Wembley stadium.
Buses serve the area, as well as the local Park Royal tube station (7min walk) (Piccadilly) or
alternatively Harlesden (15min walk) (Bakerloo & Overground)

6. Clinical Trials
Clinical trials are an essential process in which a prototype drug (known as IMP) or other
experimental treatment/sample types are tested for safety and effectiveness
HMR specialises in stage I and early stage II clinical trials, stage I clinical trials are the first time
an IMP is administered (very low dose) to human volunteers this is to measure the
pharmacokinetics (how the drug affects the organism) of the drug , stage II is where the
effectiveness of the drug is measure pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics (how the body is
affected)
Only healthy volunteers are used, there are screening tests to ensure this such as DoA (Drugs of
abuse), biochemistry, haematology and serology tests etc.

7. Basic Structure of a Trial
Enquiry is made by the sponsor to HMR, if the trial is feasible and financial aspects are met a
quote is given to the sponsor. If agreed they move to the next step.
A project manager is assigned a trial, during this set up the ethics, protocol (either written by
HMR or the sponsor) must be completed
Trial is assigned to a ward team, QRA (Quality Research Associate), Pharmacy champion, Data
manager etc.
Ethics is submitted to the committee MHRA (Medicines and Healthcare Regulatory Authority), if
approved the trial can begin screening and recruiting volunteers

8. What Makes HMR a great place for your
placement?
HMR can provide you with an incredible experience not only for those willing to pursue a lab-
based career but can give a terrific insight into the fascinating world of clinical trials and a look
at the whole process of the pharmaceutical industry.
HMR Lab provides a wide range of different techniques, as well as lots of ‘hands-on’ work
ranging from samples separation, admin work, assays and maintenance of different analyers
from a variety of Biotech companies.
HMR Lab works within the parameters set by CAP (College of American Pathologists) and within
the set of regulations known as ISO9001 set by the United Kingdom Accreditation Service
(UKAS), having experience in working within these regulations and being familiar with these is a
highly desirable and will look great on your CV.
HMR is one of the few clinical trial units to conduct radioactive trials, although the risk is very
low (air stewards are subject to far more radiation than is administered to subjects) there is
another set of regulations which come with this.

9. What Are The Potential Career Paths?
Lab based (Biomedical Scientist, Medical Laboratory assistant, Senior BMS etc.)
Project Management & Ethics (Clinical Trial Associates, Clinical Project Management)
Quality (Quality Officer)
Medical Writing
Ward Based (Research Technicians)
And many more…

10. What’s the work like?
The general work day starts at 8 and ends at 4 with a 15 minute tea break in the morning and
half an hour for lunch but everyone is super relaxed!
The work is hugely varied and very hands on. If you show you are capable then you will be given
extra responsibilities which is hugely rewarding
Work ranges from four different sections each with it’s own challenges and rewards
You do get paid! Although it’s not a lot (£13,555 per annum)
Overtime is available which is £60 for the first two hours and £20p/h after that…
There is a wide variety of techniques used, there are many trial specific tests, assays and other
requirements so there is always something new being brought into the lab, so you’re constantly
learning!

12. Social
Football on Thursdays
HMR has a social email address where people organise meals, sports, drinks etc.
An all inclusive Christmas party
The potential to live and world in one of the biggest cities in the world (there is ALWAYS
something to do!)
Many young professionals and master students gain experience at this company, so speaking to
other like minded people is a great way to discover the opportunities out there!
The lab often has lab lunches where people bring in different dishes to share or sometimes
competitions like baking etc…

14. Placement in General
Even if you don’t want to peruse a career in clinical trials, are completely unsure what to do or
even you don’t think HMR is suitable for you.. I couldn’t recommend going on a placement in
general.
During my placement I came to the careers fair here to give a talks to a range of students about
job opportunities here, the difference in 3rd year students who had been on placement and
hadn’t is definitely noticeable
Placement gives you so much experience and useable knowledge which employers really hold
above all else so getting this experience now whilst you have the support of the University is a
great help to start to build your career
Helps mature you as a person and sets you in a great frame of mind and discipline for your final
year

15. Thanks for listening…Any Questions?
http://www.hmrlondon.com
Any more questions my email is below
b3031972@my.shu.ac.uk
(or type ‘Sam Barnett into’ the address on your SHU
email)