HPLC for home use

[Kostas Petritis]

Either through Linkedin or through the e-mail link at the forum. Let's start with a resume and cover letter. If it is a go with me, I would like to run it through HR ASAP to make sure it is going to fly. We can talk details off-line.

People also provide good advices that you need to think about when constructing your resume or during the interview process. There is always the possibility that people use the hands-on experience excuse once they decide that you won't be a good fit for their company (for reasons Don outlined or similar).

[Karen01]

Second point on the resumes reading end: These days there are some very good chemists out of work. I really prefer to read the resume of someone who is leaving an organization voluntarily. Second choice is someone who has been separated from previous employment recently. The shorter the time since last employment, the better. The longer the time since last employment – without some other information (like personal knowledge of the situation or recommendation from someone I trust) the indication is that this is someone that nobody else wanted to hire.

A bit off topic but ...

In this economy, with all the downsizing, particularly in pharma, and particularly for those who are not young, while it is a common attitude that I used to share, it is very unfair.

-Karen

(who was out of work for 1.5 years after her last employer went from over 100 down to 5 and had good references from those who were above her [and they have great credentials- and were no longer there as well] and had been promoted a couple of years before the downsizing.)

[Don_Hilton]

Regarding Karen's comment. Judging someone as being a higher risk for hiring if they have been unemployed for a while is unfair to the good people who are stuck in that position. Unfortunately the hiring manager has no idea who you are. I was dumped in a downsizing after I had passed the age of 50. My connections that allowed me to move to a new job and connections that later made possible a job change when I chose it, were through my network. Finding a job after being dumped took about six months and I do not believe that I received a single reply from answering ads. I am a very strong advocate of building and using one's network and do what I can for friends who find themselves hunting for a job.

In a situation where all the coworkers are dumped at the same time, it is particularly tough because it can be harder to make use of them as references. You have to keep track of them!

For the out of work I will pass on some ideas if it will help: Keep building the network. Include everyone you knew in the past: Sales people who called on you, managers, subordinates, people you talked with at professional society meetings, even friends and relatives. And the question to ask is not "do you know where I can find a job?" because the answer is likely to be "no." Ask: "who do you know who would know where there would be a job doing [brief description]?" And ask for an introduction to that person. When you talk with that next person, ask the same question. And when you get passed to the next person... (you get the idea.) At some point one of those people will answer "You are talking to him/her." And when you get an interview and are turned down; ask that hiring manager for help. (In many cases the manager who has to tell you that you are not a fit for the position, does not like to put someone back out on the street. You may have a more sympathetic ear than you would imagine.)

Years ago I was told that resumes get sorted into three stacks: 1) Call these people 2) Maybe call these people and 3) trashcan. Only those in the call these people stack get called.

A resume from a friend has a strong tendency go to the” people to call” stack - even if the match is not as good as the reader would like. That person is to some extent known because the person who passed on the job seeker is willing to stick his/her neck out for this person.

As far as the priority of liking resumes - If I do not have tough decisions in the stack or lots of things to sort out, I am happier because I can get that job done more quickly (and safely for me). If I have the more complex resume in front of me, I will look at it and try to deal with it fairly. And my favorite is the resume from a friend I trust - some of the work has been done for me. And, this person has already been passed on by a person who trusts him/her. This does not mean that I will not look at a resume from a person who has been out of work for a while - but every reason I have for caution, I need to overcome - or I put the resume in the "maybe call this person" stack.

Have a friend read your resume after reading my comments above as to how I read a resume to screen someone out. Be sure that you have not planted any red flags in your resume. Or if there are some - that you have handled them well. I had a resume cross my desk in which an applicant claimed to be let go in a downsizing. I looked up the local newspaper on line and found glowing reports of a growing company in that town. If you left a company under less than favorable circumstances - you left. Don't go making stuff up. Lipstick on a pig tends to 1) stand out and 2) draw attention to the fact that what has been decorated is a pig.

Also on that resume, let me know what you did that added value to the company. If you punched the clock at the appropriate times and loaded samples into the instrument - fine. I don't have to move someone across the country to do that for me. If you took initiative and did things to improve what was going on - say so. (Again don't make stuff up. I am amazed to find out how many of my colleagues have friends who have worked so many places.) Demonstrate that you fulfilled your job responsibilities and the company benefitted from your being there.

Looking at the clock - and I have to be in to work on time... I'll end here.

[bisnettrj2]

It sounds like Don_Hilton could give a good talk to his local chromatography group about the structuring of a resume to get noticed, and possibly how to network effectively. Thanks, Don, for the informative post. I hope Boolie can glean some good information from everything the experienced posters have provided in this thread - I know I have.

[Gilson_PLC2020]

I don't think it's a good idea to setup a HPLC at home but I do find the concept interesting. I'd like to see the result of a vodka/distilled water gradient separation of some store bought samples (Coke would give a good Caffeine peak, plenty of pain killer products should provide decent peaks etc). Getting the HPLC modules off ebay is relatively easy if you know what to look for and if you choose a manual injection valve, a pump with in-build keypad control and a chart recorder then you could remove the need for software completely. Probably not much use for getting a job but interesting all the same.

[Boolie]

You originally asked:
1. Which system and software to buy, for at home use?
2. Will I be able to purchase chemicals and solvents, as an individual?
3. What environmental considerations and/or legal regulations are there governing the home lab?

1. Which system and software to buy, for at home use?

If you can't find anyone local to work with (where are you located, btw?), Saint Louis and you're stuck on buying an LC, I would definitely go for either an Agilent 1100 or a Waters Alliance. If Agilent - I would look for an MWD or a VWD, unless you can get a good deal on a DAD, I understand that DAD is a virtual data hog but then make sure the Chemstation software has the Spectral tools module included. Thanks for the advice If Waters, then make sure the system comes with Empower (note: I don't and haven't used any Waters systems, so I'm not sure if you would need any special add-ons to Empower if you get a PDA). Waters reps and their downloads lead me to believe that "Breeze" software is structured like Empower, but is far more modest and is intended for the stand-alone HPLC, (as opposed to a network of instruments & data tools)

2. Will I be able to purchase chemicals and solvents, as an individual?

You've stated you can find ACS methanol. We all know you can get ethanol:water mixtures and distilled water at the local supermarket. If you can get your hands on acetonitrile, then you would be in business, solvent and system wise.If I have an inline permeable tubing vacuum degasser, do I also need to pre-purge solvents daily, (as some texts seem to imply)?

You can probably obtain HPLC columns from eBay (buyer beware). There are a few people on eBay that seem to regularly sell HPLC columns, usually starting around $75 each. I've noticed this, too.Replacement parts can probably be obtained through the manufacturer or, again, through eBay. Sometimes they offer to sell one or more drawers-full of parts, connectors, and miscellaneous

Obtaining analytical standards is probably going to be hard,Why? Because they're expensive? outside of what are available to consumers (caffeine, ibuprofen, various herbicides like glyphosate, etc.).

3. What environmental considerations and/or legal regulations are there governing the home lab?

That will be up to your local and state regulators.


How exactly you're going to do to get your hands-on experience, is another thing altogether. I would probably try to follow a USP method for purity of household medicines (ibuprofen, maybe?). I have access to the online USP Or possibly an EPA drinking water method with UV detection (EPA 532, maybe?). You will need to possibly invest in the various extraction systems in order to show that you can completely follow a method, and you should be able to show that your results meet the QC criteria set out by the various regulatory bodies that govern the implementation of the method. However, you will be working outside a regulatory agency's certification or licensing, so your results may mean nothing to a regulated lab.

Will this help you get a job? Maybe, maybe not. It may show that you are proactive and can work independently and may show you have the necessary skills for the job. However, it may be interpreted as highly desperate, and might be indicative of poor decision making (this will be a *lot* of money to spend to get a job). It's a lot of money to go without a job for long, or to purchase health insurance from COBRA or on the open market. As Kostas and Tom and others posted, this is definitely not the "normal" way to go. But it might work, and who are we to tell you you're wrong? It isn't "just" that I want a job for the income - heck, I'm crazy about the practice of chemistry, "a passionate disciple of the science...who will work fervently" for the privilege of practicing it!

If you can wait for Kostas' offer, I would take it, if he's able to offer you a spot. Or, maybe you can re-enroll at the local university in an analytical instrumentation class that has an HPLC unit - at least you would get some hands-on experience there, if not a lot. Maybe you can talk the professor into letting you do extra lab work, or as a student you can find a professor doing research, and volunteer to help him in exchange for the experience. As a student, the university should look on you with more acceptance than as an outside individual.

Thank you, bisnettrj2, for your considered advice.

[bisnettrj2]

You've stated you can find ACS methanol. We all know you can get ethanol:water mixtures and distilled water at the local supermarket. If you can get your hands on acetonitrile, then you would be in business, solvent and system wise. If I have an inline permeable tubing vacuum degasser, do I also need to pre-purge solvents daily, (as some texts seem to imply)?

Maybe, maybe not. If my system has been sitting over a weekend, I may flush the degasser for a few minutes. If you're recycling your solvents, you can collect the purged solvents in the waste container, so it won't really matter if you do have to purge.

Obtaining analytical standards is probably going to be hard, Why? Because they're expensive?

Some standards may be hard to obtain because of their controlled nature or their potential for misuse. For instance, I analyze explosives. I believe it would attract a bit of attention from the BATF or the FBI if I wanted to buy explosives as an individual! Otherwise, they aren't particularly expensive (maybe $15-30 for 1 mL of a 100-1000 ug/mL standard, unless you're looking at something isotopically labeled, then the prices jump significantly). I may be wrong in my assumption that they might be hard to get - I just assume they would be, but I haven't tried to obtain them myself.

It's a lot of money to go without a job for long, or to purchase health insurance from COBRA or on the open market. As Kostas and Tom and others posted, this is definitely not the "normal" way to go. But it might work, and who are we to tell you you're wrong? It isn't "just" that I want a job for the income - heck, I'm crazy about the practice of chemistry, "a passionate disciple of the science...who will work fervently" for the privilege of practicing it!

On the first part - it's understandable that it's a lot of money missed being without a job for a long period, but buying an HPLC for home use compounds that problem (expending a lot of money with no money coming in), while not being a guaranteed solution to said problem.

On the second part - If I could have an LC at home, I would think that would be fun. However, like Don said, hiring the mad scientist isn't exactly in the best interests of a human resources person or a company in general. Looking at the situation from a skeptics point of view, I always take what other people tell me with a grain of salt, and if I feel at all uneasy about their motives, I move on to the next person. While you may be completely genuine in your motives, you have to consider what someone else may think about your actions. From this thread, I've seen responses across the board, from "I'd be impressed" to expressions that this is a bad or at least questionable idea. But, you didn't ask us what we thought about the idea, so the end result of the choice is for you to decide. I think there have been enough opinions expressed here so far to give you a good idea of the range of responses you'll hear if you carry out your plan.

[bgranot]

I'm an out-of-work wet bench chemist who has never had the opportunity to run HPLC. I've taken HPLC continuing ed courses, but I need "hands-on" experience in order to get a chemistry job. For this reason, I'm thinking of purchasing a used system to work with in my home. Questions that come to mind are:
Which system and software to buy, for at home use?
Will I be able to purchase chemicals and solvents, as an individual?
What environmental considerations and/or legal regulations are there governing the home lab?

Try to get a used HP1100 or Agilent 1100. The eazest system to work on and maintain.
The used market on these is expensive, but wuth good reason (starting at $15,000) with warrentee from used equipment dealer.
You can lern how to do IQ/OQ using the chemstation OQ/PV.
We have two HP1050 systems with 1050 column ovens, 1050 auto samplers and 1100 VWD detectors for $3,000 , but I do not know the conditions.
You will have to buy new UV lamp.....
Please let me know at bgranot@netzero.net
Thanks,

[bisnettrj2]

I've seen advertisements out there for new Agilent 1220 HPLCs (I think that's the equivalent of the old 1200 SL) starting at $15000. So, no worries about getting a D.O.A. instrument...

http://chromatographyonline.findanalyti ... 812?ref=25

[Boolie]

I'm an out-of-work wet bench chemist who has never had the opportunity to run HPLC. I've taken HPLC continuing ed courses, but I need "hands-on" experience in order to get a chemistry job. For this reason, I'm thinking of purchasing a used system to work with in my home. Questions that come to mind are:
Which system and software to buy, for at home use?
Will I be able to purchase chemicals and solvents, as an individual?
What environmental considerations and/or legal regulations are there governing the home lab?

Try to get a used HP1100 or Agilent 1100. The eazest system to work on and maintain. Many other advisors share your sentiments regarding the 1100; certainly I have the most documentation for 1100 and 1200 series LCs
The used market on these is expensive, but wuth good reason (starting at $15,000) with warrentee from used equipment dealer.
You can lern how to do IQ/OQ using the chemstation OQ/PV.
We have two HP1050 systems with 1050 column ovens, 1050 auto samplers and 1100 VWD detectors for $3,000 , but I do not know the conditions. At $3000 these are certainly provocative options for "learning". Do they come with quaternary pumps, inline solvent vacuum degassers, software, computer?
You will have to buy new UV lamp.....
Please let me know at bgranot@netzero.net
Thanks,

[Boolie]

I've seen advertisements out there for new Agilent 1220 HPLCs (I think that's the equivalent of the old 1200 SL) starting at $15000. So, no worries about getting a D.O.A. instrument... Good point about operational condition and warranty. But the $15,000 system is an isocratic pump, no column oven, and EZChromElite (?) as opposed to ChemStation. Since I would want to tinker with gradients, and would prefer to learn "ChemStation", a suitable system would certainly cost more than $15,000. I notice that this 1200 series is being billed as an "Agilent" as opposed to an "HP" system. I wonder if that is a REAL engineering design and quality change or just an upgrade of previous "HP" designs.

http://chromatographyonline.findanalyti ... 812?ref=25

[bisnettrj2]

HP spun off Agilent back in '99. The 1100 came out in 1995. The 1050 came out in 1988. There isn't a difference between an HP 1100 or an Agilent 1100, except in the different versions of the individual modules (G1315A versus G1315B or C diode array detectors; G1313A versus G1329A autosamplers). The 1200 series, when the 1200-SL pumps were released, graduated to a 600-bar limit from a 400-bar limit. The new 1200 for $15k is a 600-bar system. The features between a 1050 and an 1100 aren't that varied, except I believe the 1050 doesn't have an inline degasser, and I believe the 1050 only came with a quaternary pump.

[dcree]

If you can get to the U.K., there are a number of courses offered by the Stuart Jones HPLC Academy (http://www.hplccourses.com/). Many are hands-on, and they have a lab with 17 HPLC systems.

[Consumer Products Guy]

The features between a 1050 and an 1100 aren't that varied, except I believe the 1050 doesn't have an inline degasser, and I believe the 1050 only came with a quaternary pump.

We have 1050 systems with degassers. They are early ones, the hold up is like 40 ml per channel, but they work fine. The biggest difference with the 1100 series that I notice is that it's easier to change stuff like lamps from the front, don't need to disassemble the stack and take the top off the detector module.

[Vlad Orlovsky]

Advice from a person who was laid off 8 years ago and started chromatography company:
1, Don't buy any equipment for home use. You will eventually kill yourself and people around you. Organic solvents are flammable and toxic. Regulation are strict and your "home" activities can be punishable (EPA, FBI, DEA)
2. You will have hard time finding tasks which are relative to your potential employers. Very soon if you don't see response to your "home classes" you will abandon it after wasting few thousand dollars.
3. You need constant interaction with people regarding new trends, methods and approaches. It is impossible to do at home and just through internet/emails.
4. Learn basics, mechanisms of interactions, out-of-the-box solutions. If you know what is "inside" the column/method you will be more successful than learning Chemstation (or other software). Pressing buttons is easy and you can learn it in a day or two.
5. With 100s of experienced LC-people out of work, why somebody would hire a person who learned chromatography at home? I would rather hire somebody with experience or fresh graduate, who's brains are not clogged and who can learn everything fast. This will cost much less.
6. Consider taking entry level position in any chemical position with some LC equipment. You can learn this on your job in the lab next to you in your spare time. Third shift in Environmental Lab is very convenient for this.
7. Consider changing field
8. Consider starting your own business