Cell Transduction Scientist Review

I work in a team researching how to improve the manufacture of genetically modified cell based therapies. I spent most of my time designing and running experiments in the lab. I am also responsible for analysing and presenting my own data and reporting back to stake holders. I also have responsibilities linked with improving data integrity and mentor staff who are earlier on in their apprenticeship programme.

I have greatly improve my practical lab skills especially in regard to flow cytometry. I expressed to my manager that this was a technique I found challenging and so I was able to attend a 3 day course covering the basic of running and analysing data from flow cytometry experiments. I have also learnt new skills such a viral transduction, nucleofection, ddPCR and protein concentration assays. I have also learnt how to design my own in vitro based experiments.

I greatly enjoy my programme but the area I work in is very fast paced and there is a lot of pressure to deliver objects to predefined deadlines. Although this is needed to provide guidance when working it can also mean working very long hours and as I am also completing my degree is can be very challenging to balance lab work and university work. For example, during our busiest times I was getting to work at 7am to study till 9am, working 9-6pm and then completing more university work in the evenings.

My programme is very well organised and I get the freedom to decide my own schedule meaning I decide when to take my 20% of time to study. Although it is beneficial in some ways, not having a defined study days means it is easy to miss study days when things are simply too busy. Additionally, changes are frequently made by my training provider regarding the content of our academic learning programme, which can make the process more stressful than it needs to be.

I receive great support from my employer. Although there are times when the workload is extensive whenever I feel I have been given too much I have been able to express this concern openly with my manager and we have worked together to prioritise tasks and get help from others in the team.

I receive a good amount of support from my training provider but there are often long delays when asking for help over email. I don't feel this is intentional but as more and more people join programmes with the university of Kent I feel they have struggle to maintain providing the same level of support as they did when I completed my first level 5 programme with them.

My training provider have designed a qualification programme that is well aligned to my to day to day work. I didn't feel my level 5 qualification with the same provided was as well aligned but I am greatly enjoying my level 6 top up programme and the module options align well to my work e.g. there are modules on advanced immunology, as I work in a cell and gene therapy department this module is extremely helpful.

My workplace have an apprenticeship network. I was previously Southern Regional lead for this committee and they act as a student union. They arrange social events for current and graduated apprentices outside of work by also organise work based event such as an early talent symposium and drug discovery and development workshops. Additionally, I have a very social department and there are also people willing to give a new sport a try if you want! We also have charity days which we follow by a social event in the evening which provide great ways for the team to bond and get to know each other.

Yes

If you are in a good team with good management GSK is a fantastic place to work. For me it took me a while to find a team where I really enjoyed the work and the atmosphere but now I have I couldn't be happier. They value and support their apprentices and are always happy to help us learn a new skill and are willing to challenge us to help us grow. Even when I have made mistakes in the past I am not made to feel bad for them, I am simply encouraged to learn from them, an ethos I feel is vital while completing an apprenticeship.

Be yourself - you need to make sure GSK is right for you as well as them seeing if you are right for them. It will be challenging working for GSK, they will push you and it can be stressful but take this in your stride and know that if things to get too much they will always be willing to support and help you if you just ask. Make sure you dedicate time to the online tests, find a quiet place where you won't be disturbed these are vitally important if you want to get an interview. Asks as many questions as you need to and remember that no question is a silly one!