Associate scientist Review

by AstraZeneca

Best Apprenticeship Employer

Rating

7/10

1. Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:

I am a research scientist and am mostly lab based. I am on the early side of research mostly working on pre-clinical projects but with some projects already under going clinical trials. Day to day in the lab i perform a range of tasks including running experiments and also maintenance.

8/10

2. Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?

I've learnt a lot of new skills, all the lab skills i have learnt have come from this program (cell based assays, qPCR, fresh tissue processing, ELISA's, MSD's among others) and outside the lab i've learnt data analysis skills like statistical analysis. i've also learnt how to present data.

8/10

3. To what extent do you enjoy your programme?

I really enjoy the lab work, it is always interesting and rewarding to generate data which is key to driving some projects. I also enjoy the communication in the teams and being a part of them. The university work isn't always very engaging and could be improved to keep interest ad make more enjoyable

8/10

4. How well organised/structured is your programme?

From the work perpective it is very well organised, they keep on top of all relevant training, learning and day to day activities. However the university timelines are much less clear, there never seems to be any long term plan or any which is accessible to us so often felt left in the dark

5/10

5. How much support do you receive from your employer?

I receive plenty of support from my employer, they are very good at checking in and seeing what support is needed alongside proving continual training.

9/10

6. How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?

I get enough support from the training provider, it could be better structured and more active but if really needed support can be found

5/10

7. How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?

Minimal, it can sometimes help understand the wider picture but pretty much most of my learning comes through the workside of the apprenticeship

4/10

8. Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)

There is a social society set up from apprentices which has led to many social activities

9/10

9a. Would you recommend AstraZeneca to a friend?

Yes

9b. Why?

They've been a very rewarding place to work who generally treat employees well and have a lot to offer and can teach a lot.

10. What tips or advice would you give to others applying to AstraZeneca?

take every opportunity you get, there are lots on offer at astrazeneca with learnings in each one.