Biochemistry Lab Technician Review

Running biodegradation assays to test polymer biodegradability. Analytical techniques were also used to help supplement the assay work for further polymer understanding.
A nice mix of office work, laboratory work and presenting my results to my direct bosses and my larger team. Not too many many meetings and the ability to plan out my own time with as much support as I would like. Other than discussing weekly goals with supervisors most lab work was run independently which I enjoyed.

Yes plenty, we would have a weekly meeting on a Monday morning with my two bosses where I would present last weeks results and we would discuss the week comings plan to build upon what we had found out the previous week. Otherwise there was no micro managing or constant checking in, they just trusted I would work around my own schedule without having to watch me constantly. Of course they were always available and happy to help if I ever did need help, which I did ask for on several occasions.

Definitely! Loads of time working independently in the lab has led me to developing a good understanding of plate based biochemistry and different instruments I had not used before in university. Plenty of presenting to make me more comfortable with presenting my results without it being too much or an overwhelming amount. Plenty of time spent doing data analysis so my excel skills are much improved as well

As much as I would like. If I needed further support I had numerous people from by two bosses, line manager or other people working around my lab to turn to about anything and everything. I never had a bad experience from asking for help and always felt welcome to ask.

Very friendly. I worked in the MIF which is not the main site for the company in Liverpool but there is a nice vibe around the office here. Everyone gets their work done but is also very friendly and chatty if you want to be. The placement was also excellent as there are 10s of other placement students all starting different roles at the same time so there are plenty of people starting in the exact same place you are.

I really enjoyed my placement. A perfect balance of new experiences without being over worked or pressured. Taking PTO was never scrutinised and everyone understood I had university work to do alongside my placement and so adjustments were made to give me time during work hours to complete that and not have to spend all my free time dedicated to it. All in all I was surprised by the level of friendly people I met and how enjoyable a proper 9 to 5 job was after working part time bar jobs through university.

Yes