12 Month University Industrial Placement Student (UIPS): Early Oncology Review

Lab work and desk work focused on my project, which is based on Early Oncology. Day-to-day basis work includes tissue culture, performing different biochemical assays, data analysis; joining in progress meetings, project meetings, symposiums, talks and townhalls.

Yes, I have my own project from the beginning of the placement, which is an important part for my team and will be beneficial for the entire early oncology department. After being taught and supervised for the first few months, I individually designed my experiments and learnt the data analysis, generated results which was discussed in the team on a weekly basis. I am also in charge of troubleshooting machines and contacting external suppliers. Besides my own project, I also supported my team for providing data and aiding in experiments.

During my lab-based placement, I learnt new technical skills including tissue culture, flow cytometry, HTRF, western blotting, and CyTOF. These hands-on techniques and related troubleshooting expanded my lab experience and confidence. I also developed key professional skills by improving my time management, presentation, report writing, communication, and ability to collaborate as part of a team. Overall, this placement has helped me gain both practical laboratory expertise and essential transferable skills for future scientific roles.

I received a lot of support and guidance during my placement. Having 2 supervisors, a line manager, a mentor, and an entire team is really the highlight of my placement, as they supported me by not only supervision and teaching me techniques, but also ensuring I got valuable experience out of lab. They ensured I have enough exposure to new technology, and enough opportunities to present my work to the department. When I need extra support, I can also approach any one of them and will either get the support or will be redirected to the person who can help.
My department is also really friendly, and they provided a lot of meaningful information to my project and showing me different techniques.

The company culture is really friendly and open. The seminars and meetings are open to everyone who's interested, and they covers a wide range. Meetings with peers, previous placement students, people on grad schemes, and also senior scientists, policy makers, other branches (such as the US branch) provides information and support and showcase how different stages of career can be, which is really helpful. Events held by the department (including Christmas parties and picnics) created bonds among people and allowed me to see how everyone is like outside of work.

I really enjoyed my placement, as it provides a good opportunity to see and experience how working in the industry is like, and also provides insights for the next step of my career. Besides learning valuable skills in the lab, I found the opportunities to communicate with internal and external scientists really helpful, and all the experiences are delightful, as the company has a good, friendly, open, and true-to-science attitude. Collaboration is strongly recommended by the company, which means there are early talent events held especially between placement students to ensure enough opportunities and exposure to the company, which I appreciate a lot.

Yes