Organic Synthesis Chemist Review

Item: Organic Synthesis Chemist at AstraZeneca
Rating: 4.7
Author: Anonymous

at AstraZeneca

Placement (10 Months+)

Chemistry

Macclesfield

Review Submitted: July 2021

Overall Rating

4.7 /5

The Overall Rating is the average of all the ratings given in each category. We take those individual ratings and combine them into one final score!

5/5 - Overview of Role

5/5 - Skills Development

5/5 - Support and Guidance

4/5 - Company Culture

5/5 - Overall Experience

5/5 - Future Career Prospects

Overview of Role

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

I work in the laboratory most days conducting experiments. I often collaborate with other scientists in the lab i.e. my team or other disciplines such as crystallisation or analytical. My team responsible for the design and optimisation of the route towards a medicine and I am involved with all aspects of this- in particular I am in charge of one stage.

Were you given much responsibility during your placement / internship?

yes lots- I am involved in all aspects of the project and one particular stage of the chemistry route has been my responsibility. My work is meaningful as it has a direct impact on patients lives which I find highly motivating. I have grown to work more autonomously over the year, however I know I can always ask for help if I need from any of my team members and they are always willing to answer any questions I may have.

Please rate how meaningful the work you were doing was

5/5

Skills Development

Have you learnt any new skills, or developed your existing skills?

I have developed on the theoretical foundations from university and applied these to a practical environment. I have progressed my technical lab skills and my understanding of reactions, work-ups, impurity purging, isolation and analysis. I have also improved soft skills such as confidence, team working and public speaking ability.

How would you rate the training provided during your experience?

5/5

How would you rate your development of industry-specific skills during the experience?

5/5

How would you rate your development of personal / soft skills during the experience?

5/5

Please rate how these skills have helped you in your career development

5/5

Support and Guidance

How much support and guidance did you receive during your placement / internship?

I have been very well supported by my supervisor, line manager and all the wider team. I consult with my supervisor on a very regular basis to ensure I am happy and have direction for my work. My manager has also gone above and beyond to make sure I settled in well at the beginning and remained happy throughout the year. All members of the department are incredibly friendly and helpful whenever needed making it a very nice atmosphere to work in.

How would you rate the support and guidance from your line manager?

5/5

How would you rate the support and guidance from the wider team?

5/5

Company Culture

What was the company culture and general atmosphere like?

An emphasis on collaboration and team working within the laboratory and project work. The wider company also emphasises being a great place to work and so you really feel valued as individuals.

How would you rate the inclusiveness of the culture?

5/5

How would you rate the social opportunities?

4/5

How would you rate the diversity initiatives?

3/5

How would you rate the charity, sustainability and corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives?

4/5

Overall Experience

To what extent did you enjoy your placement / internship?

I have thoroughly enjoyed my placement which is due to the exciting and challenging project I have been working on and the lovely people I have been working with. It has been a great experience and insight into the pharmaceutical sector and industrial chemistry. I now feel more prepared to tackle the final year of my degree thanks to all the learnings I have gained from AstraZeneca.