Associate Scientist Review

Item: Associate Scientist at AstraZeneca
Rating: 4.1
Author: Anonymous

at AstraZeneca

Higher Level Apprenticeship

Science

Macclesfield

Review Submitted: March 2023

Overall Rating

4.1 /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!

4/5 - Overview of Role

5/5 - Skills Development

3.8/5 - Structure and Support

Overview of Role

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

4/5

I am the microbiologist representative in developing pharmaceutical products that are hoped to get to market. I ensure micro safety is applied through all non-clinical and clinical phases to ensure patient safety. I also work on technical development projects in the workplace, improving instruments and test methods.

To what extent do you enjoy your programme?

4/5

I really enjoy my apprenticeship. The job is interesting and i learn new things every day. Everyone is lovely to work with and i get a great experience in several teams working in different environments.

Skills Development

Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?

5/5

Learned how to perform: bioburden testing, sterility testing, rapid sterility testing, water activity testing, water endotoxin testing, streaking, broth transfers, serial dilutions, aseptic techniques, gowning for a clean room etc. My confidence and time management has also improved and i am much better at presenting and speaking up.

Structure and Support

How well organised/structured is your programme?

4/5

The programme is structured well. I am given one day a week to complete my uni studies and was assigned a mentor for my uni studies aswell as working on site.

How much support do you receive from your employer?

5/5

My line manager and collegues provide me with so much help and support whenever i need it and have made me feel comfortable in asking for help.

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

3/5

I have meetings every few months with my uni mentor who supports me by planning my exams and assigment deadlines. The mentors for each uni module help when i have questions.

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

3/5

Some aspects of the degree relate to my role, but others have no link

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

4/5

There are lots of social activities constantly being organised. There are also volunteer days for schools, colleges and for charities. There are also a few sports teams.