Laboratory Scientist Apprentice Review
at AstraZeneca
Degree Apprenticeship
Science
Cambridge
Review Submitted: April 2025
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
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Overview of Role
4/5
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Skills Development
3.6/5
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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 work in a team focussed on early drug discovery with our work mainly focussing on discovering and validating new targets. My daily work includes meetings, planning experiments, collaborating with colleagues, lab work and studying/completing assignments.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
4/5
I enjoy my programme. My work is very interesting and I feel I am constantly learning. Every day is different and there are lots of opportunities internally to connect with others and learn new things. I receive a lot of support and opportunities from my manager and colleagues.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
4/5
In my short time here, I am already becoming more independent in the lab and learning to carry out new techniques. I am learning how to visualise data and communicate with both scientists and non-scientists. However, I do find it difficult sometimes as while colleagues/mentors are happy to help you it can be difficult as they also have their own responsibilities and can't always easily make time to walk you through a new technique or experiment. This means it can take longer than expected to learn something.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
3/5
The volume of content and assignments can be overwhelming at times and difficult to manage with work, but the structuring of the programme is logical and builds on each course.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
4/5
My manager and supervisors are very supportive and aim to ensure that I'm progressing and able to manage to my time well.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
4/5
The university host several seminars and are always reachable by email if you have questions.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
3/5
While not all the content is applicable to everyone's individual role, it gives you a broad view of science, particularly drug discovery and data science, and helps you practice key skills such as science communication and digesting papers.
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
I am involved with our Apprentice Committee and Early Talent resource group
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend AstraZeneca to a friend?
Yes
Why?
There is a lot of opportunities for development and the environment is really supportive. Your managers and supervisors ensure that your work aligns with your goals and that you are able to complete both your work and study.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to AstraZeneca?
Do your research on the area you're applying to and show a genuine interest in the science! Reflect on your experiences (previous jobs, hobbies, volunteering etc.) and how they make you a good fit for the role.
