Laboratory Scientist Review
at AstraZeneca
Degree Apprenticeship
Pharmaceutical
Cambridge
Review Submitted: January 2025
Overall Rating
4.6 /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!
4.5/5
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Overview of Role
5/5
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Skills Development
4.2/5
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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:
5/5
I plan experiments, carry them out in the lab and analyse results. I attend project, departmental, team and 1:1 meetings where we discuss science and admin related subjects. I spend time training on use of different software's or machines in and outside the lab, as well as theory about the experiments I am carrying out.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
4/5
I absolutely love what I do. The job alongside university is challenging which I love- I get to learn so many new things each day. Despite this, it has been a relatively large workload and a lot of new information to take in which has taken some adjustment.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
5/5
I have learnt many skills, mainly in the lab. Basic techniques such as pipetting, simple experiments such as ELISAs and CTGs alongside more complex techniques such as flow cytometry and being able to carry out the analysis of the data. Alongside this, I have developed presentation, time-management and communication skills.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
4/5
It is very flexible. It is well structured for me because my managers lays out my plan in a timeline for me. University is well structured from the get go as you get all the information about what you'll be doing for the next 3 years when you start the degree. You can choose to take your university time whenever you would like in the week (1 day) to work around your schedule. You do have to organise your time and plan what you would like to do because of this flexibility in the work place.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
5/5
An incredible amount of support. There are ERGs (employee resource groups) which you can join, my manager is extremely supportive, alongside the apprenticeship team which is supportive. There are many people to go to for support whether it's learning/ work or uni related or it's related to your personal life.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
4/5
The university has policies for extenuating circumstances which is useful. The lecturers are incredibly pro-active and are available to be reached at any time during the week. They also provide drop in sessions and live seminars where you can chat to them about anything you're unsure of. However, it does depend on your lecturers as to the amount of support they provide.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
3/5
It's useful in understanding a broader range of science and business fundamentals. It's not completely specific to my role but the information is important information to have a basis of understanding for the more specific role learning I do in my day to day job.
Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)
5/5
There is AZ inspire which includes all other apprentices and people in their early career's, e.g. post-grads, placement students, post-docs. They held some apprentice freshers events for us when we arrived as well. They hold social events often. There is also many departmental socials, and lots of opportunities to socially network at various events, including apprentice events as a stem-ambassador.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend AstraZeneca to a friend?
Yes
Why?
They are a supportive company, the facilities are incredible and give you such a massive opportunity to broaden and learn new skills. It's interesting to understand how a large business works, and how you can progress in your career, You're exposed to so many incredibly experiences and knowledgeable people and you are always given the opportunity to develop yourself.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to AstraZeneca?
Make sure you understand the AstraZeneca values. Think about these and how you can show you have these values through activities during school, work or extracurricular activities. AstraZeneca prioritises round people who have many skills, activities and interests and want to develop these further. If you're passionate about what you want to do, show it!
