Scientist I Review
at Charles River
Degree Apprenticeship
Pharmaceutical
Cambridge
Review Submitted: April 2025
Overall Rating
3.9 /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!
3.5/5
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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
Working as a research scientist in the high throughput screening team. Involves working on an array of client projects for various different therapeutic areas. Responsible for developing and running biochemical and cellular assays and performing data analysis/interpretation. Presentation of data to clients.
Level 7 apprenticeship includes more aspects of project management and understanding of business needs and structure.
Level 7 apprenticeship includes more aspects of project management and understanding of business needs and structure.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
3/5
The Applied Drug Discovery programme is extremely relevant to my workplace. I can apply a lot of the knowledge from the course to my work.
I enjoy the scientific content which I find very interesting. This covers key concepts and also laboratory techniques.
There are some skills which are covered in the online content including collaboration, which is less enjoyable for myself.
I enjoy the scientific content which I find very interesting. This covers key concepts and also laboratory techniques.
There are some skills which are covered in the online content including collaboration, which is less enjoyable for myself.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
4/5
While on my apprenticeship I have developed critical thinking skills and begun to analyse others work more. Journal club presentations have supported this and also improved my presentation skills.
The apprenticeship has also broadened my knowledge of drug discovery. My workplace focuses on early stage drug discovery, this program also gives me an awareness of later stage assays. This is important to understand the end goal and also allows me to understand how to de-risk programs earlier.
The apprenticeship has also broadened my knowledge of drug discovery. My workplace focuses on early stage drug discovery, this program also gives me an awareness of later stage assays. This is important to understand the end goal and also allows me to understand how to de-risk programs earlier.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
3/5
The programme is structured well with 2 large modules which cover a broad range of topics applicable to Drug Discovery. These are delivered via Moodle which works well to allow flexibility in studying. There are some live sessions which allows contact with module convenors - but these don't always have a specific structure/purpose.
Moodle is not updated for every new intake, which can make it challenging to know if you're on track and when deadlines are.
Moodle is not updated for every new intake, which can make it challenging to know if you're on track and when deadlines are.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
5/5
My line manager is very supportive and is ensuring that I have good opportunities for my workplace project. They also make sure I am able to take my study day every week and I am on target with my assignments.
I also have a workplace mentor which is very helpful. They are available for as much or as little as I need. This is really useful, as I can drive this relationship.
I also have a workplace mentor which is very helpful. They are available for as much or as little as I need. This is really useful, as I can drive this relationship.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
3/5
University of Kent provide all the materials via Moodle. This is a good platform but a little impersonal. It includes all of the information you need at the touch of a button. Module convenors are available via email, they are relatively responsive but this could sometimes be quicker. There are a number of live session which provide regular contact with module convenors. Feedback is thorough for assignments which is very helpful, but sometimes this could be quicker as it does not meet the 3 week turnaround.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
4/5
The qualification is broadening my knowledge. My workplace focuses on early stage drug discovery, this program also gives me an awareness of later stage aspects of drug discovery. This is important to understand the end goal and also allows me to understand how to de-risk programs earlier.
The skills I am gaining are also very transferrable. For example presentation skills. In the workplace I have also been asked to help generate a scientific poster to present at a conference, and the poster presentation as part of my apprenticeship has really helped.
The skills I am gaining are also very transferrable. For example presentation skills. In the workplace I have also been asked to help generate a scientific poster to present at a conference, and the poster presentation as part of my apprenticeship has really helped.
Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)
3/5
There are a few activities to attend alongside projects. I attend Biology Journal Club monthly. There is a rounders tournament each year. Social events are scheduled informally a couple of times a year e.g. bowling/escape room. There could be more regular extra-curricular activities.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend Charles River to a friend?
Yes
Why?
Charles River have been very supportive throughout my career. I have been given many opportunities, which has allowed my progression. All my colleagues are always willing to help and aid my development. Having the chance to gain a MSc while working full time is a great opportunity.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Charles River?
Not applicable - Level 7 apprenticeship only available to current employees.
