drug discovery apprentice III Review
at Charles River
Degree Apprenticeship
Saffron Walden
Review Submitted: May 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!
4/5
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Overview of Role
4/5
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Skills Development
3.8/5
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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 have finished my rotation in the Electrophysiology team at Chesterford Research Park as part of my Level 6 Apprenticeship. Daily tasks involve carrying out Automated Patch clamp assays, managing a project and associated experiments as well as data analysis following this. Other responsibilities include preparing buffers and other reagents required for experiments.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
4/5
As I am able to express a preference in the departments that I rotate through, I can take part in work that I am already interested in, making the job role more enjoyable. I particularly enjoy being able to contribute to the development of new electrophysiological assays, although this is currently limited.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
4/5
I learned how to set up experiments on the automated patch clamps in addition to data analysis and submitting it to the client. I have also started to develop my assay development skills in a electrophysiological setting. I have also been exposed to the basics of managing a project.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
4/5
The apprenticeship scheme is well-organised with regular feedback surveys for apprentices to voice their opinions on what is and isn't working. Apprentices rotate approximately once a year to introduce them to multiple disciplines. There are also journal clubs that take place routinely, allowing apprentices to practice their scientific literacy. There are also mentoring schemes available to apprentices.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
4/5
I receive the necessary support from my employer regarding support for my workload.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
3/5
I have just finished a level 6 (BSc) with the university of Kent via online learning. Upon asking module convenors for advice regarding coursework/revision etc, their response times as well as lead times for marking can vary drastically. Additionally, Apprentices are provided with advisors at the university of Kent who have been very supportive and quick to respond in my experience.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
4/5
The qualification itself has been fairly relevant to my job role For example, there is a Drug Discovery and Development module which is directly applicable to the industry I work in. Although this is not consistently the case.
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 have been given an opportunity to attend a conference relevant to the subject area (electrophysiology) that I am interested in.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend Charles River to a friend?
Yes
Why?
Charles River has a healthy working environment and the people that I work with wanted me to succeed in my role and apprenticeship.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Charles River?
There are scientific opportunities for development but also for soft skills such as presenting skills and eventually, introductions to people/project management or even handling clients. There are also technical roles for those who perhaps want to be less client-facing or want to work more in the lab.
