R&D Graduate Scientist - Chemistry Review
at AstraZeneca
Graduate Scheme
Chemistry, Pharmaceutical, Research
Cambridge
Review Submitted: September 2025
Overall Rating
4.3 /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 the Role
4.6/5
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Experience & Company Culture
5/5
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Recommendations & Advice
Overview of the Role
Overall, how would you describe your experience at AstraZeneca?
I am really enjoying my time at AstraZeneca. There are plenty options for personal development, and the culture is one of open question asking and support. There is a wide variety of placement options in many different departments.
What are the main responsibilities of the role and which elements of the role do you enjoy the most?
My first rotation was in Biologics Engineering, which was a lab-based role. I worked on automating peptide hit discovery processes, and then taking discovered hits and synthesising them in the Peptide Chemistry Team. My second rotation is in Oncology Data Science, now completely outside of the lab. I am working on generating knowledge graphs using clinical data to identify novel ADC targets.
Within my first rotation, I most enjoyed the opportunity to work across two departments, seeing how they both work together to achieve a common goal. In my second rotation, I am enjoying developing new skills in coding and data science.
Within my first rotation, I most enjoyed the opportunity to work across two departments, seeing how they both work together to achieve a common goal. In my second rotation, I am enjoying developing new skills in coding and data science.
To what extent does your role give you the opportunity to contribute meaningfully and feel valued by your team?
5/5
I have had great teams for both rotations, where they have made sure to highlight how my work fits into wider goals. I can see this varying depending on your team though.
How does your compensation package - including perks & benefits - fairly remunerate you for the work you do?
4/5
We are well paid for an R&D graduate scheme, and there are plenty benefits such as private medical. However, I don't like our pension contributions not being matched by the company.
How well do you feel the role is preparing you for your future career?
5/5
The role is great for this. You can try rotations to determine the right path, and then develop the skills for these in the rotation. Plenty personal development opportunities allow you to grow further than just your role.
How would you rate the extent to which you were developing new or existing skills through formal training and your day-to-day role?
4/5
I haven't had lots of formal training. But I have developed plenty of new skills in my day-to-day role, as I have been working in new areas for my rotations. I would say I have mostly developed through on the job experience.
Experience & Company Culture
How is the support you receive?
5/5
I have received plenty support. My supervisors have been great, they were clearly prepared to sacrifice some time on my behalf. I have also had great mentors which have helped with tricky decisions. My line manager has also been supportive and very quick to respond to queries.
How is your work-life balance?
5/5
Great work-life balance. Flexibility for 2 days working from home allows you to plan around life events. As long as you are doing your hours, you can for example take time during the day to go gym and then make up the hours after. I have never worked at the weekend, and rarely in evenings.
What is the organisational culture, values and general atmosphere like?
4/5
The values are great. The 2 day remote working policy is good for allowing flexibility whilst still fostering in-person collaboration. The culture is definitely inclusive and welcoming, everyone is encouraged to speak up and there are plenty ERGs for communities such as embRACE and PRIDE.
Still plenty people who are much more introverted, but that's STEM for you.
Still plenty people who are much more introverted, but that's STEM for you.
How would you rate AstraZeneca initiatives when it comes to equality, diversity, inclusion and accessibility?
5/5
Constant events for these topics, such as a conference day about being LGBTQ+ in STEM. Large ERGs such as embRACE and PRIDE which are widely celebrated. A strong focus on building diverse teams.
How would you rate AstraZeneca CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) initiatives?
4/5
I wouldn't say I know the most about this area, but what I have seen has been great.
Plenty of community events e.g. hosting STEM classes for school children, volunteering days helping in the community, and hosting the public for building tours. AZ also has a charity it supports each year. Constant environmental initiatives in and out the lab.
Plenty of community events e.g. hosting STEM classes for school children, volunteering days helping in the community, and hosting the public for building tours. AZ also has a charity it supports each year. Constant environmental initiatives in and out the lab.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend AstraZeneca to a friend?
Yes
Why?
AZ is a great company to work for. Plenty of departments to improve different skills in. A good focus on personal development. An inclusive culture, and well compensated.
How well did the role match your expectations based on the recruitment process?
5/5
Matched and exceeded expectations, there have many more personal development opportunities, such as courses and mentoring, than I expected.
When considering the recruitment & onboarding process, have you any specific tips or advice you would give to others applying to AstraZeneca?
Everyone is clever, focus on why you will be enjoyable to work with. Don't ignore experiences such as 2-years in hospitality over a much smaller stint in the lab, there will have been plenty transferable skills from the hospitality job.
