Laboratory Scientist (MCT) Review
at Pfizer
Degree Apprenticeship
Pharmaceutical
Sandwich
Review Submitted: April 2026
Overall Rating
4.4 /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!
5/5
-
Overview of Role
5/5
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Skills Development
4/5
-
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 am a laboratory scientist in the Material Characterisation Team at Pfizer. We troubleshoot and characterise different materials for the manufacturing of pharmaceuticals.
Day-to-day, I do a mixture of lab work and office work. This involves using instruments to analyse a certain property e.g. using a powder rheometer to measure powder flowability. I would then process the data in the office and report back to the project lead.
Day-to-day, I do a mixture of lab work and office work. This involves using instruments to analyse a certain property e.g. using a powder rheometer to measure powder flowability. I would then process the data in the office and report back to the project lead.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
5/5
I really enjoy the work I do and the people in my team. I feel like the lab is the right work environment for me and I enjoy learning more about different techniques and properties everyday. My team has a wide rage of expertise and lots of interesting people to learn from. In addition, Pfizer ensure we have fun days out and team building experiences.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
5/5
From a scientific point of view, I have learnt many skills, both in the lab and office. Different instruments and data processing requires different skills e.g. IT skills. On top of this I have developed my communication skills as our team has a lot of information that needs to be discussed and I am continuing to learn the best ways to do this. Organisational skills are also vital in our department and are something I continue to develop everyday.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
4/5
There is no extract structure for the work side of my programme, however, throughout my apprenticeship I know I will move to different sub teams in order to broaden my knowledge and skills as much as possible by the end of my apprenticeship.
The University side is more structured as we have defined modules that start/end on specific dates. Our assessments are all of a similar structure as well which helps with familiarity and makes applying feedback easier.
The University side is more structured as we have defined modules that start/end on specific dates. Our assessments are all of a similar structure as well which helps with familiarity and makes applying feedback easier.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
5/5
My supervisor is very understanding and supportive when it comes to work and personal problems. If I need help with anything, there are many people in my team I would feel comfortable asking as everyone wants to support each other. In addition, we have dedicated individuals at Pfizer to look out for apprentices and make sure they are content at work.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
4/5
The University of Kent have been supportive in both an academic and personal way. When I had a medical diagnosis they were quick to have a meeting with me and set up a inclusive learning plan. On top of this, UoK give us access to personal sessions with subject experts if we are struggling with maths skills for example. The lecturers give interactive live sessions and choose the content based on the class's feedback.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
3/5
As I am only in my first year of my degree, the chemistry I am learning is more basic than the very specific chemistry we practice at work. However, I know as I continue through my degree, the content and my work will link. However, we have had a module on professional skills for chemists which was very useful in my work.
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
My team has a summer and winter event every year. In addition, Pfizer offers several activities throughout the year such as Pilates, apprenticeship networking lunches and festive celebrations.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend Pfizer to a friend?
Yes
Why?
So far, I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at Pfizer and I look forward to coming to work everyday. I have meetings on a monthly basis to ensure I am content with my role and degree and at each one I have nothing negative to say.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Pfizer?
Ask lots of questions as everything will be new. Nobody will judge you, they will be happy to help and explain.
Don't sweat too much over mistakes as most people in the team will have made the exact same mistake before.
Make the most of social events and have a laugh wherever possible.
As you gain more confidence, use your initiative as much as possible.
Don't turn down tasks even if they seem uninteresting as you may still learn something and it shows that you have a good attitude towards your work.
Don't sweat too much over mistakes as most people in the team will have made the exact same mistake before.
Make the most of social events and have a laugh wherever possible.
As you gain more confidence, use your initiative as much as possible.
Don't turn down tasks even if they seem uninteresting as you may still learn something and it shows that you have a good attitude towards your work.
