Laboratory scientist apprentice Review
at AstraZeneca
Degree Apprenticeship
Chemistry, Computer Science, Science
Cambridge
Review Submitted: April 2026
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
-
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:
4/5
My role is to assay biologics drug products with compendial methods to determine pH, protein concentration, endotoxin etc, and then report my findings to the relevant stakeholders for each drug product.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
5/5
AstraZeneca is an incredible place to work, I definitely think it is the best place to improve your skills and learn about the pharmaceutical industry and kickstart your career.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
5/5
I have learned so many new skills and abilities in my time here it's almost laughable, from time management, communication, resilience to adverse events. or even more specific skills like how to run the SoloVPE protein concentration instrument or how to write an ELN.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
4/5
The university programme is structured and predictable, which is nice when your attention is divided between university and work. My job role is more fluid and I have lots of flexibility, which is also nice.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
4/5
for my job role my employer will help me with anything, as for my university course I'm more or less on my own.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
4/5
my professors are always available to support me wit anything
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
3/5
for my role specifically, a lot of the biology content isn't as relevant since I'm a physical chemist who doesn't work with cells. but a lot of the data science content is useful.
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
AZ has tons of activities, there are talks, gatherings and social outings regularly. many of which have free food
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend AstraZeneca to a friend?
Yes
Why?
There is no other place in the UK that can catapult your career as far as AstraZeneca can
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to AstraZeneca?
come up with at least 3 very specific and extensive (> 6 months completion time) independent projects to do with data science (or AI) biology, mathematics or chemistry that you can relate 3 of AstraZeneca's company values. you also want activities that relate to communication and interpersonal skills like volunteering (DofE is good for this). also research the area/department you want to get into.
