Technical Specialist Review
at Charles River
Degree Apprenticeship
Pharmaceutical, Research
Saffron Walden
Review Submitted: April 2026
Overall Rating
4.8 /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
4.6/5
-
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
Processing biological samples to determine the concentration of novel compounds designed to treat a range of medical conditions. The data is used to select the compounds with the best chance of meeting all the criteria to become a new drug. Attention to detail, accuracy and precision are key for this processing of data and lab work.
This is done by using mass spectrometers to detect each compound through developing and optimising the detection methods, to sample and data processing. Perform routine instrument validation and maintenance duties. Maintaining a safe working environment and be expected to be an active participant on the general laboratory housekeeping.
The data generated will be used to determine the pharmacokinetic (PK) profile of compounds and understand the relationship between concentration and effect (pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) relationships), and in support of predicting the dose required in humans to have the desired outcome whilst maintaining safety margin.
This is done by using mass spectrometers to detect each compound through developing and optimising the detection methods, to sample and data processing. Perform routine instrument validation and maintenance duties. Maintaining a safe working environment and be expected to be an active participant on the general laboratory housekeeping.
The data generated will be used to determine the pharmacokinetic (PK) profile of compounds and understand the relationship between concentration and effect (pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) relationships), and in support of predicting the dose required in humans to have the desired outcome whilst maintaining safety margin.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
5/5
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
5/5
Developed reporting and presentation skills. Laboratory based skills through use of new equipment and processes to follow and understand.
Always getting on the job training that is allowing me to expand my understanding and knowledge around the work that I do
Always getting on the job training that is allowing me to expand my understanding and knowledge around the work that I do
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
5/5
Course is well organized and structured with plenty of help and assistance from the module leaders
How much support do you receive from your employer?
5/5
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
4/5
Consistent support along the way for each module surrounding any queries and questions that I may have
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
4/5
It has helped to put what I do in my role into the wider context of what I am doing and how this can impact it
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
There are social groups, community involvement team puts on a number of events (e.g food trucks), departmental socials
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend Charles River to a friend?
Yes
Why?
Great place to work, great benefit packages and very well supported by my colleagues
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Charles River?
Research around the company and role so you have a good understanding of what the company does and what the role would involve
