Scientist II Review
at Charles River
Degree Apprenticeship
Pharmaceutical, Science
Saffron Walden
Review Submitted: April 2026
Overall Rating
4.5 /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
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Overview of Role
5/5
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Skills Development
4.2/5
-
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
Job Description: A lab-based role working on a variety of Hit ID projects through the application of practical scientific knowledge to execute different lab-based techniques.
Main Tasks:
Complete all assigned lab-based duties with minimal/no supervision.
Perform data analysis of HTS data using specialized software (e.g., Dotmatics Vortex, Genedata Screener, IDBS Activitybase) to enable determination of top-level conclusions.
Confidently presents own work, understanding the data collected and able to relay scientific information to internal stakeholders such as Project Leaders.
Also responsible for presenting results and data to external stakeholders and clients.
Able to schedule own workload as needed, in line with project requirements and sign off from Project Leader
Alongside this role I am completing a Level 7 Apprenticeship in Applied Drug Discovery and Development.
Main Tasks:
Complete all assigned lab-based duties with minimal/no supervision.
Perform data analysis of HTS data using specialized software (e.g., Dotmatics Vortex, Genedata Screener, IDBS Activitybase) to enable determination of top-level conclusions.
Confidently presents own work, understanding the data collected and able to relay scientific information to internal stakeholders such as Project Leaders.
Also responsible for presenting results and data to external stakeholders and clients.
Able to schedule own workload as needed, in line with project requirements and sign off from Project Leader
Alongside this role I am completing a Level 7 Apprenticeship in Applied Drug Discovery and Development.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
5/5
The Level 7 Apprenticeship in Applied Drug Discovery and Development has been enjoyable.
The content is relevant and presented in a relatively engaging way.
Good to attend intensive days with others in my cohort. And participate in live sessions, allowing communication with peers.
The content is relevant and presented in a relatively engaging way.
Good to attend intensive days with others in my cohort. And participate in live sessions, allowing communication with peers.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
5/5
The first year includes modules on Translational Medicine and Applied Pharmacology. These relate very strongly to my role and can be used to help understand parts of my work life. Additionally, they also include topics that I may not cover in the workplace for example large molecules (as my site is small molecule drug discovery) increasing my breadth of knowledge.
This program also includes a lot of management and leadership aspects. Including project management and understanding the commercial demands of the business environment. This is crucial to progression within industry.
This program also includes a lot of management and leadership aspects. Including project management and understanding the commercial demands of the business environment. This is crucial to progression within industry.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
3/5
1 study day per week. This is generally sufficient to complete the study guides and write up my coursework. Very little time is required outside my usual 9-5.
There is one intensive week a year, which is relatively well organized. These contain lots of live sessions and are a good opportunity to see other students. This makes you feel more connected to your course mates and helps to get to know lecturers.
The actual course could be organised better. Some Moodle content is out of date, with old deadlines stated and unavailable videos. More live sessions for some modules.
There is one intensive week a year, which is relatively well organized. These contain lots of live sessions and are a good opportunity to see other students. This makes you feel more connected to your course mates and helps to get to know lecturers.
The actual course could be organised better. Some Moodle content is out of date, with old deadlines stated and unavailable videos. More live sessions for some modules.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
5/5
Well supported by my employer. My study day is very consistent and respected by my colleagues, allowing me to always have time to study.
I have a workplace mentor who was assigned by my employer. They are very helpful. Available to proof-read, attend journal clubs and help with anything.
Line manager goes through all of the KSBs needed for my apprenticeship and helps me find opportunities that align with this.
I have a workplace mentor who was assigned by my employer. They are very helpful. Available to proof-read, attend journal clubs and help with anything.
Line manager goes through all of the KSBs needed for my apprenticeship and helps me find opportunities that align with this.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
4/5
Most of the content is totally remote and it is expected you work through this independently. Some live sessions are provided which are very helpful. Module supervisors are also available via email when needed - although sometimes response times can be slow.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
5/5
The course is very well connected to my role. The content is directly applicable and furthers my knowledge to assist in my job.
It also builds my project management, leadership and understanding of business needs.
It also builds my project management, leadership and understanding of business needs.
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
Social activities every few months - bowling, cinema trips, axe throwing, comedy clubs
Sports - Rounders tournament every year, golf course on site, football 5-a-side weekly
Board game lunches
Sports - Rounders tournament every year, golf course on site, football 5-a-side weekly
Board game lunches
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend Charles River to a friend?
Yes
Why?
Working in a CRO allows great variety. Working on many different therapeutic areas, targets, assay modalities etc. This changes every 6 months or so, which is great for a scientist early in their career to get a broad experience of the industry.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Charles River?
phD is not a requirement at Charles River, but experience is looked upon very highly especially for entry level positions.
Get as much experience as you can. Look at the CRL values and demonstrate how you can display these.
Get as much experience as you can. Look at the CRL values and demonstrate how you can display these.
