Laboratory Scientist Review

Currently I am a second year apprentice in Accelerated Predictive Stability and Automation within Chemical Development at AstraZeneca. Day to day my job brings new varying challenges, which is one of the things I love most. A typical day may include the preparation of samples for a set-down of a study using robots to save resource and increase accuracy. I then may build a predictive model of a study I have recently analysed using Arrhenius kinetics to estimate a retest period for drug substances, RSMs, and intermediates.

One of the biggest skills I have developed upon since starting at AstraZeneca is time management. The stability department is a ever-growing unit therefore we often run many studies simultaneously. It is imperative that we actively plan the execution of these studies through weekly timelines whilst efficiently collaborating with PL's to ensure adherence to project deadlines.

I genuinely look forward to coming to work each day since starting here at AstraZeneca! Everyday brings new and exciting challenges providing me with continuous opportunities for growth and learning. To provide some of my key highlights so far: I was given the opportunity to represent my company at an external Stability Conference where I was able to network with other specialists outside our business, I was able to present my work in automation within Accelerated Predictive Stability (APS) at the AstraZeneca Internal Global Analytical and Measurement Conference, receiving a nomination for an ASLT award and delivering a 20-minute presentation to over 50 participants, enhancing my public speaking abilities and communication.

The organisation in my programme works very well for me. I have 4 days a week where I attend our site and work at AstraZeneca in Chemical Development, then 1 day a week that is dedicated to my academic learning. Been able to learn on the job is a invaluable experience, as I am able to understand how these fundamental scientific principles apply in the real world.

I feel very supported by employer. I am incredibility lucky to be surrounded by a myriad of individuals that possess high-level knowledge that they are all very eager to share. Alongside this, my colleagues also provide me with the confidence and opportunities to work independently. Having that trust placed in me allows me to perform to my maximum potential.

The yearly residentials that we attend at MMU provide invaluable in-person contact hours where we are able to partake in multiple chemistry practical's in areas that we may not work in during our day-to-day jobs. We are also able to collaborate and share ideas with fellow students from different companies. I, personally, would like to be given the opportunity to attend multiple residentials across the year and not just one.

Working in Chemical Development, I am often working with Starting Materials, Intermediates and the Drug Substance. Therefore having the understanding of the fundamental Organic Chemistry principles is key to been able to produce and estimate mechanisms of potential degradation pathways. Likewise, when building bespoke models to predict retest periods, Arrhenius kinetics are the fundamentals underpinning these which we learn in Physical Chemistry modules.

Yes, there are plenty! I am involved in the AZ netball team where we train weekly (every Tuesday night) and then those who want to play in a league match after training. There is also similar things for multiple other sports. For apprentices, we have a social society that organises various different events and gatherings.

Yes

AstraZeneca really is a great place to work! Since starting my apprenticeship here I have felt incredibly supported by all my colleagues around me. Alongside this, the apprentice community across the company is really strong. I have been provided with countless opportunities to grow and enhance my professional development and I can't wait to see what is in store for the next few years!

Be yourself! AstraZeneca wants to know you, your interests, and your passions. Ask questions and exercise curiosity; there are no such thing as silly questions! Research our company and values; ensure AZ is the right fit for you, as much as you are for AZ. Preparation is key; if you fail to prepare you are preparing to fail!