Laboratory Scientist Review

I work at Medimmune which is part of the AstraZeneca group in the antibody development and protein engineering department. I have been given many responsibilities within my role such as quality checking equipment in the lab to ensure it is working properly which is crucial for other peoples experiments. I have also been given project work which contributes to AstraZeneca's research portfolio.

I have learnt a broad range of skills doing my apprenticeship. I have learnt a huge amount of lab skills being exposed to a variety of different equipment in the lab and general maintenance that is required in the daily running of a lab. Training courses have been provided for each piece of equipment I have used in the lab which has been extremely beneficial. I have also developed many professional skills by working in the industry such as communication skills, lab report write ups and statistical analysis which has been extremely helpful with scientific writing.

I have really enjoyed my apprenticeship as it has given me a huge amount of lab experience and enabled me to develop my skills in the lab. There is a good balance between work and studying as i am given 1 day a week to do my university studying which is often flexible around your workload.

Astrazeneca are extremley supportive of the apprenticehip programme. Apprentices are given lots of responsibilites and valued alongside other members of the team. There are lots of training oppportunites here at astrazenca and apprentices are given ample opportunities in the workplace.

I have regular meetings with all my mentors both at the university and in the workplace to discuss topics and raise any questions I have which is very helpful. My apprenticeship is well structured on the online system with clear objectives and assignments that need to be completed weekly. The induction process was well communicated.

Assignment feedeback is generally given quickly. Response to questions and assignment help is recieved quickly from the training provider and there is also online forums so questions can be brought up in a discussion with other students doing the same module.

I have recieved a lot of support from team members, managers, other apprentices and higher management. There is always someone in the organisation who is able to help answer questions or help with assignments. There is an extremley helpful attitude at Medimmune and many people are keen to offer their guidance and experiences to help you.

The salary is good especially if you are still living at home so don't have to pay rent. However when paying high rent in cambridge and running a car for commuting to work the salary can become fairly tight. On the whole if you have reasonable rent and budget daily costs the salary is enough.

There are so many opportunities outside of work. There are many social clubs outside of work such as sports clubs and cinema clubs. Astrazeneca run many volunteering programmes including STEM activities which encourage science in schools to try and interest children in science. There are also apprentice socials which are organised at least every month.

Yes

Medimmune is a great place to work where you are given lots of opportunities and filled with passionate people keen to offer you help whenever you need it.

Just be yourself at the interview and stay relaxed. Interviewers want to get to know you and have more of a chat than questioning. Researching about the company will help give you an understanding of the work carried out.