Protein Engineering Apprentice Review

My role is to carry out various techniques to engineer DNA and optimise the antibody that is encoded by it. This involves a lot of molecular biology approaches (such as Polymerase Chain Reaction, and Gel Electrophoresis). At the moment I am working on a technique called Phage Display which utilises viruses that specifically infect E. coli; this allows for billions of different antibody structures to be generated and selected to find an antibody that binds best to the target protein involved in a disease.

I have learnt a vast amount of skills. The numerous techniques in molecular biology, I'm really enjoying learning Phage Display. The lab skills I am learning are not just limited to Protein Engineering; I am part of a multi-functional team and have also learnt the process of Western Blotting and Protein Purification. In addition to this I have also explored technologies to assess developability of antibodies including Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay and using a NanoPro. There is also plenty of opportunities to develop skills outside of the lab that can be applied to all working life. Time management, planning, presenting are all important parts of working in industry too. AstraZeneca provide a wide variety of training courses to expand our knowledge and personal skills; including presenting, personal impact, positive psychology, and computer-based training.

I really enjoy being able to have an active role in drug discovery. I am developing many skills that make a great scientist; and even while learning I am still contributing to projects which make up the company's portfolio. I am glad that I can have a mix of both working and continuing to learn with the Applied Bioscience course from the University of Kent. I didn't want carry on doing straight academia after finishing my A-levels, but also didn't want to get a job without continuing my education; which is why this apprenticeship is a brilliant way of doing both of these things with a focus on science.

At the beginning of the programme there is a structure of the different gateways that should be met and around what time. This can sometimes shift if the exam dates don't match nicely with when the course was started (I started my course in Jan 2018, next exam period was Feb 2018 so I could not take an exam then as there wasn't enough time to finish the module). The organisation is okay; it can be difficult due to the long distance of the training provider and university, but they come in for reviews often so any issues can be voiced in person. I think more communication within that time would be good.

My employer provides lots of support. No question is a silly question. I have regular meetings with my manager to see how I'm getting on and to plan what I will be doing. I also have supportive people in my team. The team of training specialists here are brilliant at making sure we get the right opportunities, and are always there to listen if apprentices have an issues.

This can vary depending on the person I need to contact. There are many different tutors for different modules on the course who all seem to operate slightly differently. Responses to admin queries can be delayed sometimes, with some information not being checked over. But overall I do generally get provided with the right information to get on with my studies.

At the moment, after just finishing my first year, a lot of the content does cross over with A-level knowledge. This is good because getting the basic idea of things is important before progressing. There are workplace based activities which sometimes cross over with the work I do; but many are not related - this is good because it gives an insight into other job roles, but is sometimes more difficult when doing research into it.

There are lots of social events at AstraZeneca. Many teams exercise the importance of networking and team building. Activities include the Santa Run, team tea & cake, Employee resource group networking, inflatable race course. One employee resource group I am a part of is called 'AZInspire' which involves many people from the company that are in their early careers (often apprentices, industrial placement students, graduates etc) participating in events to learn about the wider company and get insights other employees. As well as out of work activities to bring us altogether such as punting!

Yes

AstraZeneca is a large company with many scientists that are happy to help you develop as an apprentice. The location of the head quarters is in a beautiful city. There are so many opportunities available to develop my skills here whilst earning my degree in Applied Bioscience, as well as getting paid.

Showcase your passion and enthusiasm for science as I believe that is a large factor driving the company. Willingness to learn is very important - it's okay to not know something - but showing that you want to find out new things and develop your own skills whilst helping others I think is a great quality.