Microbiologist Review

When I first joined AstraZeneca I worked in the Quality Control lab performing the microbiological tests on products for a year. This experience developed my understanding of microbiology and helped me settle into my current role in Pharmaceutical technology and development that I moved into last year. In this role I work with a number of different projects for drugs in development as the microbiologist. These drugs in development are going through the clinical trial process and my role is to ensure these drugs are safe for the patient.

Having good teamwork skills is vital in my job role, through this experience my ability to work effectively in a team has improved. Meetings are a big part of my role so I have learnt appropriate communication skills to be able to present pieces of work articulately. From my time in the lab I developed new lab skills that I hadn't covered during my time in education.

I thoroughly enjoy my job. The people that I work with on a day to day basis are very friendly and approachable ; they are always free to help with any issues that I have so I feel that I have a great network of people supporting me. Working with drugs in development is exciting to see the progression through the phases of development. It is also such a rewarding job as I am working on projects that can make a real difference to someone's quality of life.

There is good structure around the university degree. The modules are all accessed online - all the information that is needed is there on the website. There are also plenty of people who work at the Uni that are available to support any queries. Regular emails and updates are sent out by the university to keep you on track and organised with your work.

I have incredible support from the entire team that I work with. They are always free to answer my questions and they encourage me to achieve. In particular my mentor, who I have weekly catch-ups with, helps me with my projects and study. I speak frequently with my manager ; who gives me many opportunities to develop and is always available for support.

Regular catch-ups and emails from the training provider are really useful and lets you know that they are always there for support. They are very responsive and are available for a phone call whenever if you need something explaining about the course. They make the best of the virtual format as there is little face to face contact with this qualification.

The modules link in well with the day to day work I have to perform. Some modules are more helpful than others for me, as I work in microbiology, the microbiology modules have given me extra information which has helped me understand the more difficult areas of the job. The degree offers a broad range of scientific modules so you aren't restricted to one area - you build up a portfolio of knowledge.

There is a lot going on at AstraZeneca, from meditation classes at lunch time to analytical coffee and cake mornings, where the teams from different functions in development display the work they have been doing on projects. I have taken part in a range of extra-curricular activities such as 5-a-side football, microbiology conferences and STEM events.

Yes

AstraZeneca is a fantastic company to work for with limitless opportunities available worldwide. There are host of extra-curricular activities to get involved with in addition to the work. The atmosphere around site is warm and friendly and the work is exciting and challenging. The work that you are involved in saves lives and that is an amazing thing to be a part of.

Try and gain as much experience as possible before applying. Getting a week or so work experience in a lab or another scientific workplace will benefit you greatly. Do your homework on AstraZeneca as a company. Learn about the values that AstraZeneca have in place as they are fundamental to the working environment and the ethos of the company.