Group Leader Review

Charles River is a CRO that provides end to end drug discovery for Pharma, biotech, ect. I am a group leader for Analytical Sciences which entails manging a team of scientist and technicians across multiple UK sites focussing on delivering analytical analysis for our drug discovery projects.

So far we have covered 2 modules: - Mega project management which has certainly given me an appreciation of how IT projects work and enable me to collaborate with our IT department effectively. It has also given me a clearer perspective of the corporate structure and mechanics at CRL. - Contemporary Strategy which has introduced some very powerful tools such as the Balance Scorecard framework for strategy planning.

The structure of the course consists of 2-3 days of clustered learning that has been delivered virtually interspersed with work based learning days. This can be a lot of work but it is 110% worth the effort.

It has been very good considering they have been applying changes as the Covid-19 situation has evolved. Contact and message has been good and response/actions delivered promptly when raised.

I have regular catch ups with my line manager to talk about progress, topics and issues. I also have monthly meetings with HR as a group with the other CRL SLMDA students. As a group, the CRL students support each other through regular chats to help each other through the study.

We are also assigned a CRL based mentor and college based mentor.

It is providing exposure to new tools that will enable me to deliver projects more effectively and to influence the business going forwards.

Absolutely. We have many activity groups ranging from a cycling group to a PC/board games groups. Also, there are charity activities you can be involved in, STEM events and community activities.

Yes

It has a great supportive culture, lots of opportunities to explore your carrier path and contribute to the development of medicines to benefit all.

Network. The company is huge. Do not be worried by its size but go out and embrace it, make new friends, learn new science and grow.