Associate Scientist Review

I work in the protein engineering department, performing experiments using DNA and antibodies, with the intention of improving it's ability as a potential drug candidate. I also play an active role in projects and attend project meetings, as well as weekly interactions with my line manager and mentors. I have been responsible for lab equipment, as well as generating cells stocks for everyone to use.

I have so far gained a foundation degree, as well as passing the apprenticeship at level 5 - I am now looking to top up and continue to gain a bachelor's and pass the level 6 apprenticeship. I have been on lots of training courses that help to develop soft skills as well, such as presenting.

I really enjoy it because I get to work in the lab and play an important role within drug research. I like that I can also gain a degree qualification out of it. My team are all very kind people and always willing to help me. The company culture is good as well, with lots of employee resource groups and networking.

My first induction went well but there was a few communication errors now and again. The training providers have also are changing staff quite often so was a bit confusing at times. But other than that it has been run very well and we are lucky to have a team of people at AstraZeneca that oversee the apprenticeship program to make sure it runs as smoothly as possible.

I receive lots of support and always have someone there to help if I need it. If I go someone and they don't know the answer they will always guide me in the right direction. The help offered from HR is always emphasised as well so we know that if we prefer not to go through line management then that is okay too.

I have received enough support in order to complete my apprenticeship and gain a distinction. Sometimes things were unclear and had to be clarified a few times, but overall the support was adequate but maybe an improvement in communication would help sometimes. It was nice to go down to University of Kent for a week in the summer.

Sometimes there's topics that overlap with what I have been doing in the lab which is good because it helps me understand better both from a practical sense and also theoretical view. A lot of content is stuff I do not come across at work which I also like because it means I can expand my knowledge.

There's lots of social activities at work (particularly when there isn't a global pandemic). The employee resource groups put on many networking events - focusing on people in their early careers, the LGBT community, or network of women. Plus in smaller departments/teams a lot of social activities are organised.

Yes

It is a big company so there are lots of different things to learn from a range of different people. The benefits of working for AstraZeneca are very good, and they clearly the wellbeing of their employees as well as looking to achieve goals. I believe I had developed as a scientist better by working here than if I had only gone to university.

Research the role and have an idea of what it is you would be doing in that role. Be yourself and ask lots of questions - no question is silly. Speak up if something doesn't seem quite right. Also enjoy it because it is a big investment of time to complete the apprenticeship.