Associate Scientist Review

I am an associate scientist and work in the lab on research and development projects. Day to day this involves cell culture, flow cytometry, freezing, sampling, large scale and small scale processing of cells and learning new techniques in the lab. I also have to keep up with meetings, write ups of experiments and admin tasks in the office.

I have learnt so many new skills in the lab - aseptic technique, sampling, flow cytometry acquisition and analysis, cell counting, freezing, large scale process of manufacturing. I have also learnt soft skills in organization, team work, leadership, accountability, presenting, planning and time keeping and keeping on top of my work.

I thoroughly enjoy my programme. I have been so lucky to be able to learn on the job from industry experts whilst gaining a degree at the same time. I do feel as if it has been quite difficult to learn whilst I work, as I am lacking in the theory of some concepts before performing them in the lab.

My programme is well structured with 4 days working a week and 1 day of study which is flexible depending on the workload of the team. I find it easy to organise my exams and sit them when it is best for me and my schedule. The organisation from the training provider (SIAS) could be a little better with more consistency.

I receive never ending support from my employer. I have a manager for 24/7 support as well as lab supervisors in the team. I am always working towards improving and developing with the help of my team and manager. I have always got the support if I need it.

I have quarterly meetings with SIAS to update on my progress and ensure I am on the right track. These are useful, however they could be improved by having more consistency with the tutor that I speak with each time I have a review as this has been difficult at times.

My apprenticeship qualification does help me perform better in my role as I can check that I am performing to the standards and behaviours that are required to pass my apprenticeship. This could be better structured by providing an electronic version of this for both myself and manager to sign off.

I have been involved with lots of extracurricular activities at work; Social lead for NxtGen apprentices at all southern sites in the UK, member of the engagement hive for my department, 5 a side football, lab and bay supervisor, training sessions, attending conferences, STEM events and teaching at schools for LIS.

Yes

GSK are a great company that are driven to providing new and innovative medicines for patients and it is great to be a part of that. I always thought that the only career I could have in science to treat patients was to be a doctor, but this is an even better option for myself :)

I would say that being yourself is the most important part! Prepare and be ready to justify answers that you give and have relevant topics and ideas to discuss. Be sure that GSKs values are aligned to your values as this is a big part of what it means to work here.