Junior Technician Review

As a junior technician in the DMPK department, I have a large variety of roles, from stock checks and general housekeeping of the lab, to actually running my own assays for clients. The department provides me with training that allows me to run more and more assays independently and take on even more responsibilities.

Even though I only began my apprenticeship 4 months ago, my personal and professional skills are already developing. Aside from all the scientific knowledge which I have obtained, my abilities to work independently and with precision have improved drastically. I am also given standards that provide me with specific goals to improve my skills over the course of the apprenticeship.

Not only is the work I do interesting, but also incredibly fulfilling knowing it is part of the drug discovery process that could help treat/cure diseases. The people I work with are amazingly helpful and friendly and I know I can always ask them if I need help. This apprenticeship is definitely enjoyable and surpassed my expectations.

The department provided me with all the training I need. I went from knowing the bare minimum about drug discovery to understand the full process and my function within it. The programme is structured to challenge your learning abilities, yet not overload you: I believe it is the perfect balance.

My manager has meetings with me weekly to monitor and discuss how I'm progressing. If I am struggling with anything at all I know there are a large number of places I can turn to and everyone is always ready to help. I also am given a mentor who keeps a closer eye on me to make sure I receive all the training and help I need.

The university provides me with an apprenticeship advisor, who has regular meetings to help with any logistical issues I may be having. As for the actual studying, each module has an academic contact who can be contacted if I am ever struggling with the course content, however I haven't even had to utilize this yet because the study guides made by the university is clear and extremely well structured.

As I am only at the beginning of my apprenticeship, the modules I am doing are much broader than the specific work my department does. However, the more I learn with self-study and the more I learn of the assays performed in the department, the more links I can begin to make between the too; and I find this definitely helps my understanding, and thus my performance, in my job role.

Unfortunately due to COVID-19, everything is online so the number of extra-curricular activities are limited. Despite this, Charles River really make an effort. There are lunchtime clubs, such as the crafting club where we de-stress by knitting/ crocheting various items for charities, and much more. They definitely are a company that cares about employee morale.

Yes

It is a company that not only does extremely meaningful work, but really cares too. Working here is fulfilling and rewarding, where even the smallest tasks contribute to a much bigger picture. Furthermore, the company really invests in your career and provides so many opportunities for individual growth and development.

My application process after sending in my CV consisted of two interviews, the final in which I had to make a 5 minute presentation. I'd suggest to anyone applying to read about what the company does and the interesting work they do and show how passionate you are about the field.