Associate scientist Review

I am a research scientist and am mostly lab based. I am on the early side of research mostly working on pre-clinical projects but with some projects already under going clinical trials. Day to day in the lab i perform a range of tasks including running experiments and also maintenance.

I've learnt a lot of new skills, all the lab skills i have learnt have come from this program (cell based assays, qPCR, fresh tissue processing, ELISA's, MSD's among others) and outside the lab i've learnt data analysis skills like statistical analysis. i've also learnt how to present data.

I really enjoy the lab work, it is always interesting and rewarding to generate data which is key to driving some projects. I also enjoy the communication in the teams and being a part of them. The university work isn't always very engaging and could be improved to keep interest ad make more enjoyable

From the work perpective it is very well organised, they keep on top of all relevant training, learning and day to day activities. However the university timelines are much less clear, there never seems to be any long term plan or any which is accessible to us so often felt left in the dark

I receive plenty of support from my employer, they are very good at checking in and seeing what support is needed alongside proving continual training.

I get enough support from the training provider, it could be better structured and more active but if really needed support can be found

Minimal, it can sometimes help understand the wider picture but pretty much most of my learning comes through the workside of the apprenticeship

There is a social society set up from apprentices which has led to many social activities

Yes

They've been a very rewarding place to work who generally treat employees well and have a lot to offer and can teach a lot.

take every opportunity you get, there are lots on offer at astrazeneca with learnings in each one.