Drug Discovery Apprentice III Review

I am currently rotating through the Electrophysiology department at Chesterford Research Park as part of my Level 6 Apprenticeship. Daily tasks involve Preparing Automated Patch clamp experiments as well as data analysis following this. Other responsibilities include preparing buffers.

So far, I have mostly just learned how to set up experiments on the automated patch clamps in addition to beginning to learn to analyse the data that is generated so that it can be submitted to the client. I also hope to pick up assay development skills on this platform in the near future as part of my project/thesis.

As I am able to express a preference in the departments that I rotate through, I can take part in work that I am already interested in, making the job role more enjoyable. I think a greater focus could be taken in the underlying theory for my current role, as so far, the work feels fairly routine and surface-level.

The apprenticeship scheme is well-organised with regular feedback surveys for apprentices to voice their opinions on what is and isn't working. Apprentices rotate approximately once a year to introduce them to multiple disciplines. There are also journal clubs that take place routinely, allowing apprentices to practice their scientific literacy. There are also mentoring schemes available to apprentices.

I receive the necessary support from my employer regarding support for my workload.

I am undertaking a level 6 (BSc) with the university of Kent via online learning. Upon asking module convenors for advice regarding coursework/revision etc, their response times as well as lead times for marking can vary drastically. Additionally, Apprentices are provided with advisors at the university of Kent who have been very supportive and quick to respond in my experience.

The qualification itself has been fairly relevant to my job role For example, there is a Drug Discovery and Development module which is directly applicable to the industry I work in. Although this is not consistently the case.

There are extra-curricular events such as a rounders team and even a guitar mentoring session.

Yes

Charles River has a healthy working environment and people want you to succeed.

There are scientific opportunities for development but also for soft skills such as presenting skills and eventually, introductions to people/project management or even handling clients.