Laboratory Scientist Review

I am a laboratory scientist working in an analytical role. Day to day, I work in the labs carrying out experiments and then reviewing and writing them up. They then get checked and I carry out corrections. I also attend meetings, be part of training sessions and carry out a few admin tasks.

I have developed skills in the laboratory in a practical sense. I have improved in terms of soft skills such as communication , networking and IT Skills. I have also learnt some of the theoretical side of chemistry, following on from my A-levels, through studying with my apprenticeship provider, MMU.

I am enjoying it a lot as there is a solid work-life balance, with not too much workload. I am also not bored and there are always tasks to be carried out. Every day is different so I enjoy working at AZ. It is also flexible meaning I can work from home when suitable as well as going in to the office and being part of a physical team.

It is very well organised with a clear plan in line for the future, with opportunities to go down different paths. I also have a clear team and management line in which I can go to for advice and to be told what tasks to carry out.

I receive a lot of support as i have a mentor, line manager and a buddy. I have different professional relationships with all three of these people and feel like I have the right support group in order to know who to go to for advice. The rest of my team are also super supportive and help with day-to-day tasks and queries.

I have a decent level of support and feel like I have people who I can email, as we mostly work remotely. I have recently attended a 1-week in person residential trip and feel like I built strong relationships with people from my training provider. However, there is a slight barrier due to it being weekly online. I also have a reviewer who reviews my apprenticeship and I can email her anytime with my queries and she will be on hand.

Much better. this is because I can apply my learnt theory and also apply lab skills that i have learnt from the recent residential. However, my degree isn't perfectly aligned to my job role as I carry out analytical activity on a day-to-day but there is only one analytical chemistry module in the first year of my course.

yes there are networking events within the apprenticeship committee. They carried out a freshers week where we did social activities as a cohort in order to get to know everybody. There are also 5-aside football opportunities that team members ask me to play in. there are different committees I can also join if I would like. I also attended a volunteering event to represent AZ at a futures event at a school recently.

Yes

It is a great place to work where people can have a fair work-life balance and have a moderate workload which is manageable. They also have a great support network which is key as a new starter where you are developing in your role. It is a great opportunity to gain work experience and also receive a beneficial salary.

I would say the biggest piece of advice I have is to ask yourself why you want to work for Astrazeneca and not one of its many competitors in the pharmaceutical industry. Think about why you are suitable for the role and what skills and experience you have that proves this. Be willing to learn and ready to apply yourself. Make sure you have good communication skills and also be able to organise and manage your time.