Business Title (UIPS) - BioPharmaceutical and Oncology Research & Development Review

My role as a researcher involves spending at least half my time in the lab completing experiments like cell culture and assays. The rest of my time will be at my desk analysing data, planning experiments and writing them up: or in meetings with my team and department.

I have massively expanded my lab based skills and analytical skills. I have learnt numerous new techniques and procedures that I wouldn't have been exposed to at university. My time management skill have also really improved as well as interpersonal skills like communication and teamwork. My confidence has also really grown not only in the lab but also in networking with colleagues and others in the pharmaceutical industry.

My supervisor took quite a hands off approach once I had been trained in the techniques I would need to carry out. This meant that it was then up to me to design plan and carry out the experiments needed for my project. It felt a bit daunting at first but it's made me very self sufficient in the lab and really improved my problem solving skills.

At the beginning I was supervised the majority of the time I was in the lab, but that quickly transitioned into me being independent. For quite a bit of my placement I wasn't given huge amounts of guidance and it was up to me to seek out work which wasn't ideal. The placement coordinator was helpful in making sure I was given more support and supervision,

The company culture is very friendly and it does feel like there is a community of people. The site puts on events with free food to encourage people to chat and socialise. Overall I'd say its a very nice company to work within the staff are treated well.

I didn't enjoy the first 6 months of my placement to a huge extent as I wasn't that supported or given very much work to do. I also don't particularly like the lab work aspect of the role as I find it quite stressful. Since I've been supported more and I've become more confident in the lab I have enjoyed by placement more.

Yes

AstraZeneca is a very welcoming company and the placement scheme is very well set up with lots of other students on the scheme. I would recommend knowing that you enjoy doing lab work before starting the programme as this is what the majority of your time will be spent doing.