UIPS Biopharmaceutical and Oncology R&D Review

My time is split between researching relevant, new literature and using it to develop protocols for experiments relating to my project. I then carry out the experiments and spend most of my time in the lab. I then use the results I obtain in analysis and presentations to report back to my team. I also prepare for team meetings to participate and understand what my team are doing and thinking of ways we can collaborate and reach out team goals.

I have been able to develop many new skills working both in and out of the lab. I have been able to build on my practical knowledge from university and have become competent in designing and carrying cellular assays, analysing through western blot and being trained on general lab equipment and safety protocols. I have also been able to develop presentation skills and written communication through electronic lab books. I also wrote a report to summarise my research.

Yes. I was given the very important responsibility to look after my own cell lines and maintain them through mammalian tissue culture using the correct supplements. Once I was familiar with lab techniques I was able to work independently in the ;ab and have weekly check ins with my supervisor. I was responsible to obtaining the results for my project and to ask questions when I wasn't sure about something. Once you can prove you are competent you have as much responsibility as other team members.

There were multiple people that were allocated to support the placement students starting with the placement student coordinator. She was available to help us with any problems we needed and was able to direct us to who we can talk to to solve out problems. I was also placed into a small team who were al helpful in my development as well as my supervisor and manager. In the lab there are allocated people to help with equipment and they were always happy to answer questions.

AstraZeneca has a great atmosphere and really manages to help with the working balance. There is an expectation that you will work to a high standard and you are trusted to do what you need to, but in return there are always events and internal and external talks that can help to keep the days interesting and allow you to balance you time in the lab and the office. There is also a culture of acceptance.

I have enjoyed many aspects of the placement and have developed a lot of very important skills that I will use in my future career. I enjoyed the social side of having many placement students who also work in the company and this created a really fun social culture in and out of work. It has also helped me to realise what I want out of my career and where my strengths and weaknesses lie professionally.

Yes

The advice that I would give to other students that are looking to apply for a placement at AstraZeneca is to talk time learning about the company and their areas of research and see if the values of the company align with your career goals personally. If you are looking for an experience in a large pharmaceutical company to better understand the industry I would not hesitate to apply to the placement roles at AstraZeneca.