Biopharm research assisstant Review

I really enjoyed my placement due to the type of work I had to perform, the importance of my role within the site, and the people who I worked with. The particular department I worked for had a good and friendly vibe. I never felt that I was unable to try out new things. Everyone was helpful in allowing me to expand my skill set by mentoring me in new techniques and processes. In all it was a very valuble experience.

I felt very valued. I was mentored in new techniques and processes allowing me to widen my research abilities for the future. Not only was I given opportunities which would benefit me in the future, but I was given a role which was of importance in our project team. I never felt like I was being given inane tasks to fill my time. I really enjoyed working with my colleagues and made some great friends.

I was given a lot of support from my supervisors, especially when deadlines were fast approaching and the laboratory work wasn't going to plan. This help wasn't given in a spoon feeding manner, but in a way which allowed me to further my knowledge on certain subjects. I never felt in the duration of my placement that if I had any problems I wouldn't be listened to by my supervisors.

Business varied depending on how well experiments were working. If an experiment worked well, then I'd quickly move to the next step, not allowing for periods of time without action. At other times experiments wouldn't work, this would mean waiting for reagents and spending time deciding what steps to take next. I also broke my arm half way through the year and was unable to complete laboratory work for 5 weeks. During this time I did not have an awful lot to do. Mostly the work required me to independently come to the conclusion of whether I needed more work or less work.

I was given an important role within our project group. Other areas of the project hinged on whether I produced good results or not. At first this was daunting, but I realise the importance of knowing the pressure of having people depend on you producing good results. It was very good that I got to be introduced to this during my placement, and now I feel a sense of achievement with regards to the fact that my work is being continued.

I have gained a wide set of laboratory skills, which will help me not only complete my final year project at university with greater ease, but also help me to apply for phds and research jobs. This experience is so valuable for my future.

The office was open plan. I believe this allowed for a good and productive conversation with members of the floor with regards to work, for example asking for guidance from someone more knowledgeable or just passing information about an experiment to a team member. People were very respectful of the open plan office and did not make too much noise within the office. Social events were organised with the whole department. These ranged a lot allowing people with various interests and timetables to get involved.

The work could have been better organised. This was the only thing I could mention as something that needed to be improved, at least with regards to my project. I arrived without a project title and a definitive aim to my project. This meant at first I wasn't sure what I was doing and at times did not have work to do as I finished one stage of the project, when the came to work out where to go next. In the end I was placed within a project team, beginning my work with antigen production, moving onto phage display then, biological assessment of outputs. The lack of organisation though did have good points as it allowed me more freedom in the range of activities I got involved with.

The people I worked with were more than happy to aid me in improving my skill set. Many people invested their own time to see that I was properly trained in equipment and techniques. This will definitely have a positive impact on my future.

I am definitely interested in looking into available graduate schemes in research (if available), but my primary plan is to get a phd and then find a job upon completion of my studies.

The social committee organised many events to cater to everyone within the department, from go-karting and white water rafting to video game nights. On a less organised level I made many friends and often socialised outside of work.

I lived in Cambridge so in general everything was pretty expensive, but that is to be expected.

Again I lived in Cambridge, it is not well known for its nightlife for good reason.

The social committee as I previously mentioned organised a lot of events which I participated in. Again further events were organised with friends from work but not as something within the social committee.