Adrian from Biological Sciences
I joined AstraZeneca after reading a degree in Medical Science at the University of Birmingham. My main focus in my final year was neuropharmacology and my research project was orientated around absence epilepsy and its proposed pathophysiology. This area of biological science is what initially attracted me to my course and the logical step on graduating from university was to apply to a pharmaceutical company. Here I could develop the skills I had acquired and utilise them for developing new and unique treatments. I applied to AstraZeneca primarily due to their global standing as a world leader in novel new therapies within a broad range of research areas and their continual investment in providing the best research facilities. The prospect of being able to be on the cutting edge of science as well as being given the opportunity to liaise with other AstraZeneca sites globally was a great incentive. The application process for the graduate bioscience position was very straightforward; and following the 1st round interview I was fortunate to be called back for the 2nd round, which was held on the Alderley Park site. The purpose of this was to get a feel for the companys work ethic as well as a tour of the bioscience facilities. It really was a case of the company learning more about myself as well as myself learning more about the company. I was appointed to a position within the Respiratory & Inflammation Research Area (RIRA) investigating possible mechanisms of the symptomology relating to osteoarthritis. With my neuropharmacology background, this post within discovery research was an amazing opportunity. RIRA itself is based over three sites: Charnwood (UK), Lund (Sweden), and Alderley Park (UK) and there is constant interaction between all three sites. The team I work for has regular meetings with Charnwood as well as other AstraZeneca sites demonstrating the harmonious working relationship between all the departments within the company. When employed at AstraZeneca I was given the opportunity to re-learn numerous specific laboratory techniques that I might utilise in the future. This training scheme also incorporated day-to-day issues within the laboratory, covering all aspects of safety, environmental issues and IT. I am now responsible for planning and carrying out my own studies and interpreting the resulting data. Analysing and problem solving data is an important skill as it helps to define future studies. All the information I collect is filed in an electronic report and this is accessible to other teams that might benefit from the data that has been accumulated. I attend team meetings with other colleagues from RIRA and I am expected to present my data regularly. In the 8 months I have been here I have been extremely fortunate to participate in external training courses, organise attendance at scientific meetings as well as visit other AstraZeneca sites outside the UK. My line manager and I have regular meetings regarding my development scientifically as well as within AstraZeneca and I know with the support of my peers as well as management, my career within AstraZeneca will develop. |
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