Darren from Biological Sciences

• • Biological sciences

  • Gael
  • Afshan
  • Darren
  • Kevin
  • Adrian

Prior to going to University I served in the Royal Navy for five years as an Aircraft Engineer, serving as a peacekeeper in the Former Yugoslavia.  However, during this period I decided to try a new career path and began my studies at University.

"I’m often faced with new problems and challenges, which means that I’m still learning four years after graduation" Darren

Following graduation from Staffordshire University with a 1st Class degree in Applied Biology I applied to the Astrazeneca graduate recruitment process. I was attracted to Astrazeneca because of the company reputation as a leader in the pharmaceutical industry and its consistent high ranking in employee satisfaction tables. During the recruitment process I attended two rounds of interviews and an assessment centre at Alderley Park. The selection process covered a wide range of skills ranging from assessment of biological knowledge to group activities and personality profiling.

The graduate training scheme is comprised of modules covering a wide range of techniques, such as tissue culture, molecular biology and enzyme kinetics all of which are used in drug discovery process. During this period the learning curve was steep, but this has provided a good base of skills, which I regularly use in my daily job.

Following completion of the graduate training, I joined a small team of scientists working in the Cancer and infection department. Since then I have been involved in the development of biological tests used in the drug discovery process. This has involved the application of a wide range of new techniques including cell and molecular biology, statistical analysis and the use of robotic automation systems. In addition to my scientific role I am also responsible for coordinating health and safety in my laboratory area.  

As a result my job is far from routine, I am responsible for designing my experiments and organising my daily workload, no day is ever exactly the same.  Im often faced with new problems and challenges, which means that Im still learning four years after graduation.

The career opportunities and personal development opportunities at Astrazeneca are excellent.  I have recently completed an Msc in Molecular Biology and have attended scientific conferences, this is all part of my long-term development plan to enable me to progress my career.  There is a wide range of other development opportunities available, both scientific and non scientific, the biggest problem is knowing which one to choose!