Building my skillset

Hannah studied for a PhD in biochemistry at the University of Cambridge, funded by AstraZeneca, between 2021 and 2024.

Why did you decide to do a PhD?

As part of my undergraduate degree, I was able to spend a year in industry – at AstraZeneca, in fact.

During that year, I realised that I really wanted a career in the drug discovery industry. I was looking at team leaders and thinking I would love to do that one day and I saw first-hand that having a PhD would make that so much easier. Plus, I love doing research, so it was a pretty straightforward decision.

What are the benefits of an AstraZeneca studentship?

Potential impact. Having an industry sponsor meant there was more chance that my PhD could have real impact. That possibility was really motivating.

Different perspectives. My AstraZeneca supervisors had a very different way of thinking about things than my academic supervisors. It’s really helpful to have both perspectives, particularly when the project has potential to be translated into therapeutics.

During my PhD, I spent about six months working full-time with the team at AstraZeneca which was just amazing. It gave me a really good feel for what everyone else was doing and what their jobs looked like.

Building my skillset. It also helped me develop broader skills, such as learning how to present my work effectively. I’ve also benefited from teaching undergraduates which has given me an insight into how to guide and support the next cohort of researchers.

What’s your next step?

My partner has just got a job in Switzerland so I’m looking for a role in a Swiss pharmaceutical or biotech company. It’s very competitive so I’m hoping my industry experience combined with my PhD will help.

And in 10 years’ time?

I’d love to be a team leader in a drug discovery company.

Would you recommend an industry-sponsored PhD to up-and-coming young scientists?

Definitely!

Find out more about the AstraZeneca-Cambridge PhD programme and how to apply

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