Level 6 Laboratory Scientist Degree Apprenticeship - Biopharmaceutical Development
Level 6 Laboratory Scientist Degree Apprenticeship – Biopharmaceutical Development
Cambridge, UK
Starting base salary of £21,500 + 11% benefits fund + bonus
At AstraZeneca, we put patients first and strive to meet their unmet needs worldwide. We’re deeply committed to our strategy of being a great place to work. For us, that includes fostering an environment where everyone can be among inclusive, supportive individuals with curious minds.
A company that genuinely follows the science and values individuals at all levels, you’ll be backed and encouraged to speak up, ask questions, and share ideas to push the boundaries of science and continuously learn and explore.
Make the start of your journey a life changing one!
As part of our Early Talent Programme, you’ll be involved in projects and learning opportunities that have real impact from day one.
Being part of our journey and helping us to provide life changing medicine to patients all over the world and transform lives for the better. Making important contributions and embracing our values to deliver on our purpose. Because regardless of role or level, we all have an important part to play in making a positive difference.
Cambridge
Cambridge is one of the most exciting bioscience hotspots in the world. The Discovery Centre (DISC), located at the heart of the Cambridge Biomedical Campus, is designed to play a central role in our mission to deliver life-changing medicines to patients. As our largest research and development centre in the UK, it will have more than 2,000 people working across therapy areas and drug discovery and development once fully occupied.
About the Apprenticeship Programme
Biopharmaceutical Development
Working with diverse and novel molecular modalities across all therapeutic areas, Biopharmaceutic Development (BPD) integrates cell biology, process science, molecular structure & function, solution and solid-state chemistry, advanced data analytics, and engineering, to develop industry-leading technologies.
BPD’s innovative science enables high-yielding, efficient production for the most challenging and novel biologics, as well as delivery of new medicines through design of stable formulations and development of drug delivery systems. With device development, BPD is creating products with a patient-centric mind-set, transforming Research Molecules into new life-changing Medicines
We have two opportunities available in our Biopharmaceutical function. Please see below for more details:
Purification Protein Science group(Early stage)
During your apprenticeship you will be responsible for planning and executing the purification of proteins to advance the AstraZeneca pipeline and to perform protein purification on a milligram scale for a wide variety of proteins including both drug targets and complex biopharmaceutical drugs such as bi-specific antibodies or fusion proteins. You will participate in solving protein purification problems such as aggregate removal, untagged protein purification, and glycoform separation and carryout Quality control assessments of the reagents generated.
You will coordinate closely with other groups to meet project timelines and company goals. You will also be analysing and interpreting analytical data and contributing to appropriate experimental plans. You will maintain accurate records of data and actively participate in laboratory organization. Ensure that work is performed in accordance with appropriate Safety, Health & Environment (SHE), quality and compliance standards. Given the scope of this dynamic role and the need to multitask, it is essential to be a good communicator, well organized, innovative and able to work in team and independently when designing and executing experiments as well as to manage and prioritize tasks. Furthermore, you should demonstrate enthusiasm, motivation, attention to detail and willingness to learn new technologies, flexibility, and confidence. The role requires a good understanding of the biological and chemical properties of recombinant proteins and data analysis.
Lab Automation Apprentice - Early-Stage Formulation Sciences
You will join the Early-Stage Formulation Sciences team, where the goal is to develop stable, effective, and safe formulations for biological products, ensuring their compatibility with delivery systems and adherence to regulatory standards for successful commercialization. In this role, you will focus on leveraging automation to enhance these processes. Guided by scientists and automation specialists, you will champion the design and optimization of automated solutions for both routine tasks and large-scale workflows. Your contributions will enhance efficiency, precision, and reproducibility across diverse formulation processes.
Key Responsibilities:
Cultivate automation skills and scientific expertise with the aim of becoming a subject matter expert capable of bridging the gap between scientists and automation specialists.
Work collaboratively with team members and cross-functional teams to develop and validate automated methods for laboratory processes and workflows.
Contribute to the preparation of technical reports and presentations, showcasing achievements and promoting activities to the broader team and AstraZeneca colleagues.
Engage with internal and external automation experts to remain updated on the latest advancements in biologic formulation technology and automation solutions.
Training and Development
AstraZeneca will sponsor you through your Lab Science Degree with one of our university providers, either Manchester Metropolitan University or North Eastern University London https://www.instituteforapprenticeships.org/apprenticeship-standards/laboratory-scientist-degree-v1-0
The apprenticeship combines working, earning a full-time salary, with fully funded part-time learning (on average 1 day/week). This will give you the opportunity to gain a Level 6 Lab Science degree qualification, just as you would if you went to university full-time, with the advantage of gaining relevant work-life skills and the excitement of helping to develop new medicines whilst taking your first steps towards a rewarding career.
We truly value Early Talent– their thoughts, ideas and contributions. So throughout the programme, you’ll be encouraged and inspired to speak up, have a voice and make an impact.
Skills and Capabilities
We would be looking for the following attributes from our successful applicants:
Enthusiastic individuals who are keen to learn and with a genuine scientific curiosity
Able to act independently but also to work and contribute in a team environment
Good organisational skills with an excellent attention to detail & a proactive approach to problem solving
The ability to work on multiple tasks and understanding how to prioritise
Excellent verbal and written communication and interpersonal skills
Entry Requirements
Five GCSEs (or equivalent) grades 9 to 5 including Maths, English and Science
To have achieved or predicted to achieve a minimum of 104 UCAS points at A-level (grades BBB) or an equivalent (e.g. BTEC DMM/T-Levels considered) of which one needs to be Biology.
Benefits, open and close dates
To apply for this position, please click the apply link.
Opening date of advert: 13th January 2025
Closing date of advert: midnight 16th February 2025
Successful candidates will be asked to attend a virtual Assessment Day during w/c 24th March 2025
Should you require any reasonable adjustments or accommodations, please let us know on your application.
At AstraZeneca, we aim to set you up for success, and we recognise the challenges that starting a new job can bring. We therefore offer a relocation package to help with the costs and process of moving for candidates who currently live more than 60 minutes from the site location for this Apprenticeship.
This is a 4 -year fixed term contract opportunity.
Start date for the apprenticeship programme is 1st September 2025
Where can I find out more?
Our Social Media, Follow AstraZeneca on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/1603/
Inclusion & Diversity: https://careers.astrazeneca.com/inclusion-diversity
Career Site: https://careers.astrazeneca.com/
AstraZeneca embraces diversity and equality of opportunity. We are committed to building an inclusive and diverse team representing all backgrounds, with as wide a range of perspectives as possible, and harnessing industry-leading skills. We believe that the more inclusive we are, the better our work will be. We welcome and consider applications to join our team from all qualified candidates, regardless of their characteristics. We comply with all applicable laws and regulations on non-discrimination in employment (and recruitment), as well as work authorisation and employment eligibility verification requirements.
