Introduction
Our aim is to push the boundaries of science to deliver life-changing medicines. Together, we turn ideas into reality, we discover, deliver and strive to do better every day. That means thinking big and collaborating in the right way. When it comes to our people, they are determined to bring the best solutions to patients all over the world. As an intern with us, you can get a taste for life as one of our people; scientists, project managers, HR professionals, finance analysts and beyond.
Varying in length and aim, our internships give you the chance to delve into the details of one of our company sectors, developing your skills and network. You’ll gain an invaluable insight into a potential future career. Explore the exciting range of internship opportunities available below.
About the programme
AstraZeneca Summer Internships introduce you to the world of ground-breaking drug development, embedding you in highly dedicated teams, committed to delivering impactful new medicines to patients.
What you can expect
We offer 10-12-week placements at our Macclesfield and Cambridge campuses, in the following areas Analytical Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Science, Analytical and Purification Science, Synthetic Organic Chemistry and Quality Control.
Within Analytical Chemistry you will:
- Be assigned a specific project alongside an experienced lead scientist
- Have the opportunity to learn about the different roles of pharmacists in drug development and lead your own 10-week project
- Spend the majority of your placement carrying out practical analytical chemistry and being exposed to a range of diverse analytical techniques
- Develop your communication and presentation skills, and your understanding of drug development
Within Pharmaceutical Science you will:
- Be assigned a specific project alongside an experienced pharmaceutical scientist
- Have the opportunity to learn about the different roles of pharmacists in drug development and lead your own 10-week project
- Support development of drug product formulation design and manufacturing processes and be exposed to a range of manufacturing processes and scales
- Support development of cutting-edge technologies in the field of drug delivery, product characterisation and modelling
- Develop your communication and presentation skills, and your understanding of drug development
Within Quality Control you will:
- Spend 10 weeks working with experienced Quality Control lab technicians in either Analytical Chemistry or Microbiology labs
- Learn to test raw materials, intermediate and finished products, to generate laboratory results against the agreed Quality Standards to ensure the quality, safety and efficacy of these products to the customer or user
- Be provided training to ensure the appropriate quality systems are followed in order for the laboratory to meet its responsibilities with respect to GLP, GMP and SHE
- Gain working knowledge of LEAN tools and techniques
Within Analytical and Purification Science:
You will be involved in a range of structural and physical chemistry-based research activities focused on small molecules. Examples of tasks the individual may conduct during the internship are:
- Purification of organic molecules by reverse-phase or superfluid chromatography
- Acquisition, processing and interpretation of nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and/or mass spectrometry structural and quantitative data
- Integration of structural NMR data to derive 3D conformational preference of molecules
The placement will aim to provide candidates an opportunity to gain knowledge of or experience in:
- Modern, practical analytical and purification skills
- Techniques for structural and conformational analysis of novel molecules
- Introduction to medicinal chemistry concepts
- Insight into current drug discovery
- Working within a team
Within Synthetic Organic Chemistry:
You will be involved in a range of research activities focused on the synthesis of novel molecules. Examples of tasks the individual may conduct during the internship are:
- Synthesis and purification of novel molecules using state of the art equipment and techniques
- Interpretation of analytical data
- Write up of experimental and manuscript for publication
The placement will aim to provide candidates an opportunity to gain knowledge of or experience in:
- Modern, practical analytical and purification skills
- Techniques for structural and conformational analysis of novel molecules
- Introduction to medicinal chemistry concepts
- Insight into current drug discovery
- Working within a team
Who can apply?
In all of our programmes, we look for individuals who have drive, enthusiasm, strong team working skills and a desire to learn. Specific requirements for each programme are listed below.
Analytical Chemistry
- Undergraduate applicants should be studying for a Chemistry-based BSc / MChem / MSci or equivalent degree
- Should have completed at least the first year of your degree when applying and be starting the second/third year of study
- Be performing at a high level, equivalent to achieving a 1st or 2.1 class degree
Pharmaceutical Science
- Undergraduate applicants should be studying in the UK for a Master of Pharmacy (MPharm) degree
- Should have completed the second year of your degree and be starting the third year of study.
- Be performing at a high level (equivalent to achieving a 1st or 2.1 class degree
Quality Control
- Undergraduate applicants should be studying in the UK for a Biology or Chemistry degree
- Should have completed first or second year of your degree
- Be performing at a high level and be prepared to apply your knowledge in a practical way
Analytical and Purification Science
- Undergraduate applicants should be studying in the UK for a chemistry or biochemistry degree
- Should have completed second year of degree or graduates with their degree in chemistry or biochemistry
- Candidates should have some basic knowledge of analytical and structural chemistry techniques
Synthetic Organic Chemistry
- Undergraduate applicants should be studying in the UK for a chemistry or biochemistry degree
- Should have completed second year of degree or graduates with their degree in chemistry or biochemistry
- Candidates should have some knowledge of organic chemistry and purification techniques with previous work experience in a chemistry laboratory preferred
