Year 12 Work Experience – Molecules to Medicine in Cambridge

About AstraZeneca

AstraZeneca is a global, science-led biopharmaceutical company that focuses on the discovery, development and commercialisation of prescription medicines in Oncology, Rare Disease and Biopharmaceuticals, including Cardiovascular, Renal & Metabolism, Respiratory & Immunology, and Vaccines & Immune therapies. 

Globally headquartered in Cambridge, UK, AstraZeneca operates in over 100 countries, and its innovative medicines are used by millions of patients worldwide. 

We’re creating novel therapies that help people with cancer, other chronic and rare diseases – areas where we believe we can make the most meaningful difference to patients.

We create great employee experiences that ignite innovation, unite diverse talent and unlock capacity.  We do this by being champions of inclusion and diversity and fostering personal growth and enterprise leadership .

The work experience opportunity will be hosted by a variety of Scientific teams located in our Research & Development (R&D) headquarters in Cambridge.

STEM based Work Experience (Molecules to Medicine)

We have an exciting opportunity for one-week unpaid work experience for nine students at our Cambridge site. The placement date(s) are as follows:

• Monday 7th July to Friday 11th July 2025

Working hours will be 9am to 4pm each day*

(*Monday will be an 8:30am arrival time to allow time for registration at reception)

Job Description

• An introduction to the Pharmaceutical Industry. 
• Application of STEM subjects to drug development. 
• Tours of our world class laboratories and facilities. 
• Practical demonstrations related to A-level Chemistry and Biology 
• Career advice from those currently working for AstraZeneca plus chance to chat with the current cohort of apprentice scheme, industrial placement students, and graduates. 

What knowledge/skills will the student gain?:

• Understanding of what it takes to deliver a new medicine to the market. 
• Understanding of the process and techniques used in the synthesis, purification and analysis of compounds through practical demonstrations in our chemistry laboratories.
• The opportunity to see how computational modeling informs compound design.
• Difference between Drug Substance & Drug Product. 
• Understanding of in vitro (cancer cell lines) and in vivo (rodents) models for oncology research.
• Exposure to techniques for analysis of biological samples.
• Awareness of roles based on STEM in Astrazeneca, and the different entry points. 
• Application and development of STEM knowledge and skills. 

• Experience the workplace environment whilst making new friends. 

What we won’t cover: 

• Target selection and Discovery Science around how the medicine works. 
• Pharmacy / DMPK / Clinical Trails. 

Who can apply?:

To be eligible to apply students must be in Year 12, studying Chemistry or Biology A level and wanting to have a career based around STEM.

How to apply?:

Please complete questionnaire questions and attach a copy of your CV.

Other information:

Applications will close on Friday 28th February 2025

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 authorization and employment eligibility verification requirements.