BioPharmaceuticals and Oncology Research & Development Undergraduate Industrial Placement Programme - 12 month placement
Applications for our 2025 intake are now closed.
Locations: Macclesfield, Cambridge and Liverpool, UK
About AstraZeneca
We are a global, science-led biopharmaceutical business and our innovative medicines are used by millions of patients worldwide. At AstraZeneca, we’ve long been advocates of industrial placement training. We believe it is our responsibility to help promising scientists develop into the researchers of the future, by immersing them in a world of practical, lab-based science. This is achieved by aligning each student with a research team working on cutting-edge drug discovery projects. You will feel trusted and empowered to take on new challenges, but with all the help and guidance you need to succeed.
About the Programme
The BioPharmaceuticals and Oncology Research & Development (R&D) Undergraduate Industrial Placement Programme provides the opportunity for you to undertake a 12-month placement that will introduce you to the world of innovative drug discovery where we push the boundaries of science to deliver life-changing medicines. There are a range of placements available including laboratory based placements, Oncology DMPK and Statistics and Biometrics. You’ll get to do meaningful work in a pioneering research and development driven organisation. As well as developing the skills, knowledge and connections that will set you up for success you will be among curious, passionate and open-minded people eager to learn, follow the science, and grow as professionals in a truly collaborative and global team.
What you can expect:
We offer 12-month placements at our campuses in Macclesfield, Cambridge and Liverpool, UK.
Laboratory-based Placements
You will be embedded in one of our research teams working with world class scientists to deliver new medicines to patients. Opportunities are available in the following areas:
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Biologics Engineering
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Early Respiratory and Immunology
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Discovery Sciences
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Biopharmaceutical Development
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Clinical Pharmacology and Safety Sciences
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Early Oncology
You will spend the majority of your placement working on a bespoke laboratory-based project and will be assigned a dedicated Industrial Project Supervisor. You will have the opportunity to develop a range of transferable attributes including communication and presentation skills. You will also be given access to AstraZeneca’s early talent network and to a range of volunteering opportunities in STEM outreach and across local communities.
Oncology DMPK
As a member of the Oncology DMPK Team, you can expect to:
- Learn and perform in-vitro experiments to investigate the ADME properties of drug candidates and report results back to the DMPK project lead
- Design and carry out studies to understand the mechanisms of metabolism and disposition of drug candidates
- Conduct a bespoke set of studies relating to a DMPK portfolio issue as a stand-alone piece of research which could potentially lead to a publication.
Statistics Placements
As a member of the Statistics team, you can expect to:
- gain experience of the drug development process
- develop R/SAS programming skills
- experience in data handling, analysis and interpretation
- have opportunity to input into study design
- contribute to internal statistical/programming forums.
Biometrics Placements
As a member of Oncology Biometrics’ Information Practice team, you can expect to:
- Gain experience of the drug development process
- Apply in practice your scientific, biological, or data science education
- Develop scientific literature search skills and NLP software application
- Capture and retain knowledge for easy retrieval to support decision-making
- Contribute to internal Functional forums.
Clinical Study Administrator
As a Clinical Study Administrator you will:
- Support with the practical arrangements and contribution to the preparation of internal and external meetings e.g. local study team meetings, monitor meetings and UK trial site meetings.
- Liaise with internal local and global study team members and external stakeholders and clinical trial systems/supplies vendors.
- Assisting in preparation, review and tracking of documents for the ethical and regulatory trial approval process.
- Engaging with physicians (clinical trial Investigators), research nurses and other external service providers and AZ monitors (Clinical Research Associates) supporting document/data collection and system set-up/maintenance to promote effective delivery of our clinical trials.
Who can apply?
Join our Undergraduate Programme and be part of making a difference, making connections, and gaining the tools and experience to open doors and fulfil your potential. In all of our programmes we look for individuals who have drive, enthusiasm, strong team working skills and a desire to learn. Please see individual job advertisements for specific educational requirements.
Laboratory-based Placement Applicants should be:
- Undergraduates studying for a BSc, integrated Masters (e.g. Msci/MbiolSci/Mpharmacol), or equivalent in any Biological or Life Science-aligned course
- At the time of application, candidates should have completed at least one year of their undergraduate course
- The Industrial placement will be undertaken during the third, or potentially fourth, year of an undergraduate course.
Oncology DMPK Applicants should be:
- Currently undertaking an undergraduate or integrated master’s degree within a chemical or biological discipline with the opportunity to spend 1 year in industry starting in September 2025
- A desire to learn about DMPK science.
- Currently undertaking an undergraduate or integrated master’s degree within either Maths or Statistics based subject with the opportunity to spend 1 year in industry starting in September 2025
- Strong planning and organisation skills
- Ability to see opportunities, learn, and apply that learning to drive innovation
- Good collaboration and teamworking skills
- Confident communicating with a wide range of stakeholders.
Biometrics Placement Applicants should be:
- Currently undertaking an undergraduate or integrated master’s degree with the opportunity to spend 1 year in industry starting in September 2025
- Degree subject must be within biological science, information science or data science/analytics
- Strong planning and organisation skills
- Ability to see opportunities, learn, and apply that learning to drive innovation
- Good collaboration and teamworking skills
- Confident communicating with a wide range of stakeholders.
Clinical Study Administrator
- Currently undertaking an undergraduate or integrated master’s degree in a Life Science subject, with the opportunity to spend 1 year in industry starting in September 2025
- Should have completed the first/second year of your degree, and be starting the second/third year of study.
