Skip to main content

Early careers at AstraZeneca

Research and Development (R&D) Undergraduate Industrial Student Programme

BioPharmaceuticals and Oncology Research & Development Undergraduate Industrial Placement Programme - 12 month placement 

Applications for our 2024 BioPharmaceuticals and Oncology Research & Development Undergraduate Industrial Placement Programme - 12 month placements 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:

  • Cardiovascular, Renal and Metabolism
  • Oncology DMPK
  • Respiratory
  • Inflammation and Autoimmunity
  • Neuroscience
  • Infection and Vaccines
  • Data Science and Artificial Intelligence 

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.

Apply Here: R&D Biopharmaceutical and Oncology  R-179127

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. 

Apply Here: Oncology DMPK R-179107

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    

Apply Here: Statistics R-179013

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. 

Apply Here: Biometrics R-179148

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. Specific requirements for each programme are listed below.

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
  • Performing at a high level, with the potential to achieve a 1st or 2:1 class degree.

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 2024 

  • A desire to learn about DMPK science 

Statistics Placement Applicants should be:

  • 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 2024. 

  • 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 2024. 

  • 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. 

Our commitment to inclusion and diversity

Our mission is focused on creating an inclusive and equitable environment, where people feel they belong.
To find out more about our inclusion and diversity policy, click here.

Our latest Early Talent opportunities

View all of our Early Talent opportunities

Now is a great time to be a scientist in AstraZeneca. Working across a range of therapy areas our teams are focussed on translating the really cool science that is happening in our labs into the next generation of medicines that patients need. To make this happen we need great people who share our passion for science and who have the drive and determination to meet the unmet needs of patients around the world.

– Mene Pangalos, EVP and President BioPharmaceuticals R&D

Global TB

Meet Catriona

Bioscience Undergraduate Industrial Placement Student (UIPS)

"The training and support I have received has allowed me to make meaningful contributions to my project and wider department, giving me the confidence to handle responsibilities I would have previously shied away from."

We’ll keep you up-to-date

Sign up to be the first to receive job updates.

Interested InSearch for a category and select one from the list of suggestions. Search for a location and select one from the list of suggestions. Finally, click “Add” to create your job alert.

Glassdoor logo Rated four stars on Glassdoor

Great culture, great work assignments, supportive management. Rotation opportunity within the company. They value inclusion and diversity.