Rotational Associates Programme
Locations: Cambridge, UK & Gaithersburg, US
Salary: Competitive
Our 2025 intake recruitment advertising dates are:
US: Adverts for the 2025 intake are now closed. Ads will reopen for the 2026 cycle in the fall of 2025.
UK: Applications for our 2025 intake are now closed.
Make an Impact and Kickstart your career
At AstraZeneca, our BioPharmaceutical Development (BPD) group’s two-year Rotational Associate Programme enables recent graduates to join us in making a difference to people’s lives every day. As part of one of the world’s premier biotechnology companies, we focus on creating novel products that fight disease and transform quality of life.
In BPD, our work focuses on transforming molecules into medicines. This programme provides experience in the development of manufacturing processes and dosage forms for BioPharmaceutical products – everything from molecule discovery to packaging the final product. This is your chance to take this journey with us.
By the end of the program, you will be ready to contribute to our invaluable work and collaborate on challenging technical projects across a range of therapeutic areas, you'll find continuous opportunities to learn, develop and make a real impact. All whilst fuelling your curiosity, building lasting relationships, and working towards your personal and professional goals.
About the programme
The programme comprises three eight-month rotational assignments across various functions within BPD. You will work on challenging technical projects supporting the development of biological therapeutics in the areas of Cell Culture and Fermentation, Purification, Formulation, Delivery Devices, Manufacturing, and Analytical Sciences including Physicochemical, Bioassay Development, Biosafety, and Impurities. You’ll be assigned a manager for each rotation and a mentor to guide your progress and provide support.
Designed to help you transition from academia to industry, you’ll progress through different Programme rotations – gaining valuable experience and insight across various functions within Biopharmaceutical Development to really push and expand your skills and knowledge.
What can you expect?
- A manager for each rotation and a mentor to support you throughout the programme.
- Activities designed to build your network with colleagues on the program and broaden your understanding of BPD.
- Informal learning opportunities such as attendance at company scientific events and educational seminars.
- Opportunities for presentations and developing communication skills.
What you will be doing
Over the course of the program, you will spend eight months in three BPD functional areas. You will work on projects in each area that contribute to the development of our products. Rotations are designed to equip you with an understanding of the part each function plays in the development process so you can play a full part in our work at the end of the program. You will receive mentoring and feedback from functional managers over the course of the program, so you’ll be able to identify areas of strength, as well as those you want to further develop. Upon successful completion of the rotations, you will progress into a permanent position, setting the stage for a fulfilling and rewarding career at AstraZeneca.
Essential requirements
To be eligible for the program, you’ll need the following. Please see individual job advertisements for specific requirements.
- To be a recent bachelor's or master's graduate.
- To have a background in biology, chemistry, biochemistry, engineering or other related discipline.
- Up to 2 years post-graduate work experience.
- Strong technical and laboratory skills.
- Strong critical thinking, communication and collaboration skills.
- Demonstrate a genuine passion for science and a strong interest in drug development as a career.
