12 Month University Industrial Placement Student: Biologics Engineering

Biopharma Careers; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 31,000; Full time

Job summary

AstraZeneca in Cambridge, UK, is offering a 12-month University Industrial Placement in Biologics Engineering within the BioPharmaceuticals and Oncology R&D Undergraduate Industrial Placement Programme.

You will work in a creative, collaborative team developing next-generation biologic medicines, gaining hands-on experience and learning how data informs drug discovery decisions in a real research environment.

Qualifications

• Currently undertaking an undergraduate or integrated master’s degree within a biological discipline with the opportunity to spend 1 year in industry starting in September 2027.
• Strong planning and organisation skills.
• Ability to see opportunities, learn, and apply that learning to drive innovation.
• Good collaboration and teamwork skills.

Responsibilities

• Gain hands-on laboratory experience in Biologics Engineering across protein engineering, molecular biology and cell-based technologies.
• Contribute to projects aiming to turn innovative scientific ideas into medicines for patients.

Skills

Strong planning

Organisation skills

Collaboration

Innovative mindset

Education

Undergraduate or integrated MSc in Biological discipline

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Job description

12 Month University Industrial Placement Student (UIPS): Biologics Engineering

Cambridge, UK

£28,000 Base Salary, Bonus & Flexible Benefits

About AstraZeneca:

AstraZeneca is a global, science-led, patient-centred biopharmaceutical company that focuses on the discovery, development and commercialization of prescription medicines for some of the world’s most serious disease. But we’re more than a global leading pharmaceutical company. At AstraZeneca, we’re dedicated to being a Great Place to Work where you are empowered to push the boundaries of science and fuel your entrepreneurial spirit. There’s no better place to make a difference to medicine, patients and society.

About the University Industrial Placement Student (UIPS) Programme:

Join a Truly Inclusive and Supportive International Team. As an AstraZeneca placement student, there is a huge network of support available to you. You’ll have a dedicated supervisor, a supportive early talent peer network, and a variety of Employee Resource Groups you can join.

We help and empower each other, and our supervisors are committed to providing you with all the guidance and support you need to build your skills, confidence and capabilities.

Whatever your background and experience, you'll be welcomed and encouraged to speak up, ask questions and share knowledge. You will be a valued part of an international team of truly supportive, collaborative and inclusive individuals.

About the Opportunity:

The BioPharmaceuticals and Oncology Research & Development (R&D) Undergraduate Industrial Placement Programme provides the opportunity for you to undertake a 12-month laboratory-based placement that will introduce you to the world of innovative drug discovery.

Biologics Engineering

In Biologics Engineering, you’ll be part of a creative and collaborative department helping to design and build the next generation of biologic medicines. Our teams use protein engineering, molecular biology and cell-based technologies to discover and improve potential therapies such as monoclonal antibodies, bispecific antibodies and antibody-drug conjugates across areas including Respiratory, Oncology and Immunology. During your placement, you will gain hands‑on laboratory experience, learn how experimental data helps guide drug discovery decisions, and contribute to projects that aim to turn innovative scientific ideas into medicines that may one day benefit patients. This is an exciting opportunity to develop your technical skills, grow your confidence in a real research environment and experience what it is like to work at the forefront of biopharmaceutical science.

Qualification, Skills & Experience

Required

• Currently undertaking an undergraduate or integrated master’s degree within a biological discipline with the opportunity to spend 1 year in industry starting in September 2027
• Strong planning and organisation skills
• Ability to see opportunities, learn, and apply that learning to drive innovation
• Good collaboration and teamworking skills

Desirable

• A good foundation of Microsoft Excel.
• Experience in interpretation of data.
• Experience of working in teams (could be in an educational or employment setting or any other team work you may have completed).

Applications Open: 4th September 2026

Applications Close: 2nd October 2026

Assessment Day: 10th November 2026

Start Date: 6th September 2027

This position is a 12-month fixed term contract.

AstraZeneca is proud to be ranked as a Top 100 ‘Best Student Employer’ in the UK by RateMyPlacement.

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.

Date Posted 04-Sept-2026

Closing Date 02-Oct-2026

Our mission is to build an inclusive and equitable environment. We want people to feel they belong at AstraZeneca and Alexion, starting with our recruitment process. We welcome and consider applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of characteristics. We offer reasonable adjustments/accommodations to help all candidates to perform at their best.