12 Month University Industrial Placement Student: Biosciences

AstraZeneca; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 24,000 - 32,000; Full time

Job summary

AstraZeneca in Cambridge is offering a 12-month University Industrial Placement Student (UIPS) in Biosciences. You will work within Oncology Bioscience, gain hands-on laboratory experience, and contribute to a defined research project alongside day-to-day lab activities.

This paid placement provides a foundation in cancer biology and drug discovery, with mentorship, opportunities to present data, and exposure to cross-functional teamwork within a global biopharmaceutical company.

Qualifications

• Pursuing an undergraduate or integrated master's in biology with a year in industry starting Sep 2027.
• Interest in cancer biology and drug discovery.
• Strong planning and organisation skills.
• Attention to detail when generating, recording and analysing data.
• Able to follow scientific protocols and work safely in a lab.
• Collaborate well and communicate within a team.

Responsibilities

• Design, run and analyse experiments within Oncology Bioscience.
• Maintain accurate experimental records and present findings.
• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams to support oncology projects.
• Contribute to data interpretation to aid drug discovery efforts.

Skills

Biology background

Laboratory techniques

Data analysis

Collaboration

Communication

Organisational skills

Education

Undergraduate or integrated master's in biology

Tools

Microsoft Excel

GraphPad

Job description

12 Month University Industrial Placement Student (UIPS): Biosciences

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.

Are you ready to explore this exciting next step in your career?

About The Opportunity

The 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.

Oncology Bioscience

Oncology Bioscience at AstraZeneca focuses on understanding cancer biology and translating scientific insights into new medicines for patients. Working in a collaborative discovery environment, the department partners across multiple scientific disciplines to identify and validate targets, investigate mechanisms of action, and support oncology projects through the early research pipeline. The team also generates preclinical data that informs the development of oncology medicines, including studies exploring mechanisms of resistance and potential combination treatment strategies.

As an Industrial Placement Student, you will be embedded within an Oncology Bioscience team and contribute to a defined research project alongside day-to-day laboratory activities. You will gain hands‑on experience in designing and running experiments, generating and analysing data, maintaining accurate experimental records, and presenting your findings to the team. Depending on the placement area, you may gain experience in cell‑based assays, molecular and cellular biology techniques, data analysis, and interpretation of results to support oncology drug discovery.

Qualification, Skills & Experience

• 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
• Interest in cancer biology and drug discovery.
• Strong planning and organisation skills
• Good attention to detail when generating, recording, and analysing experimental data.
• Ability to follow scientific protocols and work safely and carefully in a laboratory environment.
• Ability to learn quickly and apply new knowledge to support scientific innovation.
• Good collaboration, communication, and teamworking skills.

Desirable

• A good foundation of Microsoft Excel and GraphPad.
• Experience in interpretation or presenting scientific data.
• Basic laboratory experience from undergraduate practical classes, research projects, or previous placements.
• Familiarity with cell biology, molecular biology, biochemical techniques or cell‑based assays.
• 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: 25th 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. Browse our reviews here (link)

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

08-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. If you have a need for any adjustments/accommodations, please complete the section in the application form.