12 Month University Industrial Placement Student (UIPS): Analytical Chemistry

AstraZeneca; Macclesfield; On-site; GBP 26,000; Full time

Job summary

A global biopharmaceutical company in the UK is seeking a University Industrial Placement Student in Analytical Chemistry. This 12-month opportunity will involve providing analytical expertise to support drug development. The ideal candidate is pursuing a degree in Chemistry, capable of a 36.5-hour work week, and has strong analytical and communication skills. Applications are open from September 2025 to late September 2025.

Benefits

Flexible Benefits

Collaborative working environment

Training and networking opportunities

Qualifications

• Pursuing an undergraduate degree with a chance for 1-year industry experience starting September 2026.
• Able to commit to 36.5 hours per week on campus.
• CV and cover letter including analytical experience.

Responsibilities

• Provide analytical expertise for drug development in a team.
• Collaborate with chemists and engineers on project timelines.
• Develop effective communication skills by presenting findings.

Skills

Analytical skills

Team collaboration

Communication skills

Education

Pursuing undergraduate degree in Chemistry or related field

Tools

Chromatographic techniques (HPLC, GC)

Spectroscopic techniques (NMR, UV, FTIR)

Hyphenated techniques (LC-MS, GC-MS)

Job description

Overview

12 Month University Industrial Placement Student (UIPS): Analytical Chemistry – Cambridge and Macclesfield, UK – £26,000 Base Salary, Bonus & Flexible Benefits.

Do you want to be part of a team of supportive, collaborative and likeminded peers to develop your expertise? Then AstraZeneca might be the one for you!

About AstraZeneca

At AstraZeneca, we’re driven by a powerful purpose: to transform the future of healthcare with life-changing medicines. As a global, science-led biopharmaceutical company, we focus on the discovery, development, and commercialisation of innovative treatments for some of the world’s most serious diseases.

But AstraZeneca is more than a pharmaceutical leader—it’s a community where you’re empowered to innovate, encouraged to grow, and inspired to make a real difference. We believe in fostering a Great Place to Work, where your ideas fuel progress and your contribution truly matters.

If you want your work to have an impact—on patients, medicine, and society—AstraZeneca is the place to be.

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? Apply today!

About the Opportunity

We are looking to recruit for 12 Month Industrial Placements in Analytical Chemistry across sites in Macclesfield and Cambridge in the UK.

• You will play a vital role in providing analytical expertise that drives the development of transformative medicines within a fast-paced team setting. As an essential team member overseeing analytical activities to align with project timelines, you will collaborate closely with synthetic chemists, formulation scientists, engineers, and external partners to ensure the successful achievement of project objectives.
• Contribute to pharmaceutical drug development by applying innovative techniques and modern technology. You will gain exposure across some of these techniques, including chromatographic (HPLC, GC, CE, SFC), spectroscopic (NMR, UV, FTIR), hyphenated (LC-MS, GC-MS) and other essential techniques (ICP-OES and XRPD). You will ensure that work is performed in accordance with appropriate Safety, Health & Environment (SHE), quality and compliance standards, e.g. Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP), Good Laboratory Practice (GLP)
• There are also important opportunities for improving your transferable skills. By presenting your findings and interpretations to other scientists and teams, you will develop effective communication skills and gain confidence in discussing technical results for decision-making. Furthermore, involvement with internal Employee Resource Groups will allow you to expand your professional network and encourage broader engagement across the company.

Qualifications & Experience

Required:

• Pursuing undergraduate degree in Chemistry or related field with opportunity for 1-year industry experience starting September 2026
• Able to provide an expected time commitment of 36.5 hours per Monday-Friday working week on Campus
• Please include a CV and a Cover letter outlining any relevant analytical experience and why you would be considered a good fit for the role

Why AstraZeneca?

At AstraZeneca when we see an opportunity for change, we seize it and make it happen, because any opportunity no matter how small, can be the start of something big. Delivering life-changing medicines is about being entrepreneurial - finding those moments and recognising their potential. Join us on our journey of building a new kind of organisation to reset expectations of what a bio-pharmaceutical company can be. This means we’re opening new ways to work, pioneering cutting-edge methods and bringing unexpected teams together. Interested? Come and join our journey.

Applications

Applications Open: 1st September 2025

Applications Close: Midnight 28th September 2025

Virtual Assessment Day: 5th and 6th of November 2025

Start Date: 7th September 2026

This position is a 12 month fixed term contract.

Additional Information

Our Social Media, Follow AstraZeneca on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/1603/

Inclusion & Diversity: https://careers.astrazeneca.com/inclusion-diversity

Career Site: https://careers.astrazeneca.com/

AstraZeneca is proud to be ranked as a Top 100 ‘Best Student Employer’ in the UK by RateMyPlacement. Browse our reviews here (link)

Date Posted: 01-Sept-2025

Closing Date: 28-Sept-2025

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.