12 Month University Industrial Placement Student (UIPS): Biopharmaceutical Development

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

Job summary

AstraZeneca in Cambridge invites applications for a 12-month University Industrial Placement Student in Bio Pharmaceutical Development. This laboratory-based placement offers exposure across analytical sciences, cell culture, formulation, purification and data sciences, supporting diverse therapeutic areas and modalities to develop biologic medicines.

Selected candidates will gain practical laboratory experience, collaborate across functions, and contribute to transforming research molecules

Qualifications

• Currently undertaking an undergraduate or integrated master’s degree in a biological subject area with a year in industry starting September 2027.
• Interest in drug discovery and development.
• 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.

Skills

Biology degree

Drug discovery

Planning & organisation

Data analysis

Lab safety & protocols

Rapid learning

Team collaboration

Education

Biology degree (undergrad/ integrated MSc)

Job description

12 Month University Industrial Placement Student (UIPS): Bio Pharmaceutical Development

Cambridge, UK

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.

£28,000 Base Salary, Bonus & Flexible Benefits

The Bio Pharmaceutical Development (BPD) Undergraduate Industrial Placement Programme offers the opportunity to undertake a 12-month, laboratory‑based placement and gain valuable experience in the development of innovative biologic medicines. BPD is composed of specialized functions with scientific and technical expertise that collectively drive the development of biopharmaceutical products. The functions within BPD include: Analytical Sciences, Cell Culture and Fermentation Sciences, Dosage Form Design and Development, Purification Sciences and Data Sciences. These functions come together to work across a wide range of different therapy areas (including: oncology, cardiovascular and metabolic diseases, respiratory and inflammation diseases and infectious diseases) and modalities (such as mAbs, bispecific mAbs, multi‑specific biologics, peptides, etc.) to create products with a patient‑centric mind‑set, transforming Research Molecules into new life‑changing medicines. All of it is underpinned by utilisation of automated workflows, modelling and AI tools. This helps in streamlining our science to help us achieve our bold ambition. BPD is a highly collaborative department, making this an excellent opportunity to apply your university knowledge, develop practical laboratory and professional skills, and gain insight into a career in biopharmaceutical development.

About The Opportunity

The Bio Pharmaceutical Development (BPD) Undergraduate Industrial Placement Programme offers the opportunity to undertake a 12‑month, laboratory‑based placement and gain valuable experience in the development of innovative biologic medicines. BPD is composed of specialized functions with scientific and technical expertise that collectively drive the development of biopharmaceutical products. The functions within BPD include: Analytical Sciences, Cell Culture and Fermentation Sciences, Dosage Form Design and Development, Purification Sciences and Data Sciences. These functions come together to work across a wide range of different therapy areas (including: oncology, cardiovascular and metabolic diseases, respiratory and inflammation diseases and infectious diseases) and modalities (such as mAbs, bispecific mAbs, multi‑specific biologics, peptides, etc.) to create products with a patient‑centric mind‑set, transforming Research Molecules into new life‑changing medicines.

Required

Qualification, Skills & Experience

• Currently undertaking an undergraduate or integrated master’s degree within a biological subject area with the opportunity to spend 1 year in industry starting in September 2027
• Interest in drug discovery and development
• 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

• Experience in interpretation of data.
• Experience working with AI models, data science or robotics
• 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: Midnight 2nd October 2026

Assessment Day: 18th and 19th November 2026

Start Date: 6th September 2027

This position is a 12 month fixed term contract.

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 HigherIn. Browse our reviews here (link)

#EarlyTalent

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.