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

AstraZeneca; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading biopharmaceutical company is seeking a University Industrial Placement Student in Computational Chemistry for a 12-month contract in Cambridge. The role involves drug design activities using machine learning and cheminformatics workflows. Candidates should be pursuing an undergraduate chemistry degree and are encouraged to apply with a CV and cover letter. Applications close on 28th September 2025.

Benefits

Flexible benefits

Bonus opportunities

Qualifications

• Currently undertaking an undergraduate chemistry degree with industrial placement opportunity.

Responsibilities

• Conduct structure- and ligand-based drug design.
• Employ machine learning and generative AI for molecule design.
• Implement cheminformatics workflows.

Skills

Analytical skills

Problem-solving

Team collaboration

Communication skills

Education

Undergraduate chemistry degree

Tools

Maestro

MOE

Job description

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

Cambridge UK

£26,000 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? Apply today!

About the Opportunity

About the Opportunity:

At AstraZeneca every one of our employees makes a difference to patient lives every day. We work together across global boundaries to make an impact and find answers to challenges. We do this with the upmost integrity even in the most difficult situations because we are committed to doing the right thing.

We are looking to recruit for a 12 Month Industrial Placement in Computational Chemistry in Cambridge, UK to start September 2026.

You will join as a member of the Computational Chemistry team within the Oncology Medicinal Chemistry Department and will be involved in a range of computational chemistry research activities relevant to drug discovery. The purpose of these activities is to support our medicinal chemistry design efforts to discover and optimise new drugs in the Oncology therapeutic area.

Cambridge is one of the most exciting bioscience hotspots in the world. The Discovery centre (DISC), located at the heart of the Cambridge Biomedical Campus, is designed to play a central role in our mission to deliver life-changing medicines to patients. As our largest research and development centre in the UK, it will have more than 2,000 people working across therapy areas and drug discovery and development once fully occupied. It is uniquely designed to strengthen collaboration, promote openness, and improve the sustainability of every aspect of our science and our business operations.

Responsibilities

• Carrying out structure- and ligand-based drug design
• Employing machine learning and generative AI algorithms for de novo molecule design
• Implementing cheminformatics workflows
• Analysis of data from literature and high-throughput screens
• Running physics-based modelling including docking, free energy perturbation and molecular dynamics simulations

The placement will aim to provide candidates an opportunity to gain knowledge of/ experience in:

• Structure and Ligand-based drug design
• Usage of modern commercial software packages such as Maestro and MOE
• Develop knowledge of machine learning and AI methods applied to drug design
• Develop a knowledge of programming and cheminformatics workflows
• Introduction to core computational and medicinal chemistry concepts
• Working within a team

Qualifications & Experience

Required:

• Currently undertaking an undergraduate chemistry degree with the opportunity to spend 1 year in industry starting in September 2026.

Please include your CV and a cover letter in your application.

Applications Open: 1st September 2025

Applications Close: 28th September 2025

Assessment Day: 29th October 2025

Start Date: 7th September 2026

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

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.