12 Month University Industrial Placement Student (UIPS): QC Automation Technician

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

Job summary

A leading biopharmaceutical company is offering a 12-month University Industrial Placement as a QC Automation Technician in Macclesfield. This role involves improving productivity and efficiency in the QC laboratory, requiring candidates to be currently undertaking an undergraduate or master's degree in Science, IT, or Engineering. Applicants should be proactive team players with a solid understanding of quality functions. The position offers a salary of £26,000 along with bonuses and benefits.

Benefits

Flexible benefits

Bonus

Qualifications

• Currently undertaking an undergraduate or integrated master’s degree in Science, IT or Engineering, with the opportunity to spend 1 year in industry starting in September 2026.
• Have an understanding of a Quality function, and its role and importance to the wider pharmaceutical business.
• Be a proactive team player, willing to take ownership and make timely and data-driven decisions.

Responsibilities

• Look for creative solutions to improve productivity, sustainability and efficiency in the QC laboratory.
• Plan and execute a proof of concept or feasibility study to support key strategic improvements.
• Engage with key stakeholders and provide regular updates on progress.

Skills

Proactive team player

Understanding of Quality function

IT literate

Education

Undergraduate or integrated master’s degree in Science, IT or Engineering

Job description

Overview

12 Month University Industrial Placement Student (UIPS): QC Automation Technician

Macclesfield, 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

An exciting opportunity to be part of the Analytical Technical Team within a busy Quality Control function, which ensures analytical methodology, instrumentation and associated systems are validated and maintained in a permanent state of readiness. We already use several types of automation, both bespoke and off-the-shelf, but are always looking for new opportunities to exploit new technology to improve the productivity, sustainability and efficiency of our QC laboratories.

Responsibilities

• Look for creative solutions to improve productivity, sustainability and efficiency in the QC laboratory.


• Plan and execute a “proof of concept” or feasibility study of your own design, to support key strategic improvements.


• Utilise project management tools for implementing the study.


• Leverage problem solving tools to overcome challenges and optimise performance.


• Engage with key stakeholders and provide regular updates on progress.

Qualifications, Skills & Experience

Required:

• Currently undertaking an undergraduate or integrated master’s degree in Science, IT or Engineering, with the opportunity to spend 1 year in industry starting in September 2026.


• Have an understanding of a Quality function, and its role and importance to the wider pharmaceutical business.


• Be a proactive team player, willing to take ownership and make effective, timely and data-driven decisions.


• IT literate with a passion for keeping track of new technology and its practical application to the commercial environment.

Applications Open: 1st September 2025

Applications Close: 28th September 2025

Assessment Day: TBC

Start Date: 7th September 2026

This position is a 12-month fixed term contract.

Additional Information

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.

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.