12 Month University Industrial Placement Student (UIPS): R&D, Biopharmaceutical and Oncology

AstraZeneca; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 26,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading biopharmaceutical company in Cambridge is looking for a University Industrial Placement Student to join their R&D team. This 12-month placement involves laboratory work and opportunities across various projects, focusing on drug discovery. Candidates should be enrolled in a relevant undergraduate program and possess strong planning, teamwork, and analytical skills. Competitive salary offered, along with a supportive collaborative environment.

Qualifications

• Currently enrolled in a biological discipline eligible for a 12-month placement.
• Strong planning and organizational skills are essential.
• Must possess good collaboration skills.

Responsibilities

• Undertake a 12-month laboratory-based placement for drug discovery.
• Participate in multiple projects across different R&D areas.

Skills

Strong planning and organisation skills

Ability to see opportunities and learn

Good collaboration and teamworking skills

Education

Currently undertaking an undergraduate or integrated master’s degree

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Job description

Overview

12 Month University Industrial Placement Student (UIPS): R&D, Biopharmaceutical and Oncology

Cambridge

£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 Astra Zeneca might be the one for you!

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 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.

Overview of the Programme

The BioPharmaceuticals and 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. There are placements encompassing multiple types of projects within the following areas:

• Biologics Engineering


• Discovery Sciences


• Biopharmaceutical Development


• Clinical Pharmacology and Safety Sciences


• Early CVRM (Cardiovascular, Renal & Metabolism)


• Early Oncology

You’ll get to do meaningful work in a pioneering research and development driven organisation. As well as developing the skills, knowledge and connections that will set you up for success you will be among curious, passionate and open-minded people eager to learn, follow the science, and grow as professionals in a truly collaborative and global team.

We will allocate successful candidates to business areas based on their skills, experience and also preferences indicated in their applications.

Qualifications, Skills & Experience

Required:

• Currently undertaking an undergraduate or integrated master’s degree with the opportunity within a biological discipline and the opportunity to spend 1 year in industry starting in September 2026.


• Strong planning and organisation skills


• Ability to see opportunities, learn, and apply that learning to drive innovation


• Good collaboration and teamworking skills

Desirable:

• A good foundation of Microsoft Excel.


• Experience in interpretation of data.


• Experience of working in teams (could be in an educational or employment setting or any other team work you may have completed).

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

Document requirements: CVs are limited to a maximum of 2 pages and cover letters are limited to a maximum of 1 page, using no smaller than size 11 font. In the cover letter, please ensure you address your interest and motivation for the position, your relevant skills and experiences, fit with the company and how this placement will help achieve your career goals. Please also include in your cover letter which business areas above would be your top 3 priority i.e. 1. Biologics Engineering, 2. Discovery Science 3. Early CVRM.

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 Open: 1st September 2025

Applications Close: Midnight 29th September 2025

Virtual Assessment Days: 18th -19th and 25th - 26th November 2025

Decisions should be communicated in the week commencing 1st December

Start Date: 7th September 2026

This position is a 12-month fixed term contract.

Where can I find out more?

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.