Analytical and Synthetic Chemistry (Multiple Roles & Locations) Industrial Placement, UK 2026

GSK; Stevenage; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A global biopharma company in Stevenage seeks a proactive student for a full-time industrial placement in Physicochemical Analysis. This role involves hands-on experience with analytical techniques, data analysis, and collaboration within a multidisciplinary team. Candidates should be currently enrolled in a Chemistry or Analytical Chemistry degree and possess fluency in English. Competitive salary of £25,400 plus bonuses is offered for this immersive learning experience.

Qualifications

• Currently studying or completed at least 2 years of an undergraduate degree.
• Written and spoken fluency in English.

Responsibilities

• Hands-on experience with analytical techniques.
• Use of automation tools for sample processing.
• Analyzing and interpreting data.

Skills

Teamworking

Communication (written & verbal)

Time management

Problem-solving

Data analysis and management

Education

Undergraduate Degree in Chemistry or Analytical Chemistry

Tools

HPLC-UV/MS

HPLC-Charged Aerosol Detector

Spectroscopy

Liquid handling platforms

Job description

Overview

The Analytical Development department of Medicines Development and Supply in R&D performs analytical chemistry activities associated with the development and control of manufacturing processes for new drug substances and drug products. Data produced by Analytical Development is key to the supply of novel medicines to patients.

Role 2 - Physicochemical Analysis - Stevenage

The Physicochemical Analysis (Physchem) group within the Analytical Chemistry department of Molecular Modalities Capabilities in R&D employs a diverse array of analytical tools to measure and derive various physicochemical properties during the early phases of GSK's drug discovery projects. This data enables an early assessment of a molecule's absorption and distribution in the body, guiding Medicinal Chemistry campaigns in the design and selection of compounds on their journey to becoming medicines. We are looking for an enthusiastic and proactive student to join our Physchem team at GSK R&D in Stevenage for a full-time industrial placement (Monday to Friday) in a laboratory-based role.

Key placement learnings

• Analytical Techniques: Hands-on experience with key processes such as solubility, lipophilicity, biomimetic binding, polar surface area, passive permeability, and pKa using various analytical techniques like HPLC-UV/MS, HPLC-Charged Aerosol Detector, spectroscopy, and automated methods.
• Automation and Liquid Handling: Use of liquid handling platforms and other automation tools to process and prepare samples for assays.
• Data Analysis and Interpretation: Skills in analysing, interpreting, and presenting data using various IT systems, in-house packages, and machine learning predictive models.
• Method Development: Participation in the evaluation and development of analytical methods for analysing diverse pharmaceutical compounds, including small and large molecules.
• Laboratory Practices: Maintaining accurate laboratory records, capturing key information for departmental reports, and adhering to health and safety regulations.
• Physicochemical Knowledge: Developing knowledge on physicochemical properties and their impact on the in vivo behaviour of molecules.
• Collaboration and Supervision: Working under the supervision and guidance of an experienced GSK scientist and alongside other technical experts, such as medicinal chemists and informaticians.
• Project Management: Opportunity to work on personal projects or work packages, enhancing organisational and time management skills.
• Interpersonal Skills: Developing interpersonal skills by working in a team environment.

Undergraduate eligibility

• Currently studying an Undergraduate Degree in Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry or similar.
• Other requirements: You will have completed a minimum of 2 years of your undergraduate degree but will not have graduated at the start of your placement. You must be enrolled at a UK or ROI University for the duration of your placement. If you have already graduated with a Bachelor's Degree and are currently studying a postgraduate Masters, you are not eligible for this programme. Language requirement: Written and spoken fluency in English.

Additional skills and behaviours

• Teamworking through working with multidisciplinary teams
• Communication (written & verbal)
• Time management
• Problem-solving
• Networking
• Data analysis and management
• Technical skills (detailed within each role description)
• Synthetic Chemistry is critical to the development of new medicines and plays a major role within chemical biology and medicinal chemistry. These placements are highly practically based.

Placement details

• Duration: 1 year (approximately)
• Salary: £25,400 plus a bonus
• Workplace Arrangements: Full time on site required
• Application Closing: Early applications are encouraged as candidates will be reviewed regularly, and the advert may close at any point.
• Experience and responsibilities: 2 volunteering days per year, carry out a wide range of synthetic chemistry reactions, state-of-the-art laboratories at GSK Stevenage, techniques for isolating and characterising compounds, generating data to be used to make key project decisions. Supervision by an experienced GSK chemist and opportunities to work with other technical experts.

Why GSK?

GSK is a global biopharma company with a purpose to unite science, technology and talent to get ahead of disease together. We focus on four therapeutic areas: respiratory, immunology and inflammation; oncology; HIV; and infectious diseases. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and support an agile working culture. We encourage applications from a broad range of backgrounds.