Associate scientist graduate placement - UCB

UCB; England; On-site; GBP 23,000 - 28,000; Full time

Job summary

A global biopharmaceutical company is seeking a highly motivated scientist to join their Microbial team in Slough. The role offers hands-on experience in drug development, focusing on upstream processes for protein-based therapeutics. Candidates must hold a relevant degree and possess strong communication and organisational skills. The position involves collaboration in a team environment and experimentation with bioreactors. This is an excellent opportunity to grow in the biopharmaceutical industry.

Benefits

28 Days Holiday Allowance

Pension Scheme

Discount Schemes

Employee Assistance Programme

Onsite Parking

Onsite Canteen

Paid Sick Leave

Days Off for Volunteering

Employee Recognition Programme

Qualifications

• Degree in relevant discipline is required.
• Great communication and organisational skills are essential.
• Ability to work effectively in a team-oriented environment.

Responsibilities

• Assist in the development of processes for protein-based therapeutics.
• Conduct laboratory-based activities using advanced scientific technologies.
• Collaborate with process scientists on early-stage clinical projects.

Skills

Great communication skills

Ability to work in a multi-functional team

Organisational skills and attention to detail

Education

Degree in Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Biology, Chemical Engineering, Pharmaceutical Science, Chemistry, or Genetics

Job description

UCB are currently looking for highly motivated scientist to join the Microbial team within the Biotech Sciences department at UCB’s UK Research and Development Hub in Slough. As part of the upstream microbial team, you will contribute to the development of processes for the production of novel protein-based therapeutics for areas of unmet patient need. This represents an excellent opportunity to gain hands‑on experience in industry‑leading laboratories at the forefront of drug development.

Qualification Requirements

You must have graduated with a degree in one of the following disciplines to be considered for this role:

• Biochemistry
• Biotechnology
• Biology/ Biological Science
• Chemical/ Biochemical Engineering
• Pharmaceutical Science
• Chemistry
• Genetics

Salary - £28,000 per annum

Benefits

• Holiday Allowance - 28 Days Holiday Allowance, plus Bank Holidays
• Pension - Employee 5%, Employer 3%
• Discount schemes
• Employee assistance programme
• Onsite parking
• Onsite Canteen
• Paid sick leave 10 paid days once probationary period is completed
• Days off for volunteering – 1 day per year
• Employee recognition / Aspire award

Location - 638 Ajax Avenue, Slough SL1 4BG until late 2027 when UCB will move to new site Sunninghill Road, Windlesham, Surrey, GU20 6PP

Working Hours
37.5 hours Monday to Friday, 9:00am – 17:30pm with 1 hour unpaid lunch break.

Duration - 12 months

Start Date - TBC December 2025/January 2026

Interview Date - TBC November 2025/December 2025

Closing Date for Applications - 11th November 2025

To Apply
Please click the apply now button to submit your CV and Cover Letter. If you have any difficulty in applying, please contact us at [e-mail]

Next Steps

Successful candidates will be progressed to a one way video interview, invites will be sent via email.

The video interview will be reviewed by the Hiring Manager along with your application form to decide who is brought through to the final interview.

Job Description

You will be responsible for laboratory-based activities using a range of cutting‑edge scientific technologies. You will receive training in all techniques and will have your own mentor to provide help and advice during your time at UCB. You will help to enable the laboratory to function effectively whilst adhering to correct procedures and health and safety guidelines.

Job Responsibilities

You will work in a team environment, collaborating with various process scientists (upstream and downstream) and analytical scientists. The successful candidate will utilize knowledge in biochemical engineering, chemical engineering, biochemistry, biotechnology, molecular biology and cellular metabolism to aid in process development and optimization of early‑stage clinical projects, process troubleshooting investigations, evaluation of cellular responses to process operations, assessment of effects on product quality, and determination of process scalability.

The position is laboratory based and will involve experimentation with bench‑scale bioreactors (primarily 250mL single use), 2‑5L benchtop glass bioreactors and pilot scale equipment. You will apply Quality by Design (QbD) principles utilizing Design of Experiment (DoE) methodology and be responsible for some planning of activities, analysing laboratory data and reporting back to project leader/line manager and team members on a regular basis.

Candidate Requirements

Personal Qualities

• Great communication skills
• Proven ability to work in a multi‑functional team
• Great organisational skills and attention to detail

Future Prospects

This role would suit a graduate aspiring to gain experience in the biopharmaceutical industry, with a focus on upstream microbial expression processes. It could serve as a strong entry point for someone interested in developing a career as a fermentation scientist or subject matter expert in upstream processing.

Things To Be Considered

Please ensure that you are willing and able to live within commutable distance of the company site before applying. This placement is located in Slough Cogent Skills Placements Service are managing the recruitment for this placement at our client’s request, therefore we ask that applications are made through our website please. Please do not contact the Company directly.

About UCB

UCB is a global biopharmaceutical company, with a focus on neurology and immunology.

UCB’s ambition is to transform the lives of people living with severe diseases. We focus on neurology and immunology disorders – putting patients at the centre of our world. We are Inspired by Patients. Driven by Science and are now more than 9,000 people in all four corners of the globe.

Our medicines treat millions of people around the world, and we are engaging with patients, their families and healthcare professionals to address their unmet needs. We want to enhance our understanding of disease and the real‑life experiences of patients.

UCB is continuously working to advance science and embrace new knowledge.