Chemistry (Multiple Roles) Industrial Placement, UK 2026

GSK; Stevenage; On-site; GBP 26,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading pharmaceutical company is offering a 1-year placement for students studying in relevant scientific disciplines. This hands-on role involves operating advanced automated equipment and supporting drug development processes while gaining valuable insights from large datasets. Candidates must be enrolled in their undergraduate degree and have a strong command of English. The position offers a competitive salary and various employee benefits.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Annual bonus based on performance

Private Healthcare Insurance

Employee recognition programs

Wellbeing platform access

Volunteering days

Qualifications

• Currently studying an Undergraduate Degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Natural Sciences, Physics, Chemical Engineering, or Pharmaceutical Science.
• Minimum of 2 years completed in undergraduate studies.
• Written and spoken fluency in English.

Responsibilities

• Operate advanced automated equipment for drug development.
• Optimize and develop automated workflows.
• Plan, design, and execute experiments including data analysis.

Skills

Teamwork

Data analysis

Problem-solving

Time management

Technical skills

Education

Undergraduate Degree in relevant disciplines

Job description

Overview

Analytical Platforms and Platform Modernisation (APPM) sits in the Analytical Development department of Pharma R&D. The team focuses on providing technologies to facilitate and support the development of new medicines, including implementing automated workflows to optimise resources, accelerate drug development, and generate high quality, standardised data.

Degree requirements

Currently studying an Undergraduate Degree in one of the following disciplines: Chemistry, Biochemistry, Natural Sciences, Physics, Chemical Engineering, Pharmaceutical Science. For Role 2 an A Level in either Mathematics or Physics is also required.

Eligibility and duration

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.

Key placement learnings

• Operating advanced automated equipment (e.g., liquid and solid handlers, multifunctional platforms, analytical instruments).
• Employing, optimising, and developing automated workflows to expedite drug development processes.
• Planning, designing, and executing experiments, as well as data collection and analysis to derive meaningful insights.
• Comprehensive training in essential analytical techniques and processes and extracting valuable information from large datasets.

Additional requirements

• Language requirement: Written and spoken fluency in English.
• Teamworking with multidisciplinary teams; strong written and verbal communication; time management; problem-solving; networking; data analysis and management; technical skills (as detailed within each role description).

About SBS (Structural & Biophysical Sciences)

Structural & Biophysical Sciences focuses on early-stage small molecule and antibody drug discovery using state-of-the-art technologies (e.g., X-ray crystallography, electron microscopy, hydrogen-deuterium exchange mass spectrometry, surface plasmon resonance) as part of therapeutic program teams. The SBS team includes a mix of experienced researchers and early career scientists.

Role highlights

• Work on cutting-edge techniques such as Biophysical Assay Support (e.g., Surface Plasmon Resonance), Structural Biology Support (crystallisation & X-Ray crystallography), Mass Spectrometry (e.g., Mass Photometry, Native MS), and Electron Microscopy (sample preparation).
• Become a skilled laboratory scientist, work as part of a close-knit team embedded in wider medicinal development program support, and also deliver on individual projects with results and presentations.

Why GSK?

We are 100% open to all talent and seek to recruit the right people from diverse backgrounds to support inclusion of our patients. GSK is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We value an agile working culture and encourage flexible opportunities with the hiring team.

Salary and benefits

Duration: 1 year (approximately). Salary: £25,400 plus a bonus. Workplace arrangements: Full time on site.

Application

Application closing: Early applications are encouraged as candidates will be reviewed regularly and the advert may close at any point.

What we offer

• A competitive salary with an annual bonus based on company performance.
• Employee recognition programs for exceptional achievements.
• Wellbeing platform access with personalised experiences, confidential helpline, mindfulness, health screenings, and financial wellbeing support.
• Private Healthcare Insurance with 24-hour online GP access.
• Optional identity protection and other insurance options.
• Opportunities to work with Employee Resource Groups for networking and mentorship.
• IPUnite community access for development and networking; pre-joining webinars and LinkedIn group invitations.
• Two volunteering days per year.

Additional notes: For US-based applicants—acceptance of interview expenses in line with open payments transparency rules may apply. See CMS Open Payments for details.