Laboratory Scientist apprentice

Pfizer Inc.; Maidstone; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading global pharmaceutical company in the UK is looking for a Laboratory Scientist to join its Materials Characterisation Team. This role supports manufacturing sites by resolving quality issues and developing analytical methods. Candidates should have strong qualifications in science, including GCSEs and A-levels, and a passion for problem-solving. The position offers a collaborative work environment, mentoring, and opportunities for growth in a state-of-the-art laboratory setting. Competitive salary and benefits are included.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Mentorship and growth opportunities

Inclusive culture

Career-ready skills development

Qualifications

• 5 GCSEs, including math and English.
• A-Levels with Chemistry or Biology at grade C or above.
• Interest in science, especially chemistry and mathematics.
• Ability to communicate clearly and efficiently.

Responsibilities

• Join a team addressing real-world challenges in medicines.
• Support global manufacturing and external partners.
• Investigate and resolve quality issues.

Skills

Problem-solving ability

Teamwork

Report writing

Communication skills

Analytical thinking

Education

5 GCSEs at grades C/4 or above

A-Levels equalling 104 UCAS points

Job description

Overview

Laboratory Scientist in the Materials Characterisation Team (MCT), part of Global Technology, Engineering and Launch Division. Join a team that solves real‑world challenges in medicines. The Materials Characterisation Team supports Pfizer’s global manufacturing sites and external partners by investigating and resolving quality issues, developing new analytical methods, and evaluating new materials, all using state‑of‑the‑art analytical technologies. The team provides material sciences expertise to our manufacturing network to help solve complex manufacturing challenges ensuring that patients have continued access to our medicines. The team comprises experienced scientists from multiple disciplines who work on many different types of materials, including active ingredients, excipients, process intermediates, finished dosage forms and packaging materials.

Qualifications

• 5 GCSEs at grades C/4 or above (or equivalent) including mathematics and English.
• Will have, or are predicted, A‑Levels equalling 104 UCAS points, including Chemistry or Biology at grade C or above plus an additional Science or Mathematics.
• Equivalent Level 3 qualifications (e.g., BTEC) will also be considered (with a minimum requirement of 104 UCAS points). Have an interest in science, especially chemistry and mathematics.
• Passion for solving problems and ability to apply scientific knowledge to them.
• Rational, innovative and creative approach to problem solving.
• Passion to continue learning and improving themselves.
• Ability to work collaboratively and effectively within teams as well as independently.
• Good report writing and oral communication skills.
• Ability to apply learning from prior experience to new situations and problems.
• Ability to evaluate information from a broad range of sources.
• Communicates with clarity, purpose and efficiently.

Personal Qualities

• Enthusiastic attitude and approach to teamwork with positive influencing and listening skills.
• High energy level; hard working; makes things happen.
• Demonstrates sound judgement when making decisions.
• Self‑driven and able to set personal goals which are realistic and challenging.
• Agile, flexible and resilient.
• Have an interest and a desire to work and develop as an analytical scientist.
• Desire to work in a laboratory environment. The apprentice must be able to demonstrate the required attitudes, behaviours and interpersonal skills associated with the professional workplace. The apprentice must be willing to commit an amount of personal time to study and to commute to the workplace.

About Pfizer

You’re the future. Your ambition, talents, ideas and unique way of looking at the world will help us drive innovation in every part of our business. At Pfizer, we apply science and our global resources to bring therapies to people that extend and significantly improve their lives. We strive to set the standard for quality, safety and value in the discovery, development and manufacture of health care products, including innovative medicines and vaccines. Every day, Pfizer colleagues work across developed and emerging markets to advance wellness, prevention, treatments and cures that challenge the most feared diseases of our time. We need people with a hugely diverse range of talents. Love Science? Want to work on the business side? Get stuck into an apprenticeship to launch your career. Pfizer’s apprenticeship scheme, run in partnership with Cogent Skills, offers the best of both worlds. You’ll work with world‑leaders in your field, from researchers to business gurus. You’ll study towards a nationally recognised academic or professional qualification while earning a highly competitive salary.

Benefits

• Real Impact: Your work will help to ensure patients have access to critical medicines.
• State‑of‑the‑art Technology: Work in high‑spec labs with the latest advanced analytics.
• Mentorship & Growth: Learn from experienced scientists and develop with structured training.
• Creative Science: Use experimentation and critical thinking to solve problems.
• Career‑Ready Skills: Build communication, planning, and innovation skills.
• Purpose‑Driven Work: Be part of a company that’s improving lives globally.
• Inclusive Culture: Work in a diverse, collaborative, and supportive environment.
• Future‑Focused: Get the tools and mindset to thrive in a science career.