Level 6 Laboratory Scientist Degree Apprenticeship

ASTRAZENECA UK LIMITED; Newtown; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading biopharmaceutical company in the United Kingdom seeks a Laboratory Science Apprentice to learn lab skills and contribute to drug target discovery. You'll engage in hands-on experiments, collaborate with scientists, and support innovative screening technologies. Candidates should possess enthusiasm for science, strong organizational skills, and relevant academic qualifications. The role includes sponsorship for a Laboratory Science Degree, providing a comprehensive pathway to develop your career while contributing to meaningful projects.

Benefits

Fully funded part-time learning

Relocation package

Full-time salary during apprenticeship

Qualifications

• Must be enthusiastic with genuine scientific curiosity.
• Ability to work independently and in a team.
• Must prioritize multiple tasks.

Responsibilities

• Learn and perform lab experiments under supervision.
• Support innovation in CRISPR screening and functional genomics.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams.

Skills

Enthusiastic and eager to learn

Good organizational skills

Excellent attention to detail

Proactive problem solving

Excellent communication skills

Education

Five GCSEs including Maths, English, and Science

104 UCAS points at A-level (minimum grades BBB)

Job description

The Functional Genomics department in AstraZeneca's Centre for Genomics Research helps discover new drug targets by using advanced screening and validation technologies. Our work supports AstraZeneca's medicine pipeline, and the team has a strong track record of impact. As a Laboratory Science Apprentice, you'll learn hands‑on lab skills and develop digital skills in data analysis while contributing to next‑generation phenotypic screening platforms that identify and validate novel drug targets. You'll work closely with scientists across the Centre for Genomics Research and with therapy area teams, including oncology.

What you’ll do

• Learn and perform lab experiments: Build skills in cell biology and molecular biology; help develop, optimise, and run cell‑based and phenotypic assays. You will be trained in techniques such as CRISPR‑Cas9, working in miniaturised plate formats under supervision.
• Support innovation and optimisation: Keep up to date with new scientific approaches in CRISPR screening, genome engineering, and functional genomics. Apply improvements to assays that help discover targets across multiple therapy areas.
• Collaborate and communicate: Work within cross‑functional teams, share results clearly, and build networks across different disease areas and scientific disciplines.

Biopharmaceutical Development – Early‑Stage Formulation Sciences

Working with diverse and novel molecular modalities across all therapeutic areas, Biopharmaceutical Development (BPD) integrates cell biology, process science, molecular structure & function, solution and solid‑state chemistry, advanced data analytics, and engineering, to develop industry‑leading technologies. BPD’s innovative science enables high‑yielding, efficient production for the most challenging and novel biologics, as well as delivery of new medicines through design of stable formulations and development of drug delivery systems. With device development, BPD is creating products with a patient‑centric mind‑set, transforming research molecules into new life‑changing medicines.

You will join the Early‑Stage Formulation Sciences team, where the goal is to develop stable, effective, and safe formulations for biological products, ensuring their compatibility with delivery systems and adherence to regulatory standards for successful commercialization. In this role, you will focus on supporting candidate selection and candidate development for non‑clinical and clinical development. Leveraging automation to enhance these processes and guided by scientists, you will champion the design and execution of formulation strategies across a wide range of modalities.

• Cultivate analytical skills and scientific expertise with the aim of becoming a proficient formulation scientist.
• Work collaboratively with team members and cross‑functional teams to perform physico‑chemical characterization of lead candidates, developability and manufacturability studies, formulation screening and robustness studies, clinical in‑use studies.
• Contribute to the preparation of technical reports and presentations, showcasing achievements and promoting activities to the broader team and AstraZeneca colleagues.

Training and Development

AstraZeneca will sponsor you through your Laboratory Science Degree with one of our university providers – North Eastern University London. The apprenticeship combines working, earning a full‑time salary, with fully funded part‑time learning (on average 1 day/week). This will give you the opportunity to gain a Level 6 Lab Science degree qualification, just as you would if you went to university full‑time, with the advantage of gaining relevant work‑life skills and the excitement of helping to develop new medicines whilst taking your first steps towards a rewarding career.

We truly value early talent – their thoughts, ideas and contributions. Throughout the programme, you'll be encouraged and inspired to speak up, have a voice and make an impact.

Experience and Qualifications

• Enthusiastic individuals who are keen to learn and have a genuine scientific curiosity.
• Ability to act independently while also contributing to a team environment.
• Good organisational skills with excellent attention to detail and a proactive approach to problem solving.
• Ability to work on multiple tasks and prioritise.
• Excellent verbal and written communication and interpersonal skills.
• Five GCSEs (or equivalent) grades 9 to 5 including Maths, English and Science.
• Minimum of 104 UCAS points at A‑level (grades BBB), with at least one subject being Biology or an equivalent.

Additional Information

At AstraZeneca we put patients first and strive to meet their unmet needs worldwide. We are committed to being a great place to work, fostering an inclusive environment where everyone can thrive. A company that genuinely follows science and values individuals at all levels, we back and encourage you to speak up, ask questions and share ideas. The Early Talent Programme gives you real projects from day one.

We also offer a relocation package to help with the costs and process of moving for candidates who currently live more than 60 minutes from the site location for this apprenticeship.