Level 6 Quality Control Apprentice

ASTRAZENECA UK LIMITED; Macclesfield; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A global biopharmaceutical company is seeking a Quality Supplier Management Apprentice in Macclesfield. This role involves supporting the Quality team in ensuring external suppliers meet necessary standards. Candidates will gain a BSc Degree in Biological Sciences through an apprenticeship program that combines work and study, along with development opportunities in a team-oriented environment. Essential skills include communication, problem-solving, and team collaboration.

Benefits

Fully funded part-time university learning

Relocation package available

Qualifications

• Candidates must have five GCSEs at grades 9-4 including Maths, English, and Science.
• Minimum 104 UCAS points at A-level (grades BCC) required, including Biology.
• Relevant workplace experience or a BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma may be considered.

Responsibilities

• Learn to use science‑based risk management to identify quality issues.
• Support Quality Supplier Management activities for clinical trials.
• Monitor and improve supplier performance with guidance.

Skills

Good communication skills

Good team working skills

High organisation skills

Problem-solving abilities

Concerns for standards

High numeracy skills

High literacy skills

Computer literacy

Ability to learn

Self-motivation

Initiative

Education

Five GCSEs including Maths, English, and Science

104 UCAS points at A-level or equivalent

BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in related scientific discipline

Job description

The Development Quality function is responsible for quality oversight of the pharmaceutical development activities in AstraZeneca. The Quality Supplier Management Apprentice role has a broad range of responsibilities to ensure all internal and external requirements are fulfilled for the AstraZeneca projects in the development phase. As a Quality Supplier Management (QSM) Apprentice, you will support the Quality team in ensuring that our external suppliers meet the standards needed to safely and effectively develop AstraZeneca (AZ) medicines. You will learn how quality oversight works and play an important role in helping maintain AZ's reputation for high-quality science and product development.

Responsibilities

• Work alongside project and sourcing teams to learn how to use science‑based risk management to identify potential quality issues and help develop practical solutions.
• Support the Quality Supplier Management activities related to the development, manufacture, testing, release, and distribution of Drug Substance, Drug Product, and Investigational Medicinal Products for clinical trials.
• Help monitor and improve supplier performance by applying the Quality Supplier Management Lifecycle under guidance from experienced colleagues.
• Build strong working relationships and develop your scientific understanding of the products and processes you will be supporting.
  You’ll be working towards a BSc Degree in Biological Sciences with Manchester Metropolitan University https://skillsengland.education.gov.uk/apprenticeships/st0626-v1-1

The apprenticeship combines working, earning a full‑time salary, with fully funded part‑time university learning (on average 1 day/week). This will give you the opportunity to gain a BSc Degree in Biological Sciences 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. Additionally, you’ll be recognised by the relevant professional bodies at Registered Scientist (RSci) level, for which there is a requirement that the scientist will participate in subsequent continuing professional development on completion of the apprenticeship.

Essential skills/capabilities required

• Good communication skills
• Good team working skills
• High organisation skills and confidence to work independently
• The ability to apply a rational approach to problem solving; making judgements based on sound reasoning, approaching problems in logical manner
• Concerns for standards
• High numeracy and literacy skills
• Computer literacy
• The ability to learn
• Self‑motivation
• Initiative

Entry Requirements

• Five GCSEs (or equivalent) grades 9‑4 including Maths, English and Science.
• Applicants should have or be predicted to achieve a minimum of 104 UCAS points at A‑level (grades BCC), with one being Biology or an equivalent scientific discipline.
• Candidates with relevant workplace experience or a BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in a related scientific discipline will also be considered but must provide additional details of their experience / units studied on the course as part of their application. These positions are not open to those already educated to Bachelors degree level or above - for which we have specific Graduate Programmes, see our website for more details https://careers.astrazeneca.com/students

At AstraZeneca, we put patients first and strive to meet their unmet needs worldwide. We’re deeply committed to our strategy of being a great place to work. For us, that includes fostering an environment where everyone can be among inclusive, supportive individuals with curious minds. A company that genuinely follows the science and values individuals at all levels, you’ll be backed and encouraged to speak up, ask questions, and share ideas to push the boundaries of science and continuously learn and explore. Make the start of your journey a life changing one. As part of our Early Talent Programme, you’ll be involved in projects and learning opportunities that have real impact from day one. Being part of our journey and helping us to provide life changing medicine to patients all over the world and transform lives for the better. Making important contributions and embracing our values to deliver on our purpose. Because regardless of role or level, we all have an important part to play in making a positive difference.

Macclesfield The Macclesfield Campus is an essential part of AstraZeneca’s UK Operation and the 2nd largest operational site within the company’s global network. It is approx. 100 acres with around 4500 people working on site. The site is unique in the AstraZeneca network having Operations, R&D, G&A, IT and others on its site.

At AstraZeneca, we aim to set you up for success, and we recognise the challenges that starting a new job can bring. We therefore 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.