Quality Control Degree Apprenticeship

AstraZeneca; Macclesfield; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading global biopharmaceutical company is offering a Level 6 Quality Control Degree Apprenticeship in Macclesfield. This hands-on role involves managing quality system data, conducting quality checks, and supporting laboratory testing. Apprentices will work towards a BSc Degree in Chemical Sciences while gaining relevant industry skills. Candidates should possess strong communication, team skills, and a commitment to quality standards. Competitive starting salary of £24,570 plus benefits.

Benefits

Starting salary of £24,570

11% benefits fund

Relocation package for candidates

Fully funded part‑time university learning

Qualifications

• Detail-focused and organized individual committed to quality processes.
• Ability to perform recurring QC tests and follow established SOPs.
• Willingness to learn and adapt in a lab-based apprenticeship.

Responsibilities

• Configuration and management of quality electronic system data.
• Perform quality checks and audits of electronic system data.
• Test products in QC laboratories against quality standards.

Skills

Good communication skills

Good team working skills

High organisation skills

Rational approach to problem solving

Concern for standards

High numeracy and literacy skills

Computer literacy

Ability to learn

Self-motivation

Initiative

Education

Five GCSEs (or equivalent) including Maths, English and Science

Minimum of 104 UCAS points at A-level (grades BCC) including Chemistry

Job description

Level 6 Quality Control Degree Apprenticeship

Macclesfield, UK

Starting base salary of £24,570+ 11% benefits fund + bonus.

At AstraZeneca, we put patients first and strive to meet their unmet needs worldwide. We are deeply committed to our strategy of being a great place to work. For us, that includes fostering an environment where everyone can be inclusive, supportive individuals with curious minds.

A company that genuinely follows the science and values individuals at all levels, you will 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 will be involved in projects and learning opportunities that have real impact from day one.

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.

Quality - Electronic Laboratory Systems

This role has an emphasis on the configuration, setup and lifecycle management of static quality data within computer systems used within the quality control laboratories, which support the chemical and microbiological quality control testing and clearance of pharmaceutical medicines for ongoing manufacture, packaging or distribution. AstraZeneca is striving to achieve digitized, paperless laboratory processes; therefore this apprenticeship will involve the following:

• Configuration, setup and lifecycle management of critical quality electronic system data
• Working directly with electronic system users within the quality control laboratories
• Problem solving and first‑line support for electronic system troubleshooting
• Quality checks and audits of electronic system data
• Implementing digital electronic system process improvements

Analytical Chemistry Quality Control Laboratories

This is a lab-based apprenticeship where you will be testing product in the QC analytical laboratory teams against agreed Quality Standards, and within agreed lead‑times to ensure the quality, safety and efficacy of these products using a range of analytical techniques. We test the excipients, raw materials, active API as well as finished products.

There are 4 analytical teams across the quality control analytical department, using a variety of techniques from wet chemistry to automated techniques:

• Chromatographic techniques: GC, HPLC, APC
• Use of tablet testing/preparation automation
• Robot preparation
• Wet tests such as manual titration, water content, IR, UV etc

You will have the opportunity to rotate between different analytical teams to broaden your skills in different techniques.

As a QC analytical apprentice, you will ensure the appropriate quality systems are followed in order for the laboratory to meet its responsibilities with respect to GMP, data integrity while following SHE guidelines.

Who this suits

• Structured & consistent: You enjoy a predictable workday with clear procedures, set schedules, and defined quality standards.
• Detail-focused: You take pride in repeating tasks to the same high standard, spotting anomalies, and preventing errors.
• Process-minded: You are comfortable with checklists, version‑controlled SOPs, and standardized documentation.

This is a hands‑on quality role, ideal for someone who values routine and precision. You’ll perform recurring QC tests, follow established SOPs, and document results in accordance with regulatory requirements. Success in this role comes from consistency, attention to detail, and dependable execution. If you find satisfaction in delivering the same high‑quality outputs day after day—and improving them through small, compliant refinements—this role will suit you.

Please indicate your preferred area choice

You will be working towards a BSc Degree in Chemical Sciences with Manchester Metropolitan University.

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 Chemical 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 will 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 a 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 Chemistry 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.

Open and close dates

To apply for this position, please click the apply link.

Opening date of advert: 12th January 2026

Closing date of advert: midnight 15th February 2026

Successful candidates will be asked to attend a virtual Assessment Day on 24th and 25th March.

Should you require any reasonable adjustments or accommodations, please let us know on your application.

Start date for the apprenticeship programme is 7th September 2026

This is a 4-year fixed‑term contract opportunity based at Macclesfield.

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.

Where can I find out more?

Our Social Media, Follow AstraZeneca on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/1603/

Inclusion & Diversity: https://careers.astrazeneca.com/inclusion-diversity

Career Site: https://careers.astrazeneca.com/

AstraZeneca is proud to be ranked as a Top 100 ‘Best Student Employer’ in the UK by RateMyPlacement. Browse our reviews here: link

These positions are not open to those already educated to Bachelor's degree level or above – for which we have specific Graduate Programmes, see our website for more details https://careers.astrazeneca.com/students

#Earlytalent

Date Posted 12-Jan-2026

Closing Date 15-Feb-2026

Our mission is to build an inclusive and equitable environment. We want people to feel they belong at AstraZeneca and Alexion, starting with our recruitment process. We welcome and consider applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of characteristics. We offer reasonable adjustments/accommodations to help all candidates to perform at their best. If you have a need for any adjustments/accommodations, please complete the section in the application form.