Research and Development (R&D) Graduate programme – Bioscience – UK

AstraZeneca; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading biopharmaceutical company in Cambridge is seeking graduates for their R&D Graduate programme. This two-year programme involves hands-on experience in drug discovery through three placements. Ideal candidates should hold a bioscience-related degree and possess strong problem-solving and organizational skills. Opportunities for mentorship and professional development make this a great entry point into the industry. Competitive salary and benefits offered.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Professional mentorship

Hands-on experience in R&D

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or master’s degree awarded in 2025 or before September 2026.
• Proactive mindset and capability to work in teams.
• Strong desire to contribute to drug discovery.

Responsibilities

• Engage in diverse R&D projects in drug discovery.
• Receive mentorship from industry experts.
• Develop technical skills and scientific knowledge.

Skills

Proactive problem-solving

Critical thinking

Excellent planning

Organizational skills

Time management

Education

Bachelor’s or master’s degree in life science

Job description

Research and Development (R&D) Graduate programme – Bioscience – UK

Location: Cambridge

Salary: £35,600 plus benefits

Are you ready to take your career to the next level? The AstraZeneca Research & Development (R&D) Bioscience Graduate Programme is your gateway to a future in groundbreaking scientific research and drug development. If you hold a Bioscience or Life Science-based bachelor’s or master’s degree and are eager to unleash your scientific potential, this is your opportunity to work at the forefront of innovation and make a real-world impact.

About AstraZeneca

AstraZeneca is a global, science-led, patient-focused biopharmaceutical company dedicated to the discovery, development, and commercialization of prescription medicines for some of the world’s most serious diseases. We genuinely follow the science and value individuals at all levels, encouraging continuous learning and exploration to unlock the power of what science can do.

About the opportunity

The AstraZeneca R&D Bioscience Graduate Programme is a two-year opportunity for graduates seeking a unique chance to accelerate their career. Through three eight-month placements, you'll gain hands-on experience in drug discovery and development, working across various functions and therapy areas. You’ll develop technical skills, expand your scientific knowledge, and receive mentorship from industry experts.

Programme Details

• Start Date: September 2026
• Duration: 2 years
• Structure: Three individual eight-month placements
• Focus Areas: Drug discovery, & development across various therapy areas
• Location: You will be based in Cambridge throughout the 2-year duration. No international placements are offered.

What You’ll Gain

• Hands-On Experience: Engage in diverse R&D projects and gain insights into drug discovery and development.
• Professional Growth: Receive mentorship and support from a dedicated management team and expand your network with industry experts.
• Skill Development: Enhance your technical skills and knowledge across various scientific disciplines and stages of the drug discovery process.

Role Requirements

• Education: Bachelor’s or master’s degree in a life science related subject (2:1 UK or local equivalent), awarded in 2025 or before September 2026.
• Skills: Proactive problem-solving, critical thinking, excellent planning, organizational, and time management abilities.
• Attributes: Passionate about drug discovery, team-focused, and driven to make a difference.

Placement Details

• Lab-Based Placements: Opportunities focused on biology, biochemistry, pharmacology, and computational/bioinformatics projects.
• Non-lab based placements: Opportunities to work on computational/bioinformatics projects, or contribute to clinical programmes or regulatory affairs. Flexibility: Various placements to choose from, with at least one lab-based placement required.

Post-Programme Opportunities

Approximately 50% of graduates pursue a PhD, while others seek roles within AstraZeneca or elsewhere. Where will your journey take you?

What's Next

• Assessment: After submitting your application, you may be invited to complete an online assessment (SHL). Shortlisted candidates will be invited to a full-day virtual assessment day.

Key Dates

• Advert Opens: Monday 8 December 2025
• Advert Closes: Sunday 4 January 2026
• Assessment Centre Days: Tuesday 10, Wednesday 11 & Thursday 12 March 2026 (no additional dates available)

How to Apply

Are you ready to bring your skills, drive, and curiosity to our projects? We’d love to hear from you! Click the link to apply, and we will be in touch once the advert closes.

Find Out More

• Are you curious about what it’s like to work at AstraZeneca? Learn more here: https://careers.astrazeneca.com/life-at-astrazeneca
• Learn more about the programme: https://careers.astrazeneca.com/r-and-d-graduate-programme

Date Posted

08-Dec-2025

Closing Date

04-Jan-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.