University Intern - Patient Engagement

Boehringer Ingelheim; Bracknell; On-site; GBP 16,000 - 26,000; Full time

Job summary

Boehringer Ingelheim is offering a 12-month paid internship in Patient Engagement at our head office in Winnersh. The role requires a minimum of two days per week in the office and starts September 2027.

The internship provides exposure to patient insights, cross-functional collaboration and development opportunities within a leading global pharmaceutical company. You will support PE activities, contribute to internal communications, and assist with PE projects while developing professional

Qualifications

• Currently studying for a BSc in Biology, Chemistry, Biochemistry or Life Sciences with a placement year.
• Three A levels at grades ABB, at least one from a life science subject.
• Right to work in the UK for the full duration of the internship.
• Ability to travel to usual workplaces and other sites as required.

Responsibilities

• Support monitoring and mapping of patient community activities across therapeutic areas.
• Assist internal communications and update intranet content for the PE function.
• Contribute to team initiatives, planning, and adoption of tools and processes.
• Support development of PE content for business planning processes and meetings.
• Assist delivery of defined projects within PE, TA-specific or business-wide scope.
• Support Medical & Legal review of PE deliverables in the electronic approval system.
• Attend internal and external meetings as required.

Skills

Communication

Teamwork

Time management

Learning

Adaptability

AI literacy

MS Office

Education

BSc in Biology or Life Sciences

Three A levels ABB

Tools

MS Office

Job description

Number of opportunities: 1
Salary: £26,000 (Not flexible)
Closing date: 26/10/2026

This is a 12-month paid internship starting September 2027. The role is head office based requiring a minimum of 2 days a week to be worked from our office in Winnersh.

INTRODUCING THE OPPORTUNITY

Patient Engagement at Boehringer Ingelheim helps ensure that the voices, experiences and priorities of patients inform the decisions we make across the healthcare and innovation journey. Guided by our Patient-Powered Progress approach, we partner with patients, caregivers and patient organisations as equal experts, using lived experience to shape research, evidence generation, healthcare policy, market access and patient support initiatives. By gathering and applying patient insights, Patient Engagement helps improve strategic decision-making, strengthen partnerships and deliver better outcomes for patients, healthcare systems and society. Our goal is to move Life Forward through meaningful patient partnership.

WHAT YOU WILL DO

The main duties of the PE intern will be to:

• Support the monitoring and mapping of patient community activities relevant to our various therapeutic areas (TAs) as well as the business as a whole, leveraging the market intelligence tools/resources available to the function
• Support internal communications activities that promote and elevate the work of the PE team including the creation and updating of editorial content available on the Boehringer intranet pages that relate specifically to the PE function
• Contribute to PE-team initiatives for team building and development and work planning including involvement in developing ways of working and adoption/implementation of tools/processes that support effective and compliant delivery of the work of the PE function
• Support the development of PE-related content for the integrated business planning processes, projects and meetings as required
• Support the PE team in the delivery of defined projects (with potential to be either TA-specific as well as business-wide in focus)
• Support the Medical & Legal review of PE deliverables in the electronic approval system, as required
• Participate in internal (and, where appropriate, external) meetings as required

WHAT YOU WILL GAIN

The successful intern will have opportunities to gain experience of:

• working in a successful and diverse department within a top-20 global pharmaceutical company
• working with, and delivering for, patients and communities served by Boehringer Ingelheim
• working with cross-functional teams within Boehringer to deliver key PE initiatives and activities
• how PE contributes to the work of the human pharmaceutical industry and to meeting business objectives

WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT FROM A BOEHRINGER INGELHEIM INTERNSHIP

• Meaningful work and real responsibilities from the start, with opportunities to contribute to projects that matter.
• Joining with a large cohort of exceptional students, you will receive a clear placement plan setting out key projects, milestones and your learning goals for the year.
• Support from your manager, your team and HR, with regular feedback and development conversations.
• Learning opportunities beyond the role, including workshops, networking, career insights and exposure to different parts of the business.
• Access to coaching, mentoring and online learning resources, including Boehringer’s virtual University.
• The opportunity to build professional confidence, workplace skills and a network across the organisation.

ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS

• Currently studying for a BSc in Biology, Chemistry, Biochemistry or other Life Sciences degree and completing a placement year as part of the course
• A minimum of three A levels at grades ABB, or equivalent with at least one grade coming from a life science subject
• The right to work in the UK for the full duration of the internship
• The ability to travel independently to the usual place of work and, where required, to other sites

DESIRABLE REQUIREMENTS

• Demonstrable compassion for people, patients and their families and empathy to support the discovery of patient insights to help the business enhance the way it delivers for patients
• Understanding of the UK healthcare environment would be beneficialUnderstanding of patient community and healthcare charity sector would be beneficial

SKILLS AND BEHAVIOURS

• Communicates clearly and professionally in writing and conversation.
• Works collaboratively, builds positive relationships and contributes own ideas proactively.
• Organises tasks, manages time and meets agreed deadlines.
• Takes ownership of learning, asks questions and responds positively to feedback.
• Adapts to changing priorities and approaches work with curiosity and initiative.
• Uses AI appropriately to deliver work. Confident with Microsoft Office and is willing to learn new systems and technology.
• Acts professionally and follows relevant policies, procedures, legal obligations and health, safety and environmental requirements.

WHY THIS IS A GREAT PLACE TO WORK

Boehringer Ingelheim has been recognised as a Top Employer in the UK. Being certified as a Top Employer confirms our dedication to a better world of work, delivered through excellent HR policies and people practices. To learn more visit: https://www.boehringer-ingelheim.co.uk/careers/uk-careers/why-great-place-work

Our Company

Boehringer Ingelheim is a biopharmaceutical company active in both human and animal health. As one of the industry's top investors in research and development, the company focuses on developing innovative therapies that can improve and extend lives in areas of high unmet medical need. Independent since its foundation in 1885, Boehringer takes a long-term perspective, embedding sustainability along the entire value chain. Our approximately 54,300 employees serve over 130 markets to build a healthier and more sustainable tomorrow. Learn more at www.boehringer-ingelheim.com.

Why Boehringer Ingelheim?

With us, you can develop your own path in a company with a culture that knows our differences are our strengths - and break new ground in the drive to make millions of lives better.

Here, your development is our priority. Supporting you to build a career as part of a workplace that is independent, authentic and bold, while tackling challenging work in a respectful and friendly environment where everyone is valued and welcomed.

Alongside, you have access to programs and groups that ensure your health and wellbeing are looked after - as we make major investments to drive global accessibility to healthcare. By being part of a team that is constantly innovating, you'll be helping to transform lives for generations.

Want to learn more? Visit https://www.boehringer-ingelheim.com