BDS Bioprocess Technician Apprentice

AstraZeneca; Dublin; On-site; EUR 25,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

AstraZeneca Rare Disease is offering a two-year blended learning Bioprocess Technician Apprenticeship in Dublin, in partnership with Technological University Dublin. You will gain hands-on GMP bioprocess experience while earning a Level 6 Higher Certificate in Science, Bioprocess & Chemical Technician.

The programme starts September 2026 with an induction at the Dublin site, then training at TUD Tallaght Campus under SOLAS oversight, before on-site work from January 2027 to September 2027,

Qualifications

• Leaving Certificate with five subjects including Maths and a Science.
• 250 CAO points or equivalent.
• FETAC Level 5 qualification.
• SOLAS Apprentice approval.

Responsibilities

• Independently perform core production tasks in cell culture, media preparation, purification, buffer preparation and related tasks.
• Champion to drive improvements within the manufacturing operation.
• Execute preparation and production tasks for Alexion products in a cGMP environment with thorough documentation.
• Maintain a safe, cGMP compliant work environment at all times.
• Complete SOPs and batch records (paper and electronic).
• Troubleshoot issues identified during routine operations.
• Assist with investigations of deviations via the quality management system and collaborate with relevant functions.
• Contribute to creation and maintenance of area SOPs and batch records.
• Gather and analyse process/operational data and contribute to improvements.
• Seek and implement opportunities for Continuous Improvement.
• Use Lean Tools (Standard Work, 5S, etc.) to enhance efficiency and drive continuous improvement.
• Shift work, including weekends and day/night rotation, will be required.

Education

Leaving Certificate with five subjects including Maths and a Science

250 CAO points or equivalent

FETAC Level 5 qualification

SOLAS Apprentice approval

Job description

Introduction to role

Are you ready to build real-world bioprocessing skills while earning a national qualification—and see how your work moves life-changing medicines closer to patients with rare diseases? Join a high-performing manufacturing team where you will learn by doing, directly contributing to safe, compliant, and efficient production.

In partnership with IBEC and Technological University Dublin (Tallaght Campus), Alexion (AstraZeneca Rare Disease) are offering a two-year blended learning apprenticeship programme leading to a Level 6 Higher Certificate in Science, Bioprocess & Chemical Technician allowing you to gain a national qualification whilst working and begin to carve out a career in the Life Sciences industry.

As a Bioprocess Technician Apprentice, you will gain valuable hands-on practical experience in a GMP certified biopharmaceutical manufacturing environment in conjunction with off-site theoretical training with TUD promoting professional and personal growth. You will have a dedicated Bulk Drug Substance (BDS) Manufacturing Operations mentor to help with your development as a Bioprocess Technician.

The BDS Manufacturing facility at Alexion (AstraZeneca Rare Disease) is a state of the art bio-pharmaceutical manufacturing facility. The Bioprocess Technician Apprentice is responsible for executing production according to schedule using MCS automation, completing electronic batch records, SAP materials consumption, routine maintenance checks and continuous improvement of the work processes and environment.

The programme will commence in September 2026, with an induction week in our Dublin site before placement in the Technological University Dublin (Tallaght Campus) under the approval of SOLAS until January 2027. The apprentice will then work on site from January 2027 to September 2027, and the same cycle will occur for the second and final year of apprenticeship.

Accountabilities

• Will be trained and competent to independently perform core production tasks in the areas of cell culture, media preparation, purification, buffer preparation and ancillary tasks such as equipment preparation.


• Will also develop and demonstrate individual specialisms and are required to act as ‘Champion’ to drive improvements and excellence within specific aspects of the manufacturing operation within the shift team.


• Responsible for execution of all tasks associated with the preparation for and production of Alexion products in cGMP environment ensuring full attention to detail and excellent documentation skills.


• Assist in maintaining a safe, cGMP compliant work environment at all times


• Responsible for completion of tasks according to SOPs and batch records (paper and electronic).


• Perform initial troubleshooting of issues identified during routine operations.


• Assist with the investigation of operations deviations through the quality management system, engaging with all relevant personnel and functions as appropriate.


• Provide input into the creation and maintenance of area SOPs and batch records.


• Become adept at gathering and analysing process and operational performance data and contributing to operational process improvements


• Seek and implement opportunities for Continuous Improvement.


• Use Lean Tools as part of daily operations (Standard Work, 5S, Method 1, 2 etc.) to optimize efficiency and drive the culture of Continuous Improvement


• Shift working is required. The shift pattern may be varied according to business requirements and will typically require weekend working and periodic rotation between day and night shifts.

Essential Skills/Experience

• A pass or Grade O6 in five leaving certificate subjects, two of which must be maths and a science related subject.


• 250 CAO points, and/or its equivalent (between 18 and under 23 years)


• Candidates with a FETAC Level 5 qualification in a related field will be considered.


• If over 23 years of age, the requirements laid out above do not apply


• SOLAS Apprentice approval.

Why AstraZeneca

Here your learning connects directly to real people—those living with rare and devastating diseases—giving every shift purpose. You will work with cutting-edge technology in a modern GMP facility, shoulder-to-shoulder with skilled operators, engineers, and quality colleagues who bring unexpected perspectives into the same room to unleash bold thinking. We value kindness alongside ambition, pairing high standards with coaching and trust so you can develop quickly. With the agility of a biotech and the strength of a global leader, we empower you to master your craft, contribute to meaningful outcomes, and grow into a career that makes a difference.

Date Posted

01-Sept-2026

Closing Date

10-Sept-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.