For more than 20 years, our Waterford team has continued to grow and diversify to serve patients around the world. Today, a team of over 900 work together at a state-of-the-art biopharmaceutical and medical device campus. Recognised through multiple local and national awards, Sanofi Waterford offers flexible working and access to a world of opportunities to grow your career at one location. As well as attractive benefits, the team enjoy access to an onsite gym and medical centre that underpin a strong commitment to health and wellbeing.

About the job

Are you looking to kick start a career in science working for a world leader in the Biopharmaceutical Industry, and get an opportunity to progress your education while getting paid?

Why not consider the QC Laboratory Apprenticeship programme with the Quality Control team in Sanofi, Waterford? 

The programme is designed for those who wish to develop a career in a laboratory environment where employment is set to grow significantly over the next 3-5 years.  

Sanofi Waterford is ideally placed to facilitate, mentor and nurture new talent.  During term time you would work 3 days per week in our laboratory learning on the job while spending 2 days per week with our education partner, SETU.

Our Team:

The QC Chemistry Department are responsible for analysing raw material, in-process, finished product and stability samples to support product release and stability from the Waterford site.

Application deadline: 27th June 2025

Interviews held: July 2025

Programme start date: 1st September 2025

About growing with us

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion the apprentice will be able to:

Knowledge:

Understanding the principles of cGMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) which are in operations in Biopharmachem

Understanding the Quality Systems that are in place and their importance

Understanding change control systems

Understanding Safe Laboratory and Work Practices/Methods

Knowledge of the analytical lifecycle management

Understand the Audits processes E.g., housekeeping, Internal Supplier, Regulatory and Customer audits

Knowledge of the variety of testing involved in raw material, in-process, finished product and stability samples and how to conduct same in accordance to predetermined specifications

Understanding the importance of recording results in a timely and accurate fashion

Knowledge of maintaining PPE and the process of reporting defects

Understanding the correct labelling of laboratory reagents and samples

Knowledge “out of specification” investigations and “Lab Investigations Reports” process

Knowledge of the purchase systems of QC consumables and liaising with approved suppliers

Understanding the various steps in the production process – upstream and downstream

Knowledge of calibration of laboratory equipment as required

Skills:

Operating company equipment and instruments effectively and according to standard operating procedures

Ability to work in a safe manner within a laboratory and work setting

Ability to perform a wide range of chemistry techniques to include but not limited to the use of Pipettes, Auto-Titrations, Ph, weighing, diluting to volume, Volumetric calculations, Karl Fischer, Thin Layer Chromatography and physical testing, HPLC

Ability to handle all laboratory and production materials and other materials according to safety instructions and analytical methods so as not to endanger him/herself, others or the environment

Soft skills:

Communicate effectively using a full range of skills: speaking; listening; writing; body language; presentation

Work and interact effectively within a team

Work independently and take responsibility for initiating and completing tasks

Understand impact of work on others, especially where related to diversity and equality

Time management and ability to complete work to schedule

Ability to handle change and respond to change management processes

About you

Entry requirements:

Pass (minimum Grade 06) in 5 Leaving Certificate subjects one of which must be maths and a science subject

250 CAO points

Or

Level 6 Qualification in a related discipline

Or

Mature student

Pursue progress, discover extraordinary

Better is out there. Better medications, better outcomes, better science. But progress doesn’t happen without people – people from different backgrounds, in different locations, doing different roles, all united by one thing: a desire to make miracles happen. So, let’s be those people.

At Sanofi, we provide equal opportunities to all regardless of race, colour, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, ability or gender identity.

Watch our ALL IN video and check out our Diversity Equity and Inclusion actions at sanofi.com!