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

Location: Cambridge 

Salary: £35,600

Overview 

Be empowered to be innovative and creative in an environment that celebrates diversity. If you hold a Bioscience or Life Science-based bachelor's or master's degree and have a desire to explore your scientific potential, our Research and Development (R&D) Bioscience Graduate Programme could be the perfect springboard for your career. 

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.

 

Programme Details 

Start Date: September 2025 

Duration: 2 years 

Structure: Three individual eight-month placements 

Focus Areas: Drug discovery, development, and various therapy areas 

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 any life science or chemistry-related subject (2:1 UK or local equivalent), awarded in 2024 or before September 2025. 

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. 

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. 

 
What Happens After the 2-Year Programme? 

Following the two-year programme, we see approximately 50% of our grads returning to academia to obtain a PhD, with the rest seeking roles either in AZ or elsewhere.  

Application Process 

Location: You will be based in Cambridge throughout the 2-year duration. No international placements are offered. 

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

Key Dates 

Advert Opens: Monday 9 December 2024 

Advert Closes: Sunday 5 January 2025 

Assessment Centre Days: Tuesday 4, Wednesday 5 & Thursday 6 March 2025 

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 

Careers Page: Learn more on our careers page 

LinkedIn: AstraZeneca LinkedIn 

Facebook: AstraZeneca Careers 

Instagram: AstraZeneca Careers 

Date Posted

09-Dec-2024

Closing Date

05-Jan-2025

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.