What You’ll Be Doing

• You will contribute to projects that improve processes, support better decisions and enable the continued development of AstraZeneca’s digital culture. This may include working with colleagues to understand their needs, investigating how a process currently operates and identifying where data or technology could make it more efficient.

• You may analyse and prepare data, assess its quality, identify trends and develop reports or visualisations that provide useful insight. Where appropriate, you may write code using tools such as Python, R or SQL to automate tasks, manipulate data, test ideas or create practical solutions.

• You will also help develop and improve digital tools and processes. This could involve creating prototypes, supporting the testing and implementation of solutions, documenting new ways of working or helping users understand and adopt them. You will use structured problem-solving and Lean principles to ensure that improvements address the underlying issue and can be sustained over time.

• Alongside the technical work, you will help organise project activities, coordinate with stakeholders, monitor progress and communicate outcomes. You may support workshops, demonstrations or training sessions, and help measure the benefits delivered by a project.

• Throughout your placement, you will work responsibly with data and technology, following AstraZeneca’s requirements for data governance, privacy, security and regulatory compliance.

What You’ll Learn

This placement will give you practical experience of how digital and data improvement projects are delivered in a global biopharmaceutical organisation. You will learn how to understand a business problem, work with stakeholders, investigate and prepare data, develop and test solutions, and support the implementation of change.

You will gain insight into how technical and operational teams collaborate, and how structured improvement methods can be used alongside data and digital technology. You will also develop your ability to communicate clearly, manage your work, solve problems and deliver outcomes in a professional environment.

Depending on the projects you support, you may use data analysis, coding, automation, visualisation and project management tools. You will be encouraged to build on your existing strengths while developing a broader understanding of how technology can create meaningful operational improvements.

Qualification, Skills & Experience

Required:

• Currently undertaking an undergraduate or integrated master’s degree in Computer Science, Data Science, Mathematics, Engineering or a related subject, with the opportunity to spend one year in industry starting in September 2027.
• An interest in using data, technology or structured improvement approaches to solve practical problems.
• Some experience or understanding of data analysis, coding, digital technology, process improvement or project delivery.
• The ability to work collaboratively with people from different teams and professional backgrounds.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Curiosity, initiative and a willingness to learn.
• The ability to organise your work, solve problems and deliver agreed outcomes within timelines.

To support your application, please include a cover letter highlighting any scholarships, publications, interest in data, coding, digital technology or extracurricular activities demonstrating leadership and teamwork. Your cover letter should be included in the same document as your CV, and the uploaded file should be named in the format Surname, First name.

Desirable:

• Experience using Python, R, SQL, Power BI or similar data, coding or visualisation tools.
• Experience working on a university, personal, employment or extracurricular project involving data, technology or process improvement.
• Familiarity with automation, artificial intelligence or digital applications.
• An interest in Lean, continuous improvement or project management.
• An understanding of data governance, privacy or compliance in a business or regulated environment.

Application Details

• Applications Open: 4th September 2026
• Applications Close: 2nd October 2026
• Assessment Day: TBC
• Start Date: 6th September 2027

This position is a 12-month fixed term contract.

AstraZeneca is proud to be ranked as a Top 100 ‘Best Student Employer’ in the UK by Higherin. Browse our reviews here (link)

AstraZeneca embraces diversity and equality of opportunity. We are committed to building an inclusive and diverse team representing all backgrounds, with as wide a range of perspectives as possible, and harnessing industry-leading skills. We believe that the more inclusive we are, the better our work will be. We welcome and consider applications to join our team from all qualified candidates, regardless of their characteristics. We comply with all applicable laws and regulations on non-discrimination in employment (and recruitment), as well as work authorization and employment eligibility verification requirements.

Date Posted

04-Sept-2026

Closing Date

02-Sept-2026

Our Mission

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.