AstraZeneca
12 Month University Industrial Placement Student: Biosciences
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12 Month University Industrial Placement Student (UIPS): Biosciences
Cambridge, UK
£28,000 Base Salary, Bonus & Flexible Benefits
About AstraZeneca:
AstraZeneca is a global, science-led, patient-centred biopharmaceutical company that focuses on the discovery, development and commercialization of prescription medicines for some of the world’s most serious diseases. But we’re more than a global leading pharmaceutical company. At AstraZeneca, we’re dedicated to being a Great Place to Work where you are empowered to push the boundaries of science and fuel your entrepreneurial spirit. There’s no better place to make a difference to medicine, patients and society.
About the University Industrial Placement Student (UIPS) Programme:
Join a Truly Inclusive and Supportive International Team.
As an AstraZeneca placement student, there is a huge network of support available to you. You’ll have a dedicated supervisor, a supportive early talent peer network, and a variety of Employee Resource Groups you can join.
We help and empower each other, and our supervisors are committed to providing you with all the guidance and support you need to build your skills, confidence and capabilities.
Whatever your background and experience, you'll be welcomed and encouraged to speak up, ask questions and share knowledge. You will be a valued part of an international team of truly supportive, collaborative and inclusive individuals.
Are you ready to explore this exciting next step in your career? Apply today!
We discourage multiple applications to our UIPS opportunities. Please therefore submit one application to the opportunity that best matches your skills and aspirations. We reserve the right to review and progress one application per candidate based on the role's criteria and candidates' skills.
About the Opportunity:
The Oncology Research & Development (R&D) Undergraduate Industrial Placement Programme provides the opportunity for you to undertake a 12-month laboratory-based placement that will introduce you to the world of innovative drug discovery.
Oncology Bioscience:
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Oncology Bioscience at AstraZeneca focuses on understanding cancer biology and translating scientific insights into new medicines for patients. Working in a collaborative discovery environment, the department partners across multiple scientific disciplines to identify and validate targets, investigate mechanisms of action, and support oncology projects through the early research pipeline. The team also generates preclinical data that informs the development of oncology medicines, including studies exploring mechanisms of resistance and potential combination treatment strategies.
As an Industrial Placement Student, you will be embedded within an Oncology Bioscience team and contribute to a defined research project alongside day-to-day laboratory activities. You will gain hands-on experience in designing and running experiments, generating and analysing data, maintaining accurate experimental records, and presenting your findings to the team. Depending on the placement area, you may gain experience in cell-based assays, molecular and cellular biology techniques, data analysis, and interpretation of results to support oncology drug discovery.
Qualification, Skills & Experience
Required:
- Currently undertaking an undergraduate or integrated master’s degree within a biological discipline with the opportunity to spend 1 year in industry starting in September 2027
- Interest in cancer biology and drug discovery.
- Strong planning and organisation skills
- Good attention to detail when generating, recording, and analysing experimental data.
- Ability to follow scientific protocols and work safely and carefully in a laboratory environment.
- Ability to learn quickly and apply new knowledge to support scientific innovation.
- Good collaboration, communication, and teamworking skills.
Desirable:
- A good foundation of Microsoft Excel and GraphPad.
- Experience in interpretation or presenting scientific data.
- Basic laboratory experience from undergraduate practical classes, research projects, or previous placements.
- Familiarity with cell biology, molecular biology, biochemical techniques or cell-based assays.
- Experience of working in teams (could be in an educational or employment setting or any other team work you may have completed).
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To support your application, please include a cover letter highlighting any scholarships, publications, lab experience 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.
Application Details:
- Applications Open: 4th September 2026
- Applications Close: 2nd October 2026
- Assessment Day: 25th November 2026
- 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 RateMyPlacement. Browse our reviews here.
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-Oct-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.
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