Cogent Skills
Laboratory scientist degree apprenticeship - UCB
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UCB are seeking a motivated and enthusiastic individual to join our team as an Apprentice in Immune Memory. This role will provide you with hands-on experience in the laboratory with exposure to cutting-edge technologies, and the chance to work closely to support the progression of projects to drug candidate selection.
Qualification Requirements
- 5 GCSEs (or equivalent) grade A*-C (4-9) Inc Maths and English
- You must have gained a minimum of 80 UCAS points from a minimum of 2 A-level subjects including Biology (or equivalent, e.g. BTEC) and an additional Science or Maths.
Salary
- £21,000 per annum
- Annual salary review. Apprenticeship programme has a salary structure with annual increases subject to progress on the apprenticeship and performance in the workplace.
Benefits
- Holiday Allowance - 28 Days Holiday Allowance, plus Bank Holidays
- Pension - Employee 5%, Employer 3%
- Flexible working
- Casual dress
- Discount schemes
- Employee Assistance programme
- Onsite parking
- Onsite canteen
- Paid sick leave once out of probation
- Days off for volunteering
- Employee recognition / awards
Location
- Currently: UCB Biopharma UK 216 Bath Road, Slough, Berkshire, SL1 3WE
- Moving soon to: Sunninghill Road, Windlesham, Surrey, GU20 6PP
Working Hours
- Monday to Friday, 09:00am – 17:30pm with 1 hour unpaid lunch break.
Duration
- 60 months
Start Date
- September 2026
Interview Date
- Late August 2026
Closing Date for Applications
- 16th August 2026
To Apply
To apply, please click the Apply Now button and complete the form. Once you submit, you will receive an email to verify your email address that will then submit your application to us. If you do not receive an email confirming your application, please check with us that this has been submitted.
If you are having difficulty in completing this, please contact recruitment on recruitment@cogentskills.com for assistance.
Next Steps
Successful candidates will be progressed to a one way video interview, invites will be sent via email.
The video interview will be reviewed by the Hiring Manager.
Job Description
The Immune Memory Group is a dynamic and innovative team dedicated to advancing research, and treatments, in the field of immunology, autoimmunity and immune mediated inflammatory diseases. As an apprentice, you’ll have the opportunity to learn from experienced professionals, contribute to the development of patient therapeutics, and grow essential skills in the pharmaceutical industry.
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The candidate will learn about the progression of drug molecules in research development. The role will involve building an understanding and implementation of experimental design and laboratory techniques required to generate and analyse data in the drug discovery process.
You will work to support a variety of projects, utilising a range of in vitro, and ex vivo assays. These skills enable the development of novel therapeutics, investigating mechanisms of action and identifying novel therapeutic axes.
The role will expand the apprentice’s knowledge in human biology, pathological mechanistic modelling, with focus on dermatology and immunology in health and disease. Alongside the development of academic knowledge, the candidate will learn, optimise and apply key techniques involved in the drug discovery process including, but not limited to; experimental design, histology, cell and tissue culture, flow cytometry, gene and imaging analysis and data interpretation.
Experimental analysis will utilise relevant statistical analysis when required and, where necessary, will be presented and disseminated in meetings. All work will comply within legal and ethical framework maintaining compliance to record keeping, data integrity, traceability and confidentiality.
As well as working with colleagues in the Immune Memory department, the role will also allow close collaboration with colleagues in different departments, allowing you to gain wider industry knowledge.
You will receive training in all techniques and data analysis with your own supervisor and a mentor to provide help and advice during your time at UCB. You will receive support to complete this training. This represents a great opportunity to work in laboratories in the pharmaceutical industry at the forefront of drug discovery.
Candidate Requirements
Skills/Personal Qualities
- Good written and oral communication skills
- Ability to multitask and manage time effectively.
- Creative thinking and problem-solving skills
- Attention to detail
- Demonstrates reliability and integrity
- Highly motivated and driven to develop oneself autonomously
- A teamworker, considerate to members of team and wider organisation
- Enthusiasm
Training To Be Delivered
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- Qualification to be delivered: BioScience degree
- Apprenticeship Standard: Scientist
- Apprenticeship level: Level 6
- Training Provider: University of Kent
- Delivery model: Training for this apprenticeship will be completed online
Future Prospects
Upon successful completion of the apprenticeship, you will be eligible to apply for other positions within the business. The training will expose the apprentice to a wide range of skills and competencies which would make them well placed for further study or suitable for many job opportunities in the life sciences sector.
Things To Be Considered
- Please ensure that you currently live within or can relocate to a commutable distance of the site
- The individual will be working within a laboratory environment and must therefore adhere to site dress code procedures and personal hygiene standards during testing activities (e.g. correct use of PPE such as laboratory coats and glasses; and removal of all jewellery and make-up upon entry into controlled clean room areas).
- The individual will be required to handle hazardous materials (e.g. chemicals, microorganisms) and so must adhere to the relevant procedures.
- The work pattern involves day and shift working dependent upon the needs of the business.
About UCB
UCB is a global biopharmaceutical company, with a focus on neurology and immunology.
UCB’s ambition is to transform the lives of people living with severe diseases. We focus on neurology and immunology disorders – putting patients at the centre of our world. We are Inspired by Patients. Driven by Science and are now more than 9000 people in all four corners of the globe.
Our medicines treat millions of people around the world, and we are engaging with patients, their families and healthcare professionals to address their unmet needs. We want to enhance our understanding of disease and the real-life experiences of patients so that our teams can deliver the right drug and the right care to the right patient.
UCB is continuously working to advance science and embrace new knowledge. We are leveraging scientific advances and skills in areas such as genetics, biomarkers and human biology. Patients inspire us to bring them value through cutting-edge science, innovative treatments, and practical solutions – so that they and their carers can get on with their lives.
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