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- Tasks: Join a team to develop new drug candidates through synthetic organic chemistry.
- Company: AstraZeneca is a leading biopharmaceutical company focused on innovative medicines.
- Benefits: Enjoy a £26,000 salary, bonuses, flexible benefits, and a supportive work environment.
- Why this job: Gain hands-on experience in a collaborative setting while making a real impact on healthcare.
- Qualifications: Must be pursuing an Undergraduate Chemistry Degree, ready for a 12-month placement.
- Other info: Applications open on 1st September 2025; start date is 7th September 2026.
The predicted salary is between 20800 - 31200 £ per year.
Overview
12 Month University Industrial Placement Student (UIPS): Synthetic – Organic Chemistry – Cambridge & Macclesfield, UK
£26,000 Base Salary, Bonus & Flexible Benefits
Are you ready to be part of a supportive, collaborative team to develop your expertise? AstraZeneca might be the place for you.
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 disease. We are dedicated to being a Great Place to Work where you are empowered to push the boundaries of science and fuel your entrepreneurial spirit. There is 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 will 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 will 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!
About the Opportunity
We are looking to recruit for 12 Month Industrial Placements in Synthetic Organic Chemistry across sites in Cambridge and Macclesfield in the UK. At each location the placement will be focused on synthetic organic chemistry working as part of a team to deliver new potential drug candidates to help patients.
The placements will provide you with the opportunity to learn about organic synthesis, purification, reaction monitoring, automation techniques, bio-catalysis, crystallisation and physical organic chemistry. You will also have the opportunity to present your work to other chemists and wider teams that will enhance your communication skills which will all help you to develop a range of transferable skills as well as promoting and extending your proficiency as a chemist.
Roles based in Cambridge will work with medicinal chemists to develop novel multi-step synthetic routes to a range of new compounds to enable testing of these compounds as potential drug candidates.
Roles based in Macclesfield will work with process development chemists to develop safe, sustainable and economical synthetic routes that are capable of manufacturing kilogram quantities of potential drug candidates.
Qualifications, Skills & Experience
Required:
- Currently undertaking an Undergraduate Chemistry Degree with the opportunity to spend 1 year in industry starting in September 2026
- Where possible, please list your course modules including any results obtained within your application.
- To support your application, please highlight any scholarships, publications, lab experience or extracurricular activity demonstrating leadership and teamwork you may have within a cover letter
Why AstraZeneca?
At AstraZeneca when we see an opportunity for change, we seize it and make it happen, because any opportunity no matter how small, can be the start of something big. Delivering life-changing medicines is about being entrepreneurial – finding those moments and recognizing their potential. Join us on our journey of building a new kind of organisation to reset expectations of what a bio-pharmaceutical company can be. This means we are opening new ways to work, pioneering cutting-edge methods and bringing unexpected teams together. Interested? Come and join our journey.
Applications Timeline
- Applications Open: 1st September 2025
- Applications Close: Midnight 28th September 2025
- Virtual Assessment Day: 4th and 5th November 2025
- Start Date: 7th September 2026
- Contract Type: 12-month fixed term
Where can I find out more?
Our Social Media, Follow AstraZeneca on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/1603/
Inclusion & Diversity: https://careers.astrazeneca.com/inclusion-diversity
Career Site: https://careers.astrazeneca.com/
AstraZeneca is proud to be ranked as a Top 100 ‘Best Student Employer’ in the UK by RateMyPlacement.
Dates
Date Posted: 01-Sept-2025
Closing Date: 28-Sept-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.
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12 Month University Industrial Placement Student (UIPS): Synthetic - Organic Chemistry employer: AstraZeneca
Contact Detail:
AstraZeneca Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land 12 Month University Industrial Placement Student (UIPS): Synthetic - Organic Chemistry
✨Tip Number 1
Network with current or former placement students at AstraZeneca. They can provide valuable insights into the application process and what to expect during your placement, helping you tailor your approach.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with AstraZeneca's recent projects and breakthroughs in synthetic organic chemistry. This knowledge will not only impress during interviews but also help you understand how you can contribute to their goals.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for potential technical questions by reviewing key concepts in organic synthesis and related techniques. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will demonstrate your readiness for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Engage with AstraZeneca's social media channels, especially LinkedIn. This will keep you updated on company news and events, and you might even find opportunities to connect with recruiters or team members directly.
We think you need these skills to ace 12 Month University Industrial Placement Student (UIPS): Synthetic - Organic Chemistry
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities and requirements of the University Industrial Placement Student position in Synthetic Organic Chemistry. Tailor your application to reflect how your skills and experiences align with these expectations.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV and cover letter, emphasise any relevant coursework, lab experience, or projects related to organic chemistry. Mention specific techniques or methodologies you are familiar with that are relevant to the role.
Showcase Teamwork and Leadership: AstraZeneca values collaboration and leadership. Include examples in your application that demonstrate your ability to work effectively in teams and any leadership roles you've undertaken, whether in academic settings or extracurricular activities.
Personalise Your Cover Letter: Craft a compelling cover letter that not only outlines your qualifications but also expresses your enthusiasm for the role and the company. Mention why you want to join AstraZeneca specifically and how you can contribute to their mission.
How to prepare for a job interview at AstraZeneca
✨Know Your Chemistry
Brush up on your knowledge of synthetic organic chemistry. Be prepared to discuss specific techniques and concepts relevant to the role, such as organic synthesis, purification methods, and reaction monitoring.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Highlight any lab experience, projects, or coursework that demonstrate your skills in chemistry. If you've worked on relevant projects or have publications, make sure to mention these during the interview.
✨Emphasise Teamwork and Collaboration
AstraZeneca values a collaborative environment. Be ready to share examples of how you've worked effectively in teams, showcasing your ability to communicate and support others in achieving common goals.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the team, the projects you'll be working on, and the company culture. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.
