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- Tasks: Engage in groundbreaking R&D projects and gain hands-on experience in drug discovery.
- Company: Join AstraZeneca, a global leader in biopharmaceutical innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary of £35,600 plus benefits and mentorship from industry experts.
- Why this job: Accelerate your career while making a real-world impact in bioscience.
- Qualifications: Bachelor’s or master’s degree in life sciences with a passion for drug discovery.
- Other info: Dynamic two-year programme with excellent career growth opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 35600 - 49760 £ per year.
Location: Cambridge
Salary: £35,600 plus benefits
Are you ready to take your career to the next level? The AstraZeneca Research & Development (R&D) Bioscience Graduate Programme is your gateway to a future in groundbreaking scientific research and drug development. If you hold a Bioscience or Life Science-based bachelor’s or master’s degree and are eager to unleash your scientific potential, this is your opportunity to work at the forefront of innovation and make a real-world impact.
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.
About the opportunity
The AstraZeneca R&D Bioscience Graduate Programme is a two-year opportunity for graduates seeking a unique chance to accelerate their career. Through three eight-month placements, you will gain hands-on experience in drug discovery and development, working across various functions and therapy areas. You’ll develop technical skills, expand your scientific knowledge, and receive mentorship from industry experts.
Programme Details
- Start Date: September 2026
- Duration: 2 years
- Structure: Three individual eight-month placements
- Focus Areas: Drug discovery and development across various therapy areas
- Location: You will be based in Cambridge throughout the 2-year duration. No international placements are offered.
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 a life science related subject (2:1 UK or local equivalent), awarded in 2025 or before September 2026.
- 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.
- Non-lab based placements: Opportunities to work on computational/bioinformatics projects, or contribute to clinical programmes or regulatory affairs.
- 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. Where will your journey take you?
What’s Next
Assessment: After submitting your application, you may be invited to complete an online assessment (SHL). Shortlisted candidates will be invited to a full-day virtual assessment day.
Key Dates
- Advert Opens: Monday 8 December 2025
- Advert Closes: Sunday 4 January 2026
- Assessment Centre Days: Tuesday 10, Wednesday 11 & Thursday 12 March 2026 (no additional dates available)
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.
Date Posted: 08-Dec-2025
Closing Date: 04-Jan-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.
Research and Development (R&D) Graduate programme – Bioscience – UK in Cambridge employer: AstraZeneca
Contact Detail:
AstraZeneca Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Research and Development (R&D) Graduate programme – Bioscience – UK in Cambridge
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at AstraZeneca on LinkedIn. Ask them about their experiences and any tips they might have for the R&D Graduate Programme. Personal connections can give you insights that make you stand out.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the online assessment! Brush up on your problem-solving and critical thinking skills, as these will be key in the SHL assessment. Practising sample questions can help you feel more confident and ready to impress.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion during the virtual assessment day! Be ready to discuss why drug discovery excites you and how your background aligns with AstraZeneca's mission. Authentic enthusiasm can really set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining AstraZeneca and ready to take the next step in your career.
We think you need these skills to ace Research and Development (R&D) Graduate programme – Bioscience – UK in Cambridge
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the R&D Bioscience Graduate Programme. Highlight relevant coursework, projects, and skills that align with drug discovery and development. We want to see how your background fits into our innovative world!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Share your passion for bioscience and why you’re excited about this programme. Be genuine and let us know what makes you tick in the world of scientific research.
Showcase Your Skills: Don’t just list your skills; demonstrate them! Use examples from your studies or previous experiences to show how you’ve tackled challenges and contributed to team projects. We love seeing proactive problem-solving in action!
Apply Through Our Website: Remember to apply through our official website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need to make your application stand out!
How to prepare for a job interview at AstraZeneca
✨Know Your Science
Brush up on your bioscience knowledge, especially in areas related to drug discovery and development. Be prepared to discuss recent advancements in the field and how they relate to AstraZeneca's work.
✨Show Your Passion
Demonstrate your enthusiasm for drug discovery and the impact it has on patients' lives. Share personal experiences or projects that highlight your commitment to making a difference in the bioscience sector.
✨Prepare for Problem-Solving Questions
Expect questions that assess your critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Think of examples from your studies or previous experiences where you tackled challenges effectively, and be ready to explain your thought process.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the programme and AstraZeneca’s R&D initiatives. This shows your genuine interest and helps you understand how you can contribute to their mission while also assessing if it's the right fit for you.