Level 6 Laboratory Scientist Degree Apprenticeship- Pharmaceutical Technology and Development in Macclesfield

Laboratory Scientist Degree Apprenticeship – Pharmaceutical Technology and Development

Location: Macclesfield, UK

Starting base salary of £24,570 + 11% benefits fund + bonus.

As part of our Early Talent Programme, you’ll be involved in projects and learning opportunities that have real impact from day one while contributing to our global mission to develop life‑changing medicines.

Apprenticeship Programme

You will join a vibrant team working across the entire value chain, from designing and delivering active ingredients, formulations and devices required to support new medicines from early toxicology studies to commercial manufacture. We sponsor a BSc Degree in Chemical Sciences through Manchester Metropolitan University, with part‑time university learning (on average 1 day/week). Upon completion you will be recognised by the relevant professional bodies at Registered Scientist (RSci) level and required to participate in continuing professional development.

Roles & Responsibilities

• Biocatalysis Team
  • Develop new enzyme‑catalysed reactions as part of a synthetic organic chemistry team.
  • Conduct experiments to probe performance of biocatalysts and build understanding of enzyme‑catalysed processes.
  • Perform data analysis and interpretation using statistical methods and data modelling.
  • Document experimental procedures and present findings to cross‑functional project teams.
  • Contribute to compliance with Health, Safety, and Environment (SHE) and quality standards.
• Process Chemistry Team
  • Gain expertise in synthetic chemistry techniques from experiment setup to troubleshooting and optimisation.
  • Develop new digital tools and support their use to understand chemical processes.
  • Execute and document laboratory experiments for the new medicines portfolio.
  • Collaborate in a dynamic team to achieve on‑time production of new Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (API).
  • Adhere to SHE, quality, and regulatory compliance standards.
• Chemical Engineering and Continuous Processing Team
  • Build experience working on a wide range of technologies in our labs.
  • Learn about process development and how to improve manufacturing processes.
  • Apply learnings to strategy plans for the wider New Modalities portfolio.
  • Use or create digital tools, e.g. process models.
  • Engage in laboratory experience and experiments, new technology investigations, problem‑solving training, and collaboration with a wider team.
• Analytical Sciences and Technology (AS&T)
  • Support product development projects across phases for oral, inhaled, and parenteral products.
  • Develop spectroscopic and materials characterisation methods and chemometric models.
  • Use advanced techniques (Raman, IR, NIR, imaging, solid‑state) to assess actives/excipients and contamination.
  • Record procedures and present findings to cross‑functional teams.
  • Perform multivariate data analysis and modelling.
  • Champion SHE and quality standards and drive continuous improvement.

Essential Skills / Capabilities

• Enthusiastic, curious, and keen to learn new science.
• Independent and effective team player.
• Excellent organisational skills with attention to detail.
• Strong prioritisation and multitasking ability.
• Excellent verbal and written communication.
• Proactive problem‑solving approach.
• Desire to work in a laboratory setting using scientific instrumentation.

Entry Requirements

• Five GCSEs (or equivalent) grades 9–4 including Maths, English and Science.
• Minimum of 104 UCAS points at A‑level (grades B‑C C), with one being Chemistry or an equivalent scientific discipline.
• Relevant workplace experience or a BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in a related scientific discipline may also be considered.

Application Dates

• Opening date of advert: 12 Jan 2026
• Closing date of advert: midnight 15 Feb 2026
• Assessment Day: 18 Mar 2026 (virtual).
• Start date: 7 Sep 2026

EEO Statement

We are an equal‑opportunity employer. We welcome and consider applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of ethnicity, gender, age, national origin, disability, religion, sexual orientation, or any other protected characteristic. We offer reasonable adjustments and accommodations throughout the recruitment process.