12 Month University Industrial Placement Student (UIPS): QC Automation Technician
Macclesfield, 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 disease. 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.
About the Opportunity:
An exciting opportunity to be part of the Analytical Technical Team within a busy Quality Control function, which ensures analytical methodology, instrumentation and associated systems are validated and maintained in a permanent state of readiness. We already use several types of automation but are always looking for new opportunities to exploit new technology, AI and data analysis to improve the productivity, sustainability and efficiency of our QC laboratories.
What you'll do as part of the QC Technical Team:
- Look for creative solutions to improve productivity, sustainability and efficiency in the QC laboratory.
- Plan and execute a “proof of concept” or feasibility study of your own design, to support key strategic improvements.
- Utilise project management tools for implementing the study.
- Leverage problem solving tools to overcome challenges and optimise performance.
- Engage with key stakeholders and provide regular updates on progress.
Qualification, Skills & Experience
Required:
- Currently undertaking an undergraduate or integrated master’s degree in Science, IT, Data Science or Engineering, with the opportunity to spend 1 year in industry starting in September 2027
- Have an understanding of a Quality function, and its role and importance to the wider pharmaceutical business.
- Be a proactive team player, willing to take ownership and make effective, timely and data-driven decisions.
- IT literate with a passion for keeping track of new technology and its practical application to the commercial environment
Applications Open: 4th September 2026
Applications Close: 2nd October 2026
Assessment Day: 17th 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 ( link )
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 is. 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.
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.
Date Posted
04-Sept-2026
Closing Date
02-Oct-2026
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12 Month University Industrial Placement Student: QC Automation Technician in Macclesfield employer: Biopharma Careers
Boehringer Ingelheim UK is an exceptional employer that fosters a collaborative and innovative work culture, providing employees with the opportunity to grow professionally within the dynamic pharmaceutical industry. With a strong emphasis on employee development and well-being, the company offers comprehensive benefits and a supportive environment that encourages meaningful contributions to healthcare advancements.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land 12 Month University Industrial Placement Student: QC Automation Technician in Macclesfield
✨Get Hands-On Experience
Look for opportunities to volunteer or intern at local manufacturing firms. This not only boosts your CV but also gives you a chance to network with industry insiders who can point you towards placements like the one at Biopharma Careers.
✨Attend Industry Events
Check out local manufacturing trade shows or exhibitions. These events are goldmines for networking and can help you chat with recruiters face-to-face, potentially getting you a leg up on placements.
✨Leverage University Resources
Your university's career services can be a fantastic resource. They often have exclusive connections with companies in the manufacturing sector, like Biopharma Careers, and can help you prepare for interviews and placements.
✨Showcase Your Skills
Make sure to have your CV and portfolio ready to show what you've got. If you’ve worked on any projects related to manufacturing or production, highlight those when you apply. And remember, you can apply directly through our website for roles like the 12 Month University Industrial Placement Student: QC Automation Technician at Biopharma Careers!
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Technical Skills:In the manufacturing-production world, it's essential to highlight any technical skills you have. If you've got experience with specific machinery or tools, or if you know how to read technical drawings, make sure these are front and centre in your CV. Employers like Biopharma Careers want to see exactly what you're capable of!
Highlight Teamwork and Communication:Production environments are all about working well in a team, so be sure to reference any group projects or collaborative experiences in your application. Whether it's in the classroom or during previous work, showcasing your ability to communicate effectively will make you stand out to Biopharma Careers. You might even want to include specific examples of how you solved problems as a team.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to Showcase Your Learning Potential:Since this is a placement, make sure your cover letter reflects your eagerness to learn and grow. Talk about how this opportunity at Biopharma Careers fits into your career goals and what you hope to gain from the experience. Being genuinely enthusiastic will go a long way!
Include Any Relevant Certifications or Courses:If you have any certifications or have taken any courses related to manufacturing or production methods, make sure to mention them. These little badges can give you an edge over other candidates. Attach copies of your certificates if you can; it shows you're serious about the industry and ready to hit the ground running at Biopharma Careers!
How to prepare for a job interview at Biopharma Careers
✨Get Hands-On with the Tools
In manufacturing and production, familiarity with tools and machinery is key. Brush up on any specific equipment you might encounter at Biopharma Careers. If the job involves specific software, like CAD programs, make sure you can show your basic proficiency – maybe even look at doing a quick online refresher course if you feel a bit rusty!
✨Show Your Problem-Solving Skills
Employers in this field love a good problem-solving mindset. Prepare to share examples from previous experiences, maybe from school projects or past jobs, where you identified a manufacturing issue and how you tackled it. It’s all about showing how you can think on your feet!
✨Emphasise Your Teamwork Spirit
Production is all about working as part of a team. Be ready to chat about how you’ve worked collaboratively in the past. Whether it was group projects in school or team sports, highlighting your ability to communicate and cooperate will resonate well with your interviewers at Biopharma Careers.
✨Prepare for Practical Assessments
Since this is a placement, there might be practical assessments or hands-on tasks to evaluate your skills. Don’t stress! Just remember to stay calm and systematic during any practical tests—it's all about demonstrating your capability to follow protocols and safety measures.
