At a Glance
- Tasks: Support lab IT systems and ensure seamless operations in a dynamic environment.
- Company: Join UCB, a global biopharmaceutical leader focused on transforming lives.
- Benefits: Enjoy 28 days holiday, flexible hours, gym membership, and more!
- Other info: Great career growth opportunities and a supportive team culture.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in pharmaceutical research while developing your tech skills.
- Qualifications: 5 GCSEs including Maths and English; a passion for IT and problem-solving.
The predicted salary is between 21000 - 21000 £ per year.
As an IT Lab Support Engineer within DTPS, you will play a key role in ensuring the reliability, performance, and compliance of laboratory IT systems.
You will work at the intersection of technology and science, supporting lab operations by maintaining critical applications, infrastructure, and equipment connectivity.
In close collaboration with scientists, vendors, and IT teams, you will contribute to a seamless digital lab environment that enables innovation, data integrity, and operational excellence.
We are an IT team dedicated to supporting Patient Solutions (Pharmaceutical Research).
- Qualification Requirements
- 5 GCSEs (or equivalent) grade A*-C (4-9) Inc Maths and English
- Salary
- £21,000 per annum
Benefits
- Holiday Allowance - 28 Days Holiday Allowance, plus Bank Holidays
- Pension - Employee 5%, Employer 3%
- Flexible working - 10-3:30 core hours with remaining hours made up around these times
- Paid sick leave 10 paid days per year once probationary period is completed
- Days off for volunteering - 1 day per year
- Casual dress
- Discount schemes
- Employee Assistance programme
- Onsite parking
- Onsite canteen
- Gym membership
- Employee recognition / Aspire award
- Location
208 Bath Rd, Slough SL1 3WE until early 2027 where UCB will move to new site Sunninghill Road, Windlesham, Surrey, GU20 6PP
Working Hours
Monday to Friday, 09:00-17:30 (including one hour unpaid lunch).
- Duration
- 18 months
- Start Date
- 7th September 2026
- Interview Date
- August 2026
- Closing Date for Applications
- 24th August 2026
- Acquired skills at the end of the apprenticeship
- Ability to support a pharmaceutical company's lab environment
- Support a company relocation (Slough to Windlesham)
- Building relationship/trust with key stakeholders
- Windows lifecycle management (upgrade OS and associated software)
- Hardware lifecycle management (replace hardware and migrate data)
- Work with instrument vendors and onboard new vendor supplied PCs
- Build PCs and VM clients using UCB's image deployment system
- Maintain accurate records of lab assets within the Lab Inventory system
- Write LDAP queries to find Active Directory membership (Users and Computers)
- Run Power Shell queries and create reports with the output
- Create reports in Excel using formulas (e. g. VLOOKUP)
- Manage PCs in Comm Vault (backup and restore)
- Use Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE)
- Deploy software via Microsoft Configuration Manager (SCCM)
- Assess patch level of PC and manually apply correct Windows cumulative updates
• Install and configure enterprise applications such as
- Unicorn
- Empower
- Biacore
- Fore Cyt
- Configure and manage VMware Horizon pools
- Manage VM clients via v Sphere
- Perform network patching
- Competent in the use of RACS (Remote Access, Control and Support)
- Install/replace computer hardware (e. g. hard drives, graphics cards etc.)
- Clone hard drives and recover data
- Basic understanding of relational databases (schema design)
- Use IT Tools such as Active Directory tools and ITSM (IT helpdesk tickets/requests)
- Basic understanding of network segmentation and VLANs
- Perform network performance testing via script and monitoring tools
- Issue troubleshooting
- Configuring CCTV systems
- Basic understanding of lab robotics and automation
- IT support requests and process workflows
- Candidate Requirements
- Ability to think on your feet and apply a logical/analytical methodology to troubleshooting
- Good people/communication skills, but above all, helpful
- Willing to learn, and not too proud to ask for help
- Proactive approach to work
- Training To Be Delivered
- Qualification to be delivered: Network engineer apprenticeship L4
- Apprenticeship Standard: Network engineer
- Training Provider: Learn Tech
- Delivery model: 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 professional environment and must therefore adhere to site dress code procedures
- All applications to be made through Apprenticeship vacancies. Do not contact the employer
- 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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Network engineer (Level 4) Apprenticeship - UCB employer: Cogent Skills
Cogent Skills is an exceptional employer that values expertise in vocational education and skills policy, offering a dynamic work environment across the UK. With a strong commitment to employee development and engagement, we provide opportunities for meaningful contributions to skills systems and apprenticeships, ensuring that our team members can make a real impact while enjoying competitive compensation. Join us to be part of a collaborative culture that prioritises professional growth and high-quality employer engagement.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Network engineer (Level 4) Apprenticeship - UCB
✨Get Involved in Tech Communities
Dive into local tech meetups or online forums specific to IT consulting. Engaging with like-minded folks not only sharpens your knowledge but also opens doors to apprenticeship opportunities at firms like Cogent Skills.
✨Leverage Your University Resources
Universities often have exclusive partnerships with companies for apprenticeship placements. Hit up your career services and see if Cogent Skills is on their radar – they might even have insider info on application timelines!
✨Show Off Your Tech Projects
Create a simple portfolio showcasing any relevant projects or coursework you’ve done. This could be a website or a GitHub repo. When you apply to Cogent Skills, having a tangible demonstration of your skills can really set you apart.
✨Join Apprenticeship Fairs
Keep an eye out for apprenticeship and career fairs focused on tech. It's a brilliant way to meet recruiters from companies like Cogent Skills directly! Plus, you can practice your elevator pitch face-to-face.
We think you need these skills to ace Network engineer (Level 4) Apprenticeship - UCB
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Tech Skills:In IT consulting, it’s all about your technical know-how. Make sure your CV highlights any programming languages, software, or tools you’ve worked with, even if it was just a school project. If you’ve completed any relevant courses or certifications, let those shine!
Think Like a Consultant:Your cover letter is your chance to demonstrate that you've got the consulting mindset. Bring in examples of how you've solved problems in the past or contributed to team projects, showing your analytical skills. Companies like Cogent Skills want to see that you can think critically and adapt!
Tailor Your Application to IT Consulting:Don't just send the same application everywhere. For Cogent Skills, make sure you mention their specific projects or values that resonate with you. This shows you're genuinely interested and not just sending your CV on a whim. Personalisation goes a long way!
Get Your Online Presence Right:Since you're applying for an apprenticeship, having a professional online presence is key! Consider linking to your GitHub or any tech-related projects you've been part of. It gives us a peek into your practical skills and can really make your application stand out!
How to prepare for a job interview at Cogent Skills
✨Show Off Your Technical Know-How
In IT consulting, having a grasp of the technical tools and systems used in the industry is key. Be prepared to discuss any relevant software or methodologies you've learned about, like Agile or specific programming languages. Even if you haven't used them extensively, demonstrating your familiarity can set you apart!
✨Discuss Problem-Solving Scenarios
Consulting is all about solving problems for clients. Think about any experiences, whether from school projects or personal interests, where you tackled a challenge. Be ready to explain your thought process in detail, as this shows your analytical thinking and how you approach issues—both vital in this field!
✨Highlight Your Willingness to Learn
As an apprenticeship candidate, they're looking for potential and eagerness to grow. Make sure you convey your enthusiasm for learning new skills and adapting to new technologies. Share examples of how you've taken the initiative in the past to expand your knowledge—whether through online courses or tech clubs!
✨Be Ready for Behavioural Questions
Expect to face a few behavioural questions, where you'll need to showcase your teamwork and communication skills. Prepare examples from your experiences in school or group projects that reflect your ability to collaborate and contribute effectively. This is vital in consulting, as you'll be working with teams and clients regularly!
