R&D Lab Science Biology Degree Apprenticeship, UK, 2026 in Stevenage

Join GSK’s Laboratory Science Biology Degree Apprenticeship Programme – UK 2026: Help us get ahead of disease together. GSK Apprenticeships are a brilliant alternative to college courses or university. As one of the world’s leading biopharma companies, we offer an on‑the‑job learning experience that really stands out. You’ll earn a salary for performing a real role – with your practical experience backed by classroom sessions.

As the Laboratory Science Biology Apprentice, you will gain an understanding of early‑stage drug discovery processes while actively studying towards your BSc (Hons) in Bioscience with Manchester Metropolitan University.

Course details: Laboratory Scientist (Bioscience) Degree Apprenticeship – Manchester Metropolitan University. Apprenticeship standard: Scientist / Skills England.

Key Responsibilities and Areas:

• Research Technologies – Target Discovery: Large‑scale target identification and validation, translational disease models, high‑throughput screening, stem cells and organoids, CRISPR, biological assays, AI/ML data integration.
• Medicine Design & Supply – Drug Substance Development: Designing and delivering innovative oligonucleotide drug substances, robust manufacturing routes, downstream purification, enzyme technologies across R&D and global supply chain.

Education and Requirements:

• GCSE Mathematics and English Language (grade A*-C / 9-4) or equivalent.
• Must have/be predicted 104 UCAS points, including 3 A-levels (one must be Grade C in Biology), or an equivalent scientific discipline.
• Written and spoken fluency in English.

Duration and Location: 4 years. You will be based at Stevenage. You must live within a 60‑minute commute of the site location on the day you start your apprenticeship as you are expected to be on site daily.

What You’ll Do:

• Work with multi‑disciplined scientists internally and externally to progress a diverse portfolio of biopharmaceuticals.
• Apply specialist knowledge to carry out technical and scientific activities in an R&D laboratory environment.
• Use cutting‑edge technologies and approaches to answer key questions through drug discovery and development phases.
• Operate and maintain laboratory equipment to perform analytical tests.
• Develop, evaluate, and interpret reports of experimental data to enable decision‑making, propose solutions, and drive improvements.
• Gain insights across the Research and Development function.
• Undertake mandatory training and adhere to SOPs to uphold quality, safety, and regulatory compliance.

Start and Application Details:

• Expected Start Date: September 2026.
• Assessment Centre Date: April 2026.
• Application deadline: We recommend you apply as soon as possible. The vacancy will close when we have enough applications.

Benefits:

• A competitive starting base salary of £19,800 per year, increasing after year 1, plus a bonus based on company performance.
• Relocation allowance subject to eligibility checks.
• Long‑term incentives through shared ownership.
• On‑the‑job experience, coaching, mentoring, and formal training programs with early responsibility.
• Kick‑start a rewarding career with a nationally recognised qualification.
• Buddy support throughout the apprenticeship.
• Further opportunities with GSK after successful completion.
• Employee recognition programs.
• Access to healthcare, well‑being programmes, savings programmes, time off and childcare support.
• Eligibility for NUS Extra card with discounts to many outlets.
• Membership of NxtGen for networking with apprentices internationally.

Contact and Application Process: For guidance on applying, see the GSK Apprenticeship application process. After submitting your application, you will complete the GSK Digital Assessment. Email: UK.EarlyCareers@gsk.com. For UK Apprentice and Graduate Programme roles, call 0203 862 2277 or email uk.EarlyCareers@gsk.com.

Equal Opportunity Employer: GSK is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), parental status, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, military service, or any basis prohibited under applicable law.