Biology laboratory scientist (DHDM) degree apprenticeship-Vertex Pharmaceuticals Vertex in Abingdon

This role will involve working to support our high throughput biology team where we look to discover small molecules that correct disease biology, understand how they are working and optimise them towards drugs. The role will entail the understanding and use of proteins and cell-types that drive disease biology.

Qualification Requirements

• 5 GCSEs (or equivalent) grade A*-C (4-9) including Maths, English and Science
• You must have gained a minimum of 80 UCAS points from a minimum of 2 A-level subjects including Biology (or equivalent, e.g. BTEC) and an additional Science or Maths

Salary £20,000 per annum

Benefits

• Holiday Allowance - 28 Days Holiday Allowance, plus Bank Holidays
• Pension - Employee 5%, Employer 3%
• Employee assistance programme
• Onsite parking
• Onsite Canteen
• Days off for volunteering
• Employee recognition awards
• Away days / company parties

Location 86-88 Jubilee Avenue, Milton Park, Abingdon, Oxfordshire, OX14 4RW, UK

Working Hours Monday to Friday, 08:30am – 17:30pm with a 1 hour unpaid lunch break. Flexible hours / working available

Duration 5 years

Start Date September 2026

Interview Date April 2026

Closing Date for Applications 25th March 2026

To Apply To apply, please click the Apply Now button and complete the form. If you are having difficulty in completing this, please contact recruitment on recruitment@cogentskills.com for assistance.

Next Steps Successful candidates will be progressed to a one way video interview, invites will be sent via email. The video interview will be reviewed by the Hiring Manager.

Job Responsibilities

• This role will involve working within our dynamic human disease modelling team.
• You will be utilising cutting-edge cellular systems and molecular biological techniques to support the development of new medicines to treat serious diseases.
• You will be embedded within a wider organisation that is dedicated to drug discovery and benefit from the passion and knowledge of your colleagues.
• Regular discussions, talks and presentations from within and outside of the organisation will allow you to learn about and understand disease biology, the drug discovery process and how medicines work.
• Understanding and working to strict safety and ethical guidelines is paramount to this role.
• The apprentice will be expected to work both individually and as part of a laboratory team.
• With appropriate time, training and experience, they will be able to work with minimum supervision, taking responsibility for the quality, accuracy and recording of the work that is undertaken.
• They will be proactive in finding solutions to problems and helping identify ways to improve processes.

At the end of the Apprenticeship, the Apprentice will be able to:

• Prepare for and perform laboratory tasks using the appropriate scientific techniques, procedures and methods relevant to the activities of the laboratory.
• Apply knowledge of underlying scientific principles in laboratory-based experimentation and implement new processes according to the literature or input from colleagues.
• Demonstrate and explain the principles of laboratory techniques and scientific experimentation to contribute to the development of scientific technical projects.
• Develop and apply a theoretical knowledge of the advanced science and technology required to progress in the job role and relevant area of specialism.
• Understand the business environment in which the company operates including personal role within the organisation, ethical practice and codes of conduct.
• Work safely within a laboratory environment, maintaining excellent housekeeping whilst following appropriate safety, environment and risk management systems.
• Promote and ensure the application of quality standards relevant to the workplace.
• Work autonomously to analyse, interpret and evaluate scientific data and present the results of laboratory work and problem solving clearly and concisely in written and oral form.
• Undertake continuous performance improvement within the scientific and technical environment.
• Use creative thinking and problem solving to challenge assumptions, innovate, make new proposals and build on existing ideas.
• Plan and prioritise tasks, review and evaluate progress against objectives and investigate alternative scenarios.
• Communicate effectively using a full range of skills: speaking to a scientific and non-scientific audience, active listening, professional writing, professional body language, scientific presentation.
• Demonstrate reliability, integrity and respect for confidentiality on work related and personal matters, including appropriate use of social media and information systems.
• Interact effectively within a wide, multi-disciplinary project team.
• Understand the impact of work on others.
• Manage time effectively, being able to plan and complete work to schedule.
• Able to handle change and respond to change management processes.
• Take responsibility for personal development, demonstrating commitment to learning and self-improvement.

Candidate Requirements

• Good written and oral communication skills.
• Good ability to multitask.
• Problem solving skills.
• Good numerical and IT skills.
• Attention to detail.
• Teamworker and considerate to members of team and wider organisation.
• Highly motivated and drive to develop oneself.
• Demonstrates reliability and integrity.
• Enthusiasm.

Training To Be Delivered

• Qualification to be delivered: Bioscience BSc
• Apprenticeship Standard: Scientist Apprenticeship level: Level 6
• Training Provider: University of Kent
• 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 laboratory environment and must therefore adhere to site dress code procedures and personal hygiene standards during testing activities (e.g. correct use of PPE such as laboratory coats and glasses; and removal of all jewellery and make-up upon entry into controlled clean room areas).
• The individual will be required to handle hazardous materials (e.g. chemicals, microorganisms) and so must adhere to the relevant procedures.
• The work pattern involves day and shift working dependent upon the needs of the business.
• All applications to be made through Apprenticeship vacancies. Do not contact the employer.

About Vertex Pharmaceuticals Vertex Pharmaceuticals is a global biotechnology company that invests in scientific innovation to create transformative medicines for people with serious diseases and conditions. The company has approved therapies for cystic fibrosis, sickle cell disease, transfusion-dependent beta thalassemia and acute pain, and it continues to advance clinical and research programs in these areas. Vertex also has a robust clinical pipeline of investigational therapies across a range of modalities in other serious diseases where it has deep insight into causal human biology, including IgA nephropathy, neuropathic pain, APOL1-mediated kidney disease, primary membranous nephropathy, autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease, type 1 diabetes, generalized myasthenia gravis, and myotonic dystrophy type 1. Vertex was founded in 1989 and has its global headquarters in Boston, with international headquarters in London. Additionally, the company has research and development sites and commercial offices in North America, Europe, Australia, Latin America and the Middle East. Vertex is consistently recognized as one of the industry's top places to work, including 16 consecutive years on Science magazine's Top Employers list and one of Fortune’s 100 Best Companies to Work For.