Laboratory bioscientist degree apprenticeship - UCB UCB in Brighton

UCB are looking for a highly motivated scientist to join the Early Solutions department at UCB's UK Discovery Research Hub. You will be responsible for laboratory-based tasks, which include sampling, testing, measuring, recording and analysing results. Techniques will include mammalian cell culture, cell transfection, antibody binding assays and tissue preparation.

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 - £21,000 per annum

Benefits

• Holiday Allowance - 28 Days Holiday Allowance, plus Bank Holidays
• Pension - Employee 5%, Employer 3%
• Casual Dress
• Discount schemes
• Employee assistance programme
• Onsite parking
• Onsite Canteen
• Gym membership
• Paid sick leave - 10 paid days per year once probationary period is completed
• Days off for volunteering – 1 day per year
• Employee recognition / Aspire award

Location - 208 Bath Rd, Slough SL1 3WE until mid 2027 where UCB will move to new site Sunninghill Road, Windlesham, Surrey, GU20 6PP

Working Hours - Monday to Friday, 09:00am – 17:30pm with 1 hour unpaid lunch break. Flexible hours/working - 10 – 3:30 core hours with remaining hours made up around these times.

Duration - 60 months

Start Date - 2026 to be confirmed

Interview Date - 2026 to be confirmed

Closing Date for Applications - 2nd April 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

You will be responsible for laboratory-based tasks supporting antibody discovery, including mammalian cell culture, cell transfection, PBMC and tissue preparation, and both biochemical and cell‐based binding assays. You will work autonomously to design and execute scientific experiments across multiple projects, analysing, interpreting, and evaluating the resulting data. You will communicate findings clearly in written reports and oral presentations to multidisciplinary teams. In addition, you will independently plan and prioritise your workload, applying creative thinking and problem‐solving skills, consulting scientific literature, and collaborating with colleagues to challenge assumptions, drive innovation, and advance the team's scientific capabilities.

Tasks typically involve:

• Performing well designed experiments to produce data which can support scientific investigations
• Following protocols and carrying out lab‐based tasks accurately
• Recording all laboratory work to the agreed standards
• Interpreting and presenting results in collaboration with other colleagues
• Presenting results and findings within various sized team meetings.
• Keeping up to date with technical developments, especially those which can save time and improve reliability
• Following and ensuring strict safety procedures and safety checks
• Managing time effectively and being able to plan and complete work to schedule.

Candidate Requirements

• Good written and oral communication skills
• Good ability to multitask
• Problem solving skills
• Good numerical and IT skills
• Attention to detail
• Team worker 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: BSc BioScience

Apprenticeship Standard: Scientist

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 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.