At a Glance
- Tasks: Join Pfizer as a Data Scientist Degree Apprentice and digitise lab workflows using Python and SQL.
- Company: Be part of Pfizer, a global leader in healthcare innovation.
- Benefits: Earn £21,200 per annum with great perks like gym access and discount schemes.
- Other info: Collaborate globally and enjoy excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on medicine development while gaining hands-on experience in data science.
- Qualifications: Must have GCSEs and A-Levels or equivalent in relevant subjects.
The predicted salary is between 21200 - 21200 £ per year.
Join Pfizer’s Analytical R&D team as a Data Scientist Degree Apprentice. Help digitise laboratory workflows, build data pipelines and dashboards, and explore ML/AI using Python, SQL, Dataiku and Spotfire. Collaborate globally, solve scientific data challenges and work towards a BSc (Hons) in Data Science.
Qualification Requirements:
- Grade 5 in GCSE Mathematics or equivalent
- Grade 4 in GCSE English Language or equivalent (prior to admission)
- BBB-BBC at A-Level, with B in Maths and in Statistics. We will not accept A-Levels Citizenship Skills, General Studies, and Critical Thinking.
- Level 4 Data Analyst apprenticeship at Distinction Plus
- You must have completed the first year of a Data Science Degree or Data Scientist Degree apprenticeship or equivalent.
Salary: £21,200 per annum
Pension: Employee 5%, Employer 3%
Benefits:
- Casual Dress
- Discount Schemes
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Onsite Parking
- Onsite Canteen
- Onsite Gym
- Employee Recognition/Awards
Location: Pfizer Ltd, Discovery Park, Sandwich, Kent, CT13 9NJ
Working Hours:
- Monday – Thursday - 9:00am - 5.25pm
- Friday - 9:00am - 4:05pm
- Lunch - 12:00pm – 12:45pm
Duration: 42 months
Start Date: 4/01/2027
Closing Date for Applications: 11th November 2026
As Cogent Skills doesn’t have a sponsorship license, it is a requirement of this role that candidates have the right to work in the UK before applying.
Job Description:
Analytical Research & Development (ARD) plays a vital role in the development of new medicines by providing a wide range of analytical testing to support the development, manufacture and release of materials used in clinical trials. Our scientists generate and interpret large volumes of complex data that are critical to ensuring the quality, safety and effectiveness of medicines. Supporting this work is a growing team of data science and digital specialists who develop innovative ways to manage, connect and analyse scientific data, helping to transform information into knowledge and accelerate research and development.
This apprenticeship offers a unique opportunity to work at the intersection of data, technology and science. You will gain hands‑on experience supporting projects that improve how scientific data is captured, managed and utilised across a global pharmaceutical organisation. Working with scientists and business stakeholders, you will help develop digital solutions that improve efficiency, enhance data accessibility and support better decision‑making.
You will be exposed to a range of analytics and visualisation tools including Dataiku, Spotfire and Python‑based data science toolkits, alongside industry‑leading laboratory and analytics platforms, including BIOVIA OneLab, Empower, LabWare LIMS, and OpenLab.
The role will provide experience in data management, analytics, automation and business analysis, while also offering opportunities to explore emerging applications of artificial intelligence and machine learning within scientific and operational environments.
A key focus of the team is helping scientists digitise and standardise their workflows, ensuring data can be efficiently collected, analysed and reused. This provides an opportunity to gain experience understanding business processes, identifying improvement opportunities and translating user needs into practical data‑driven solutions.
As part of a collaborative and fast‑paced environment, you will be encouraged to contribute ideas, take ownership of your development and communicate your work to both technical and non‑technical audiences. You will work with colleagues across the UK, United States, Ireland, India and other global locations, developing both technical expertise and professional skills within an international organisation.
This apprenticeship provides an excellent foundation for a career in data science, analytics, informatics or digital technology, combining real‑world experience, modern technologies and the opportunity to contribute to work that supports the development of medicines that improve patients' lives worldwide.
Job Responsibilities:
- Provide data science support as ARD Digital Transformation team partners with GMP-Analytics, Drug Substance (API) and Drug Product (DPA), and Degradation Science and Structural Elucidation (DSSE) teams to digitise laboratory workflows.
- Partner with Data Science teams in partnering lines to make best use of their expertise in enterprise platform systems, and look for opportunities to apply their technology implementations in ARD.
- Develop a good understanding of how ARD interacts with the wider PSSM environment.
- Assist to frame, investigate, translate complex data related models, and answer key business questions related to the identification and evaluation of scientific dataflows and datasets.
- Assist in the creation of dashboards, reports, visualisations and analytical tools that support decision‑making and generate insights from scientific and operational data.
- Communicate project progress, findings and recommendations to both technical and non‑technical stakeholders, contributing to a culture of continuous improvement and innovation.
The ideal candidate will demonstrate:
- A passion for data, technology and problem‑solving, with an interest in applying data science to improve scientific processes and accelerate digital transformation within pharmaceutical research and development.
- The ability to analyse and interpret complex datasets, investigate business challenges and translate scientific and operational requirements into effective digital solutions.
- Curiosity and a willingness to learn, developing an understanding of analytical sciences, laboratory workflows and the wider role of ARD within Pharmaceutical Sciences Small Molecules (PSSM).
- Strong collaboration and communication skills, enabling them to work effectively with scientists, data specialists and global partners to share ideas, learn from others and help deliver innovative solutions using enterprise technologies.
Candidate Requirements:
- Fluent in English (written and spoken)
- Good knowledge of a range of data science skills – programming languages such as python, database tools (SQL), data pipelines and data visualisation.
- Ability to break complex work practices down into logical steps.
- Familiarity with STEM subjects (chemistry or pharmaceutical science is ideal, but not essential).
- Some familiarity with enterprise level software platforms used in a domain specific area, such as laboratory or manufacturing functions, for example, database/data lakes or control software for complex equipment.
Personal Qualities:
- Analytical Thinker: Understands how to synthesise facts and information from varied data sources, both new and pre‑existing, into discernible insights and perspectives; takes a problem‑solving approach by connecting analytical thinking with an understanding of business drivers and how these insights can provide value to the organization.
- Data and Information Manager: Understands and uses analytical skills/tools to produce data in a clean, organized way to drive objective insights.
- Communicator: Can understand, translate, and distil the complex, technical findings of the data science team into commentary that facilitates effective decision making; can readily align interpersonal style with the individual needs of others.
- Collaborative: Manages projects with and through others; shares responsibility and credit; develops self and others through teamwork.
- Self‑Starter: Takes an active role in one’s own professional development; stays abreast of analytical trends, and cutting‑edge applications of data.
Training To Be Delivered:
- Qualification to be delivered: BSc (Hons) Data Scientist
- Training Provider: Nottingham University
- Delivery model: Block Release at Nottingham University
Future Prospects:
Upon successful completion of the apprenticeship, you will be eligible to apply for other positions within the business.
Things To Be Considered:
The apprentice must be able to demonstrate the required attitudes, behaviours and interpersonal skills associated with the professional workplace. The apprentice must be willing to commit an amount of personal time to study. Please ensure you check out travel options to be able to commute to the workplace.
About Pfizer:
You’re the future. Your ambition, talents, ideas and unique way of looking at the world will help us drive innovation in every part of our business. At Pfizer, we apply science and our global resources to bring therapies to people that extend and significantly improve their lives. We strive to set the standard for quality, safety and value in the discovery, development and manufacture of health care products, including innovative medicines and vaccines. Every day, Pfizer colleagues work across developed and emerging markets to advance wellness, prevention, treatments and cures that challenge the most feared diseases of our time.
Pfizer’s apprenticeship scheme, run in partnership with Cogent Skills, offers the best of both worlds. You’ll work with world‑leaders in your field, from researchers to business gurus. You’ll study towards a nationally recognised academic or professional qualification. And all the time, you’ll be earning a highly competitive salary.
Looking for an alternative to college or university, where you can earn while you learn, and build experience with a global leader? Find it at Pfizer.
Skills to better our world: Supporting and investing in skills for our sector.
Data Scientist Degree Apprentice - Pfizer employer: Pfizer Limited
Pfizer Limited is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity for aspiring professionals to kickstart their careers in a supportive and innovative environment. Located in Sandwich, Kent, the company fosters a collaborative work culture that prioritises employee growth through hands-on experience and comprehensive training in procurement and finance. With a commitment to developing future talent, Pfizer provides apprentices with valuable skills and insights, making it an ideal place for meaningful and rewarding employment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Data Scientist Degree Apprentice - Pfizer
✨Get Involved in Data Science Communities
Dive into online forums like Kaggle or GitHub where data science enthusiasts hang out. Participating in competitions or contributing to open-source projects can really make you stand out and show off your skills!
✨Tap Into University Resources
Your uni career services are gold mines for apprenticeships! Attend any workshops or career fairs they host; you might just bump into employers looking to scout fresh talent for programmes like the one at Pfizer Limited.
✨Work on Real-World Data Projects
Create your own data science projects or collaborate with classmates on interesting datasets. This not only sharpens your skills but also gives you something to showcase during interviews, setting you apart from the competition.
✨Show Off Your Passion
Don’t just rely on formal applications! Write blog posts about your data science journey or share insights on social media. This can catch the eye of Pfizer Limited and show them you’re genuinely passionate about the field.
We think you need these skills to ace Data Scientist Degree Apprentice - Pfizer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Relevant Skills:For a data science apprenticeship, make sure to highlight your skills in statistics, programming (especially Python or R), and data visualisation tools. Mention any relevant projects or coursework where you've applied these skills, even if it’s just in a school setting!
Tailor Your Motivation:In your cover letter, focus on why you want to dive into data science specifically. Share how this apprenticeship aligns with your career goals and learning aspirations. Remember, this is about showing us at Pfizer Limited that you're eager to learn and grow in the data field!
Portfolio Power!:Even if it's an apprenticeship, having a small portfolio of your data projects can set you apart. Include any analyses, visualisations, or data science-related tasks you’ve completed, whether on your own or as part of your studies. This shows that you've got hands-on experience, which is super appealing.
Keep It Relevant and Concise:Your CV should be focused and relevant – keep it to one page if possible! Tailor it for the data science role by including specific coursework, skills, and any experience with data handling. If you’ve done any data-related activities in clubs or competitions, throw those in too—every bit counts!
How to prepare for a job interview at Pfizer Limited
✨Brush Up on the Basics
Before your interview with Pfizer Limited, we need to nail down the fundamentals of statistics and machine learning. As an apprenticeship candidate, they’ll be keen on your understanding of key concepts—so make sure you can talk about linear regression, classification, and maybe even some hands-on work with tools like Python or R.
✨Showcase Your Projects
Bring any portfolios or projects you've worked on that highlight your data analysis skills. Even if they're for school or personal projects, being able to demonstrate how you approached a problem, analysed data, and derived insights will give you a leg up. Don't just talk about the data—show them what you've done with it!
✨Get Comfortable with Technical Questions
Expect some technical questions that test your problem-solving skills! You might be asked to explain how you would approach a specific dataset or solve a classic data challenge. Practise explaining your thought processes clearly, as this will showcase your analytical abilities as well as your ability to communicate complex ideas.
✨Emphasise Your Willingness to Learn
As an apprentice, your eagerness to learn is your biggest asset. Be prepared to discuss what you're looking to gain from the apprenticeship at Pfizer Limited. Whether it's mastering new programming tools or applying theoretical knowledge to real-life problems, let them know you're all about growing your skills and contributing to the team!
