At a Glance
- Tasks: Join a team to develop peptide drug candidates and conduct hands-on laboratory research.
- Company: Pfizer, a leading global pharmaceutical company focused on innovative medicines.
- Benefits: Professional mentorship, paid volunteering days, and a collaborative work environment.
- Other info: Placement starts September 2027; applications close November 2026.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in drug development while gaining valuable lab experience.
- Qualifications: Studying chemistry or related field with prior lab experience.
The predicted salary is between 63000 - 77000 £ per year.
Pfizer UK Undergraduate Programme 2027/2028
Peptide Drug Development Undergraduate
Who can apply?
Applicants must be completing a placement as part of a degree course at a UK University, either through Year in Industry/Industrial Placement or Gap Year. Please note that we will only consider candidates who have applied by completing the Pfizer Placement Application Form. Candidates who do not complete and attach the application form will NOT be considered.
Department Overview
The Internal Medicine Innovation Centre (IMIC) is home to innovative early-stage research focused on translating scientific discoveries into potential life-changing medicines. Our collaborative and supportive team of scientists are responsible for turning promising peptide candidates into safe, stable and effective medicines. This includes characterising the physicochemical properties of the peptide, designing and optimising formulations suitable for clinical use, and conducting stability studies to understand how the drug substance and drug product behave over time and under different storage conditions.
What can I achieve and what will I be responsible for whilst completing a placement at Pfizer?
- Contribute to the formulation development of synthetic peptide drug candidates, including preparing and evaluating formulations and assessing the impact of pH, buffers and excipients on solubility and stability.
- Gain an appreciation of accepted practices, including good documentation practice and quality standards, to ensure safe, compliant and productive working in the laboratory.
- Attain a working knowledge of state-of-the-art analytical techniques used to characterise peptides, including hands-on high/ultra-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC/UPLC), and biophysical methods for assessing aggregation and physical stability.
- Set up and monitor solubility screening studies on peptide candidates.
- Set up, monitor and analyse stability studies on peptide candidates, and gain an understanding of common peptide degradation pathways and how they are controlled.
- Increase your knowledge of both practical and theoretical aspects of peptide chemistry, pharmaceutics and the drug development process.
- Potentially have the opportunity to use a range of automated and high-throughput equipment for formulation screening and sample analysis.
- Be trained and expected to run in vitro potency assays for biologics.
- Become familiar with searching scientific literature and internal databases to design and plan experiments and interpret data.
- Gain experience of working as a lab member in a research team, contributing to general operational and routine tasks.
- Participate in team meetings, scientific discussions, and technical training to build your knowledge, communication skills and professional network.
What other opportunities and benefits do Pfizer offer?
- Professional mentorship: Build your network and learn from scientific experts across Pfizer's Global Research Development organisation.
- Volunteering: Use up to 5 days of paid volunteering leave per year to support a cause that matters to you.
When can I start?
Placements will start on 1st September 2027 and will run for 12 months.
PERSON SPECIFICATION
Type of person we are looking for, in relation to Skills, Knowledge and Motivation:
- Currently studying for an undergraduate degree (BSc. or higher) in chemistry, biochemistry, or another related discipline as part of a Year in Industry, industrial placement, or gap year.
- Prior hands-on experience working in a laboratory.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with a flexible, collaborative, and team-focused approach.
- Ability to meet the physical requirements of laboratory work, including regular lifting and carrying.
- AI Literate.
This position will close for applications on 29th November 2026. Please note that we only accept application forms. Please do not send over your CV or cover letter as they will not be considered.
Work Location Assignment: On Premise
Purpose: Breakthroughs that change patients' lives ... At Pfizer we are a patient centric company, guided by our four values: courage, joy, equity and excellence.
Digital Transformation Strategy: One bold way we are achieving our purpose is through our company wide digital transformation strategy.
Flexibility: We aim to create a trusting, flexible workplace culture which encourages employees to achieve work life harmony.
Equal Employment Opportunity: We believe that a diverse and inclusive workforce is crucial to building a successful business.
DisAbility Confident: We are proud to be a Disability Confident Employer and we encourage you to put your best self forward.
Chemistry Undergraduate employer: Pfizer
At Pfizer, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and inclusive work culture that prioritises employee well-being and professional growth. Our hybrid work model fosters flexibility, allowing you to balance your personal and professional life while contributing to groundbreaking advancements in healthcare. With a commitment to diversity and a focus on empowering our employees, you'll find meaningful opportunities to make a real impact in the lives of patients around the world.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Chemistry Undergraduate
✨Make Chemistry Connections
Join local chemistry societies or clubs at your uni. They often host events and networking opportunities that can lead to internships. Plus, it’s a great way to meet fellow chemistry enthusiasts who can share their experiences!
✨Get Hands-On with Lab Experience
Look for opportunities to volunteer in labs or participate in research projects at your uni. This practical experience can make you stand out when applying for internships at companies like Pfizer. Plus, you can use this to showcase your skills in interviews!
✨Attend Career Fairs and Workshops
Keep an eye out for chemistry-focused career fairs at your university. These are goldmines for internships, and you can often speak directly with representatives from companies like Pfizer. Don't shy away from asking questions about their internship opportunities!
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don’t forget to check our website regularly! We often list internships that are just perfect for budding chemists like you. Engaging directly on our site might just get you noticed by Pfizer before your competition does!
We think you need these skills to ace Chemistry Undergraduate
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Lab Skills:Make sure to emphasise any lab techniques or chemistry skills you've acquired during your studies. If you've worked with certain compounds or techniques, mention them explicitly in your CV. This not only shows your technical ability but also aligns perfectly with what Pfizer might be looking for.
Showcase Relevant Projects:If you've done any projects or coursework that are relevant to the internship, include these details! Whether it's a thesis, lab reports, or even group projects, demonstrate your hands-on experience with chemistry principles. This gives us, and particularly Pfizer, a clear view of your practical skills and passion for the field.
Express Your Motivation in Your Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to share why you're excited about this internship at Pfizer. Talk about how this opportunity aligns with your academic goals and what you hope to learn. We love seeing that genuine enthusiasm—it sets you apart in a sea of applications!
Tailor Your CV for Chemistry:A chemistry CV should be concise, so stick to the relevant coursework, skills, and experiences that make you a perfect fit for the internship. Include any certifications you've earned, like lab safety training or specific software tools relevant to chemistry. This is your time to shine, so let's give it the sparkle it deserves!
How to prepare for a job interview at Pfizer
✨Master the Basics of Chemistry
While you might not need to have a PhD for this internship, having a solid grasp of fundamental concepts is crucial. Brush up on topics like organic and inorganic chemistry, and be ready to discuss them clearly, as interviewers at Pfizer might ask you to explain how you would approach specific experiments or problems.
✨Showcase Your Lab Skills
Make sure you're prepared to talk about any lab experience you've had, even if it was just in university labs or during coursework. Be ready to discuss techniques and instruments you're familiar with, such as titration, spectroscopy, or chromatography. This shows you're not just book-smart but also practical and ready to contribute practically at Pfizer.
✨Demonstrate Your Eagerness to Learn
As an intern, they know you won't have all the experience in the world, but showing a real passion for chemistry and a readiness to learn will go a long way. Think about times when you've taken initiative in your studies or in labs, and be prepared to share those stories – let them know you’re eager to soak up knowledge at Pfizer.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare a few clever questions about the projects or research going on at Pfizer. This isn't just about showing off what you know; it’s about demonstrating your interest and understanding of their work. Asking about recent breakthroughs or specific lab techniques they use can really set you apart from other candidates.
