UK Policy and Communications Undergraduate in Derby

Pfizer UK Undergraduate Programme 2026/2027

International Policy and Communications January 2026

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

International Policy and Communications manages the external face of Pfizer and is accountable for external engagement with key (non-medical) stakeholders such as the media, the government and patient groups. Our interactions with these stakeholders and our wider initiatives play a role in shaping our reputation and influencing the healthcare, policy and commercial environment in which we operate.

The UK Policy and Communications team consists of a Head of International Policy and Communications, UK, x2 Senior Manager, Policy & Public Affairs and x2 Senior Manager, External & Internal Communications. The team develops and implements high value strategic policy and communications programmes to sponsor Pfizer's business priorities at Corporate, Business Unit and brand levels.

Specifically, External and Internal Communications colleagues are accountable for some of the day-to-day processes and platforms that join Pfizer with its UK audiences and stakeholders. For example, the team delivers a 24/7 press office process, dealing with journalist enquiries, as well as proactively identifying opportunities to communicate about Pfizer's corporate and therapy area initiatives. The team is accountable for Pfizer UK's corporate website and social media channels. The team also supports on certain internal communications to Pfizer colleagues, working closely with the UK Colleague Engagement lead.

Policy & Public Affairs colleagues are accountable for developing Pfizer UK's relationship with UK Government and senior NHS stakeholders, and working with cross-industry stakeholders to develop healthcare and business policies which positively benefit the UK health environment, Pfizer and patients. The team also manages relationships with patient organisations related to our priority therapy areas.

Through these activities we increase awareness and appreciation of Pfizer and our audiences, gain a compelling comprehension of our role in healthcare as an innovative biopharmaceutical company that discovers, develops and provides breakthroughs that change patients' lives.

What can I achieve and what will I be accountable for whilst completing a placement at Pfizer?

Working in the UK Policy and Communications team gives you a fantastic opportunity to experience engagement with the public, media, patient organisations and representatives across UK Government on key healthcare issues and activities. The role will allow you to develop a wide range of skills and improve your knowledge of policy and communications as well as the pharmaceutical industry. You will have the opportunity to promote and lead on a number of key activities and initiatives and will have responsibility for a number of key functions within the department, including:

• Supporting the development of messaging and materials for news media, social media and other digital channels including writing, editing, management of channels and the use of internal approval systems
• Monitoring our social media and press office platforms to drive timely, appropriate action by the wider team and business as required
• Supporting with the development of stakeholder mapping exercises and communications to relevant policy and patient stakeholders
• Involvement in development of internal communications and in person colleague events
• Providing timely and relevant updates to UK, regional and global colleagues on key activities
• Coordinating and developing regular updates to senior leaders in the UK and global business
• Assisting with the preparation of presentations

What other opportunities and benefits does Pfizer offer?

Beyond the day to day role, you will also have the opportunity to:

• Attend meetings with leaders across the organisation to discuss business unit specific strategy, projects, plans and associated activities
• Partner with colleagues in the wider global International Policy and Communications team
• Work closely with industry-leading external agencies
• Build your own peer network of undergraduate colleagues in many other functions and participate in company-wide activities including volunteering and diversity and inclusion activities associated with our Colleague Resource Groups (CRGs) which educate, advocate and represent on behalf of our Pfizer colleague community in all its diversity.

When can I start?

Placements will start on 1st September 2026 and will run for 12 months.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Type of person we are looking for, in relation to Skills, Knowledge and Motivation:

• Completing placement as part of University Degree either through Year In Industry/Industrial Placement or gap year
• Good written and verbal communication skills
• Excellent project management skills, including planning and prioritisation of multiple tasks
• Familiar with social media principles and systems; IT literacy (Word, Powerpoint, Excel, Outlook)
• Good on details, with a patient and methodical approach in our highly regulated sector
• Ability to work on own initiative or with others on tasks with and without supervision
• Ability to deal with people at all levels
• Interest in media, social media and policy landscape
• Able to use logical and creative thinking to solve problems and make decisions
• Creative and flexible, with a willingness to learn new things and be agile/adaptable in approach

As a reminder.

Who can apply?

Applicants must be completing placement as part of a degree course at a UK University, either through Year in Industry/Industrial Placement or gap year. This position will close for applications on 8th February 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. Our breakthrough culture lends itself to our dedication to transforming millions of lives.

Flexibility

We aim to create a trusting, flexible workplace culture which encourages employees to achieve work life harmony, attracts talent and enables everyone to be their best working self.

Lets start the conversation!

Equal Employment Opportunity

We believe that a diverse and inclusive workforce is crucial to building a successful business. As an employer, Pfizer is committed to celebrating this, in all its forms allowing for us to be as diverse as the patients and communities we serve. Together, we continue to build a culture that encourages, supports and empowers our employees.

Disability Confident

We are proud to be a Disability Confident Employer and we encourage you to put your best self forward with the knowledge and trust that we will make any reasonable adjustments necessary to support your application and future career. Our mission is unleashing the power of our people, especially those with unique superpowers. Your journey with Pfizer starts here!