At a Glance
- Tasks: Support in vivo research activities and maintain high standards of animal care.
- Company: Join Pfizer, a leader in innovative medicine with a collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Gain professional mentorship, paid volunteering days, and hands-on lab experience.
- Other info: Exciting opportunity for career growth in a dynamic research environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on patient lives while developing your scientific skills.
- Qualifications: Studying Pharmacology or related field; prior animal handling experience preferred.
The predicted salary is between 19350 - 23650 £ per year.
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 generates critical data to help understand target drugability, pharmacology, and efficacy. We are committed to the highest standards of animal welfare, ethics, and the principles of the 3Rs (Replacement, Reduction, and Refinement). During your placement, you will help bridge the gap between laboratory science and clinical development, learning from experienced scientists while contributing to research that has the potential to make a meaningful difference for patients worldwide.
As a Pharmacology Undergraduate, you will support hands-on in vivo research activities, with animal care and welfare central to your work. Working under the guidance of an experienced Research Director and wider scientific team, you will help deliver daily laboratory activities, maintain high standards of husbandry, and generate high-quality data that supports Pfizer's therapeutic pipeline.
During your placement within the IMIC, you will have the opportunity to:
- Develop practical experience in maintaining consistently high standards of care, welfare, and husbandry for rodent models
- Work in accordance with UK animal welfare legislation and scientific procedures, including the Animals Scientific Procedures Act 1986
- Follow approved protocols and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), with animal welfare as a central consideration
- Conduct non-surgical procedures safely and support welfare protocols in line with your training and licence
- Apply and promote the principles of the 3Rs Replacement, Reduction, and Refinement to minimise animal use and enhance welfare
- Perform ELISAs or other biological assays, where appropriate, to support interpretation of study outcomes
- Be trained and expected to run in vitro potency assays for biologics
- 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
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.
Placements will start on 1st September 2027 and will run for 12 months.
Type of person we are looking for, in relation to Skills, Knowledge and Motivation:
- Currently studying for an undergraduate degree (BSc or higher) in Pharmacology, Physiology, Animal Science, or a related life science, as part of a Year in Industry, industrial placement, or gap year
- A Home Office Personal Licence (PIL AB) holder, or a willingness to obtain one
- Prior hands-on experience in handling animals and supporting high standards of animal care and welfare
- 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
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.
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.
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.
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.
Pharmacology 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 Pharmacology Undergraduate
✨Join Industry-Specific Communities
Get involved in online forums and groups that focus on the pharmaceutical industry. Websites like PharmaForum or LinkedIn groups dedicated to pharmaceuticals can be great places to connect with professionals, learn about trends, and discover internship opportunities that might not be advertised widely.
✨Attend Career Fairs and Networking Events
Keep an eye out for university career fairs or industry conferences that focus on the pharmaceutical sector. These events often host companies looking to recruit interns, and they’re a perfect chance for us to make personal connections that could lead to internship offers. Don't forget to bring your best elevator pitch!
✨Leverage Research Projects
If you’re studying a related field, consider undertaking a research project that aligns with the work done in the pharmaceutical industry. Showcase this work in discussions or in your application to demonstrate your genuine interest and relevant skills, making you stand out to potential employers like Pfizer.
✨Apply Directly Through Our Website
As an exciting opportunity, we recommend applying for internships directly through our website. This way, you ensure that your application gets to the right place and that you’re considered for positions early in the hiring process. Don't miss out on internships that can kickstart your career in the pharmaceutical industry!
We think you need these skills to ace Pharmacology Undergraduate
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Academic Background:In the pharmaceutical industry, your academic qualifications matter. Highlight any relevant coursework, labs, or projects you've worked on, especially those related to drug development, clinical trials, or pharmaceutical research. If you have any certifications—like Good Clinical Practice—make sure to flaunt those too!
Communicate Your Passion:Internships are all about learning, so be sure to express your motivation in your cover letter. Talk about what drew you to the pharmaceutical industry and why you want to intern specifically at Pfizer. Showing genuine enthusiasm can really set you apart from the crowd!
Reference Key Skills:Employers in the pharmaceutical field often look for specific skills such as attention to detail, analytical thinking, and a basic understanding of laboratory techniques. Make sure these are front and centre in your CV and application. If you have any experience with statistical software or lab equipment, share that!
Tailor Your CV to Suit the Role:Your CV should read like it was made for this specific internship. Use keywords from the job description—like any particular software or methodologies that Pfizer mentions—and relate your experiences directly to the responsibilities listed. This shows you’ve done your homework and are keen on this opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at Pfizer
✨Get Familiar with Drug Development Processes
Understanding the fundamentals of drug development is crucial for a pharmaceutical internship. Brush up on key phases like preclinical and clinical trials, as well as regulatory processes like FDA approval. They'll likely ask you to explain these stages or discuss some recent breakthroughs in the industry.
✨Show Off Your Scientific Skills
Be prepared to showcase your laboratory skills, as interviewers may want to know about your experience with techniques like chromatography or mass spectrometry. Having a couple of examples from your studies or previous experiences can really set you apart and show that you’re ready for hands-on work.
✨Demonstrate Your Passion for the Industry
As an intern, your motivation and eagerness to learn count for a lot! Make sure you can articulate why you're interested in the pharmaceutical industry. Share what excites you about pharmaceuticals and how it aligns with your career goals—I know we all love a good story!
✨Prepare for Team-Based Scenarios
In the pharma world, collaboration is key. You might face scenario-based questions assessing how you’d handle team dynamics or solve problems together. Think about your past group work experiences, and come ready to discuss any challenges and how you overcame them. Teams in this field are often multidisciplinary, so show you’re adaptable!
