Research and Development (R&D) Graduate programme – Bioscience – UK
AstraZeneca
Date: 2 hours ago
City: Cambridge
Contract type: Full time
Location: Cambridge
Salary: £35,600 plus benefits
Are you ready to take your career to the next level? The AstraZeneca Research & Development (R&D) Bioscience Graduate Programme is your gateway to a future in groundbreaking scientific research and drug development. If you hold a Bioscience or Life Science-based bachelor’s or master’s degree and are eager to unleash your scientific potential, this is your opportunity to work at the forefront of innovation and make a real-world impact.
About AstraZeneca
AstraZeneca is a global, science-led, patient-focused biopharmaceutical company dedicated to the discovery, development, and commercialization of prescription medicines for some of the world’s most serious diseases. We genuinely follow the science and value individuals at all levels, encouraging continuous learning and exploration to unlock the power of what science can do.
About The Opportunity
The AstraZeneca R&D Bioscience Graduate Programme is a two-year opportunity for graduates seeking a unique chance to accelerate their career. Through three eight-month placements, you'll gain hands-on experience in drug discovery and development, working across various functions and therapy areas. You’ll develop technical skills, expand your scientific knowledge, and receive mentorship from industry experts.
Programme Details
Approximately 50% of graduates pursue a PhD, while others seek roles within AstraZeneca or elsewhere. Where will your journey take you?
What's Next?
Are you ready to bring your skills, drive, and curiosity to our projects? We’d love to hear from you! Click the link to apply, and we will be in touch once the advert closes.
Find Out More
08-Dec-2025
Closing Date
04-Jan-2026
Our mission is to build an inclusive and equitable environment. We want people to feel they belong at AstraZeneca and Alexion, starting with our recruitment process. We welcome and consider applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of characteristics. We offer reasonable adjustments/accommodations to help all candidates to perform at their best. If you have a need for any adjustments/accommodations, please complete the section in the application form.
Salary: £35,600 plus benefits
Are you ready to take your career to the next level? The AstraZeneca Research & Development (R&D) Bioscience Graduate Programme is your gateway to a future in groundbreaking scientific research and drug development. If you hold a Bioscience or Life Science-based bachelor’s or master’s degree and are eager to unleash your scientific potential, this is your opportunity to work at the forefront of innovation and make a real-world impact.
About AstraZeneca
AstraZeneca is a global, science-led, patient-focused biopharmaceutical company dedicated to the discovery, development, and commercialization of prescription medicines for some of the world’s most serious diseases. We genuinely follow the science and value individuals at all levels, encouraging continuous learning and exploration to unlock the power of what science can do.
About The Opportunity
The AstraZeneca R&D Bioscience Graduate Programme is a two-year opportunity for graduates seeking a unique chance to accelerate their career. Through three eight-month placements, you'll gain hands-on experience in drug discovery and development, working across various functions and therapy areas. You’ll develop technical skills, expand your scientific knowledge, and receive mentorship from industry experts.
Programme Details
- Start Date: September 2026
- Duration: 2 years
- Structure: Three individual eight-month placements
- Focus Areas: Drug discovery, & development across various therapy areas
- Location: You will be based in Cambridge throughout the 2-year duration. No international placements are offered.
- Hands-On Experience: Engage in diverse R&D projects and gain insights into drug discovery and development.
- Professional Growth: Receive mentorship and support from a dedicated management team and expand your network with industry experts.
- Skill Development: Enhance your technical skills and knowledge across various scientific disciplines and stages of the drug discovery process.
- Education: Bachelor’s or master’s degree in a life science related subject (2:1 UK or local equivalent), awarded in 2025 or before September 2026.
- Skills: Proactive problem-solving, critical thinking, excellent planning, organizational, and time management abilities.
- Attributes: Passionate about drug discovery, team-focused, and driven to make a difference.
- Lab-Based Placements: Opportunities focused on biology, biochemistry, pharmacology, and computational/bioinformatics projects.
- Non-lab based placements : Opportunities to work on computational/bioinformatics projects, or contribute to clinical programmes or regulatory affairs. Flexibility: Various placements to choose from, with at least one lab-based placement required.
Approximately 50% of graduates pursue a PhD, while others seek roles within AstraZeneca or elsewhere. Where will your journey take you?
What's Next?
- Assessment: After submitting your application, you may be invited to complete an online assessment (SHL). Shortlisted candidates will be invited to a full-day virtual assessment day.
- Advert Opens: Monday 8 December 2025
- Advert Closes: Sunday 4 January 2026
- Assessment Centre Days: Tuesday 10, Wednesday 11 & Thursday 12 March 2026 (no additional dates available)
Are you ready to bring your skills, drive, and curiosity to our projects? We’d love to hear from you! Click the link to apply, and we will be in touch once the advert closes.
Find Out More
- Are you curious about what it’s like to work at AstraZeneca? Learn more here: https://careers.astrazeneca.com/life-at-astrazeneca
- Learn more about the programme: https://careers.astrazeneca.com/r-and-d-graduate-programme
08-Dec-2025
Closing Date
04-Jan-2026
Our mission is to build an inclusive and equitable environment. We want people to feel they belong at AstraZeneca and Alexion, starting with our recruitment process. We welcome and consider applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of characteristics. We offer reasonable adjustments/accommodations to help all candidates to perform at their best. If you have a need for any adjustments/accommodations, please complete the section in the application form.
How to apply
To apply for this job you need to authorize on our website. If you don't have an account yet, please register.
Post a resumeSimilar jobs
Vacation Scheme: Cambridge 2026
Mishcon de Reya LLP,
Cambridge
2 weeks ago
The role of a Mishcon Cambridge traineeWe are looking for a distinctive contribution from our Mishcon Cambridge trainees. In addition to the demands of the Mishcon training contract more generally, we would hope and expect to see some specific input from you including: A dynamic, clear and sustained long-term commitment to our Cambridge office and the Cambridge market. We expect...
Production Apprenticeship - Level 3 - BBC Radio Cambridgeshire - Cambridge
BBC,
Cambridge
2 weeks ago
Contract Type: Fixed-Term Apprenticeship, Full-time for 13 monthsDepartment: BBC Local Radio / London & EastLocation: Cambridge - Radio CambridgeshireSalary: £22,950COULD A BBC APPRENTICESHIP BE THE NEXT ROLE FOR YOU?Join us as an apprentice at the BBC to give yourself the opportunity to kick-start your career in a job you'll love. We’re committed to your skills and talent development. You’ll learn...
Senior Change Manager - 6703
Cambridge University Press & Assessment,
Cambridge
3 weeks ago
Job Title: Senior Change ManagerSalary: £43,800 - £58,500Location: Cambridge, Hybrid (minimum of 2 days per week in the office)Contract: Full time / Fixed Term (18 months)We are Cambridge University Press & Assessment, a world-leading academic publisher and assessment organisation and a proud part of the University of Cambridge. Our mission is to contribute to society through the pursuit of education,...