Job Description

12 Month University Industrial Placement Student (UIPS): Lean Digital
Macclesfield, UK
26,000 Base Salary, Bonus & Flexible Benefits
About AstraZeneca:
AstraZeneca is a global, science-led, patient-centred biopharmaceutical company that focuses on the discovery, development and commercialization of prescription medicines for some of the world's most serious disease. But we're more than a global leading pharmaceutical company. At AstraZeneca, we're dedicated to being a Great Place to Work where you are empowered to push the boundaries of science and fuel your entrepreneurial spirit. There's no better place to make a difference to medicine, patients and society.
About the University Industrial Placement Student (UIPS) Programme:
Join a Truly Inclusive and Supportive International Team.
As an AstraZeneca placement student, there is a huge network of support available to you. You'll have a dedicated supervisor, a supportive early talent peer network, and a variety of Employee Resource Groups you can join.
We help and empower each other, and our supervisors are committed to providing you with all the guidance and support you need to build your skills, confidence and capabilities.
Whatever your background and experience, you'll be welcomed and encouraged to speak up, ask questions and share knowledge. You will be a valued part of an international team of truly supportive, collaborative and inclusive individuals.
Are you ready to explore this exciting next step in your career? Apply today!
About the Opportunity:
AstraZeneca is offering a unique 12-month undergraduate placement for a Lean Digital Specialist, based in UK Operations. This opportunity is designed for students passionate about digital technology, analytics, and operational excellence.
You will play a key part in supporting multiple projects designed to enhance efficiency, embed lean principles, and accelerate AstraZeneca's journey towards a continuously improving digital culture. You'll gain first-hand experience working across all areas of UK Operations, collaborating with skilled professionals to deliver solutions that make a real impact, and you will bring your technical capabilities and perspective to generate transformational opportunities within the operational environment. Working closely with diverse teams, you will help enhance efficiency, streamline processes, and accelerate our digital transformation.
What You'll Be Doing
You will support and deliver a range of projects that span multiple functions within UK Operations, focusing on digital innovation, lean methodology, and analytics-driven improvements. Main responsibilities will include:

• Collaborating with operational and technical teams to capture requirements and translate them into effective digital solutions
• Analysing operational and process data to identify improvement opportunities using AI/analytics tools
• Assisting in the deployment, and testing of digital platforms and solutions to automate and optimise processes
• Supporting the embedding of lean standards and ways of working across teams and projects
• Support workshops and training sessions to drive a culture of continuous improvement and digital adoption
• Measuring and reporting the impact of projects, ensuring sustainability and ongoing benefits
• Working in compliance with data governance, privacy, and regulatory policies

What You'll Learn
You'll gain hands-on experience You'll strengthen your communication, teamwork, and leadership capabilities by working in multi-disciplinary teams and engaging with stakeholders across UK Operations. You'll deepen your understanding of digital governance, data privacy, and compliance essentials in a regulated industry context.
Qualification, Skills & Experience
Required:

• Currently undertaking an undergraduate or integrated master's degree studying Computer Science, Data Science, Engineering, or a related subject, with the opportunity to spend 1 year in industry starting in September 2026
• Strong interest and foundational skills in digital technologies, analytics, and/or AI
• Ability to work collaboratively as part of a multidisciplinary team
• Effective communication skills, both verbal and written
• Demonstrated problem-solving ability and willingness to learn
• Ability to manage projects and deliver outcomes within agreed timelines

Desirable:

• Experience with data analysis or visualisation tools (such as Power BI, Python, or R)
• Familiarity with automation technologies or AI applications
• Knowledge of digital governance, data privacy, or compliance in a business or regulated context
• Previous experience participating in continuous improvement or digital change initiatives

Applications Open: 1st September 2025
Applications Close: 28th September 2025
Assessment Day: TBC
Start Date: 7th September 2026
This position is a 12-month fixed term contract.
AstraZeneca is proud to be ranked as a Top 100 'Best Student Employer' in the UK by RateMyPlacement. Browse our reviews here ( )
AstraZeneca embraces diversity and equality of opportunity. We are committed to building an inclusive and diverse team representing all backgrounds, with as wide a range of perspectives as possible, and harnessing industry-leading skills. We believe that the more inclusive we are, the better our work will be. We welcome and consider applications to join our team from all qualified candidates, regardless of their characteristics. We comply with all applicable laws and regulations on non-discrimination in employment (and recruitment), as well as work authorization and employment eligibility verification requirements.
Date Posted 01-Sept-2025
Closing Date 28-Sept-2025
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.

Skills Required