Job Description

12 Month University Industrial Placement Student (UIPS): Flu Biopharmaceutical Development
Liverpool, UK
26,000 Base Salary, Bonus & Flexible Benefits
Do you want to be part of a team of supportive, collaborative and likeminded peers to develop your expertise? Then Astra Zeneca might be the one for you!
About AstraZeneca:
AstraZeneca is a global, science-led, patient-centred biopharmaceutical company that focuses on the discovery, development and commercialisation 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 at AstraZeneca:
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.
About the Programme:
The Flu-Biopharmaceutical Development (Flu-BPD) Undergraduate Industrial Placement Programme provides the opportunity for you to undertake a 12-month laboratory-based placement that will introduce you to the world of vaccine development.
The Flu-BPD group is a multi-disciplinary scientific function providing expertise in Virology Research, Strain Development, Process Development and Analytical Development. The team is responsible for the development of candidate vaccine virus strains for the seasonal live attenuated influenza vaccine (LAIV).
Programme Highlights:

• Meaningful Impact: Contribute to the seasonal delivery of LAIV, supporting efforts to meet increasing global demand and improve public health.
• Mentorship and Career Development: Receive tailored mentorship, structured training, and regular developmental conversations to support your growth, guide your career, and help you discover your strengths.
• Unique Experience: Take advantage of this rare opportunity to sample different R&D teams and gain first-hand insight into pharmaceutical operations, all on one site.
• Develop as a Scientist: Take ownership of a project, develop project plans, refine your time management skills, and present your findings at both department and site-wide meetings.
• Enhance Laboratory Skills: Acquire proficiency in key laboratory techniques spanning virology, molecular biology, and analytical testing.

Qualifications, Skills & Experience
Required:

• Currently undertaking an undergraduate or integrated master's degree within a biological discipline and the opportunity to spend 1 year in industry stating in September 2026.
• Strong planning and organisation skills.
• Ability to see opportunities, learn and apply that learning to drive innovation.
• Good collaboration and teamworking skills

Desirable:

• A good foundation of Microsoft Excel.
• Experience in interpretation of data.
• Experience of working in teams (could be in an educational or employment setting or any other team work you may have completed).

Please include your CV and a cover letter in your application.
Document requirements: CVs are limited to a maximum of 2 pages and cover letters are limited to a maximum of 1 page, using no smaller than size 11 font. In the cover letter, please ensure you address your interest and motivation for the position, your relevant skills and experiences, fit with the company and how this placement will help achieve your career goals.
Why AstraZeneca?
At AstraZeneca when we see an opportunity for change, we seize it and make it happen, because any opportunity no matter how small, can be the start of something big. Delivering life-changing medicines is about being entrepreneurial - finding those moments and recognising their potential.
Join us on our journey of building a new kind of organisation to reset expectations of what a bio-pharmaceutical company can be. This means we're opening new ways to work, pioneering cutting-edge methods and bringing unexpected teams together. Interested? Come and join our journey.
Applications Open: 1st September 2025
Applications Close: Midnight 28th September 2025
Virtual Assessment Days: 18th -19th and 25th- 26th November 2025
Start Date: 7th September 2026
This position is a 12-month fixed term contract.
Where can I find out more?
Our Social Media, Follow AstraZeneca on LinkedIn:
Inclusion & Diversity:
Career Site:
AstraZeneca is proud to be ranked as a Top 100 'Best Student Employer' in the UK by RateMyPlacement. Browse our reviews here ( )
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