Job Description

Level 6 Laboratory Science Degree Apprenticeship - QC & Microbiology

Macclesfield, UK

Starting base salary of 24,570+ 11% benefits fund + bonus

At AstraZeneca, we put patients first and strive to meet their unmet needs worldwide. We are deeply committed to our strategy of being a great place to work. For us, that includes fostering an environment where everyone can be among inclusive, supportive individuals with curious minds.


A company that genuinely follows the science and values individuals at all levels, you will be backed and encouraged to speak up, ask questions, and share ideas to push the boundaries of science and continuously learn and explore.

Make the start of your journey a life changing one

As part of our Early Talent Programme, you will be involved in projects and learning opportunities that have real impact from day one.


Being part of our journey and helping us to provide life changing medicine to patients all over the world and transform lives for the better. Making important contributions and embracing our values to deliver on our purpose. Because regardless of role or level, we all have an important part to play in making a positive difference.

Macclesfield

The Macclesfield Campus is an essential part of AstraZeneca's UK Operation and the 2nd largest operational site within the company's global network. It is approx. 100 acres with around 4500 people working on site. The site is unique in the AstraZeneca network having Operations, R&D, G&A, IT and others on its site.

About the Apprenticeship Programme

We are offering Laboratory Scientist Apprenticeships within the QC, QA or PT&D Microbiology areas. You'll be working with scientists across different lab teams and production facilities to undertake development microbiological testing of raw materials, water systems and finished products. Our teams partner closely with manufacturing to provide timely data, technical insight, and compliance support that keeps operations running safely and to exacting standards.


Within QC Microbiology, you will gain exposure to three core areas:

Process Assurance

: Collection, trending, and interpretation of environmental monitoring data across manufacturing areas--supporting contamination control, aseptic assurance, and timely investigation input.

Product Quality

: Execution of routine microbiological assays on raw materials, in-process samples, water, and finished products--including bioburden, endotoxin, water activity, and sterility testing--ensuring batches meet specifications prior to release.

Water, Support, and Identification (WSI)

: Monitoring and qualification of site water systems against quality requirements, microbial identification of isolates using multiple technologies, and provision of sterile equipment and media to enable environmental monitoring and product testing.

Quality control is our top priority. As a QC Microbiology apprentice, you will develop hands-on laboratory skills, understand GMP and data integrity principles, and contribute to the reliable delivery of results that underpin product release decisions and support the wider manufacturing teams.

Who this suits;

Structured & consistent

: You enjoy a predictable workday with clear procedures, set schedules, and defined quality standards.

Detail-focused

: You take pride in repeating tasks to the same high standard, spotting anomalies, and preventing errors.

Process-minded

: You are comfortable with checklists, version-controlled SOPs, and standardized documentation.

This is a hands-on quality role, ideal for someone who values routine and precision. You'll perform recurring QC tests, follow established SOPs, and document results in accordance with regulatory requirements. Success in this role comes from consistency, attention to detail, and dependable execution. If you find satisfaction in delivering the same high-quality outputs day after day--and improving them through small, compliant refinements--this role will suit you.


AstraZeneca will sponsor you through a BSc Degree in Applied Biosciences with Manchester Metropolitan University https://skillsengland.education.gov.uk/apprenticeships/st0626-v1-1


The apprenticeship combines working, earning a full-time salary, with fully funded part-time

university

learning (on average 1 day/week). This will give you the opportunity to gain a BSc Degree in Applied Biosciences qualification, just as you would if you went to

university

full-time, with the advantage of gaining relevant work-life skills and the excitement of helping to develop new medicines whilst taking your first steps towards a rewarding career.


Additionally, you'll be recognised by the relevant professional bodies at Registered Scientist (RSci) level, for which there is a requirement that the scientist will participate in subsequent continuing professional development on completion of the apprenticeship.


We truly value Early Talent- their thoughts, ideas and contributions. So throughout the programme, you'll be encouraged and inspired to speak up, have a voice and make an impact.

Essential skills/capabilities required:

Good communication skills Good team working skills High organisation skills and confidence to work independently The ability to apply a rational approach to problem solving; making judgements based on sound reasoning, approaching problems in a logical manner Concerns for standards Willingness to work in aseptic manufacturing facilities High numeracy and literacy skills Computer literacy The ability to learn Self-motivation Initiative

Entry Requirements:

Five GCSEs (or equivalent) grades 9-4 including Maths, English and Science. Applicants should have or be predicted to achieve a minimum of 104 UCAS points at A-level (grades BCC),

with one being Biology or an equivalent scientific discipline.

Candidates with relevant workplace experience or a BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in a related scientific discipline will also be considered but must provide additional details of their experience / units studied on the course as part of their application

Benefits, open and close dates

To apply for this position, please click the apply link.


Opening date of advert:

12th January 2026

Closing date of advert:

midnight

15th February 2026

Successful candidates will be asked to attend a virtual Assessment Day on

24th and 25th March.

Should you require any reasonable adjustments or accommodations, please let us know on your application.

Start date for the apprenticeship programme is

7th September 2026

This is a 4 year fixed term opportunity

At AstraZeneca, we aim to set you up for success and we recognise the challenges that starting a new job can bring. We therefore offer a relocation package to help with the costs and process of moving for candidates who currently live more than 60 minutes from the site location for this Apprenticeship.

Where can I find out more?

Our Social Media, Follow AstraZeneca on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/1603/

Inclusion & Diversity:

https://careers.astrazeneca.com/inclusion-diversity

Career Site

: https://careers.astrazeneca.com/


AstraZeneca is proud to be ranked as a Top 100 'Best Student Employer' in the UK by RateMyPlacement. Browse our reviews here (link)

These positions are not open to those already educated to Bachelor's degree level or above - for which we have specific Graduate Programmes, see our website for more details

https://careers.astrazeneca.com/students

#Earlytalent