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.
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:
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:
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.
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:
Entry Requirements:
Benefits, open and close dates
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.
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.
Tagged as: Life Sciences
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