Automation Engineer Apprenticeship - Digital & Technology Solutions

At AstraZeneca, we put patients first and strive to meet their unmet needs worldwide. We’re 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.

Are you ready to take your career to the next level? As a laboratory automation engineer apprentice at AstraZeneca, you will play a pivotal role in advancing the research objectives and mission of our Oncology R&D domain. You will work closely with world-leading scientists, finding opportunities to improve and automate laboratory processes. This is your chance to make a real difference in the world of medicine!

Embrace the best of both worlds – learn and earn in a supportive team

To truly unlock opportunity in today’s world, you need the combination of education and hands-on, practical experience that employers are looking for. Our apprenticeships offer just that.

Throughout this apprenticeship, you will be responsible for installing, testing, and validating new automation systems, as well as adapting existing ones to meet scientific needs and user requirements. You will ensure data transfer to data capture and analysis platforms are enabled from automation systems. You will also advise and train others on the use of laboratory automation systems. Furthermore, you will explore unexplored and emerging areas for building capabilities and driving innovation within the research and development domain. Are you ready to take on the challenge?

In addition to learning about current automation capabilities, you will learn:

• 3D printing to be able to prototype custom parts for automation systems or replace broken pieces
• How to integrate transformational technologies into the day to day life of scientists to provide a more seamless and integrated experience in the lab e.g. augmented reality, voice as an input

As a laboratory automation engineer, you will be responsible for ensuring that automation and support activities advance the research objectives and mission of the R&D domain. The automation engineer will work with scientists across R&D to analyse current laboratory practices at AstraZeneca and identify opportunities to use automation.

Essential skills/capabilities required:

• Good communication skills

• Attention to detail

• Computer literate

Training and Development:

AstraZeneca will sponsor you through your Bachelor of Science Degree in Digital & Technology Solutions at NU London: https://www.nulondon.ac.uk/degrees/degree-apprenticeships/digital-and-technology-solutions-apprenticeship/

The apprenticeship combines working, earning a full-time salary, with fully funded part-time University (on average 1 day/week).

This will give you the opportunity to gain a full 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 an exciting career.

Entry Requirements:

• 5 GCSEs at grades C/4 or above (or equivalent) including mathematics and English

• Will have, or are predicted, A-Levels equalling 96 new UCAS points, including 2 STEM subjects

• Equivalent level 3 qualifications (e.g. BTEC) will also be considered (with a minimum requirement of 96 new UCAS points)

This is a 3- 4 year Fixed Term Contract opportunity based at the new Cambridge DISC, offering £21,500 starting base salary + 11% benefits fund + bonus.

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

At AstraZeneca, we strive 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.

Start date for the apprenticeship programme is 2nd September 2024

These positions are not open to those already educated to Bachelors degree level or above – for which we have specific Graduate Programmes, see our website for more details https://careers.astrazeneca.com/students

Opening date of advert: 5th December 2023

Closing date of advert: 7th January 2024

Successful candidates will be notified after the closing date and will be asked to attend a virtual Assessment day on 7th February 2024

Start date for the apprenticeship programme is 2nd September 2024

At AstraZeneca, we are on a journey to create the future of medicine. We are working towards our ambition to become a healthcare provider beyond medicines, using technologies to better understand diseases, develop new medicines, and support patients with all aspects of their disease. As part of our team, you will be empowered to act, explore, and disrupt while working on the cutting-edge. If you thrive on adapting your skills and learning from failures, then this is the place for you.

Date Posted

Closing Date

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.