Job Description

12 Month University Industrial Placement Student (UIPS): Oncology DMPK

Cambridge, UK

£28,000 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!

We discourage multiple applications to our UIPS opportunities. Please therefore submit one application to the opportunity that best matches your skills and aspirations. We reserve the right to review and progress one application per candidate based on the role's criteria and candidates' skills.

Cambridge

Cambridge is one of the most exciting bioscience hotspots in the world. The Discovery Centre (DISC), located at the heart of the Cambridge Biomedical Campus, is designed to play a central role in our mission to deliver life-changing medicines to patients. As our largest research and development centre in the UK, it will have more than 2,000 people working across therapy areas and drug discovery and development once fully occupied.

About the Opportunity:

The placement will involve undertaking a wide range of DMPK bioanalysis and in vitro ADME studies (absorption, distribution, metabolism, elimination) to understand the metabolism, pharmacokinetics, tissue distribution and physico-chemical properties of molecules from the early discovery portfolio to clinical candidates and our marketed drugs. It will include training in the use of mass spectrometry for bioanalytical quantification. The successful placement student will work in a matrix environment interacting with colleagues from the UK and US from multiple disciplines. There will also be the opportunity to learn about ADME properties of both small molecules and new modalities. These are exciting areas where we need to develop understanding of how the properties of these molecules impact their ADME behaviour and subsequently their behaviour in the clinic.

Key Objectives of the Placement:

• Learn and perform in-vitro experiments to investigate the ADME properties of drug candidates and report results back to the DMPK project lead.
• Deliver quantitative bioanalysis of in-vivo pharmacokinetic studies
• Design and carry out studies to understand the mechanisms of metabolism and disposition of drug candidates.
• Conduct a bespoke set of studies relating to a DMPK portfolio issue as a stand-alone piece of research.

Qualification, Skills & Experience

Required:

• Currently undertaking an undergraduate or integrated master’s degree within a chemical or biological discipline with the opportunity to spend 1 year in industry starting in September 2027
• A passion for experimental laboratory science
• Strong planning and organisation skills
• Ability to see opportunities, learn, and apply that learning to drive innovation
• Good collaboration and teamworking skills
• Confident in communicating with a wide range of stakeholders

Desirable:

• Some knowledge of DMPK is desirable but not essential. All the training on the different assays and associated analytical technologies such as mass spectrometry will be provided by the oncology DMPK ADME Team

To support your application, please include a cover letter highlighting any scholarships, publications, lab experience or extracurricular activities demonstrating leadership and teamwork. Your cover letter should be included in the same document as your CV, and the uploaded file should be named in the format Surname, First name.

Applications Open: 4th September 2026

Applications Close: 2nd October 2026

Assessment Day: 24th November 2026

Start Date: 6th September 2027

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 (link)

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

04-Sept-2026

Closing Date

02-Oct-2026

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.