Job Description

Pfizer UK Undergraduate Programme 2027/2028

Peptide Drug Development Undergraduate

Pfizer Global R&D Pharmaceutical Sciences

Peptide Drug Product Development

Who can apply?

Applicants must be completing a placement as part of a degree course at a UK University, either through Year in Industry/Industrial Placement or Gap Year.

Please note that we will only consider candidates who have applied by completing the Pfizer Placement Application Form. Candidates who do not complete and attach the application form will NOT be considered. You can download the Word version of the Application Form here: Undergraduate Vacancies | Pfizer UK and find instructions as to how to complete your application and more about eligibility criteria.

To learn more about this exciting opportunity, please see below!

Department Overview

The Internal Medicine Innovation Centre (IMIC) is home to innovative early-stage research focused on translating scientific discoveries into potential life-changing medicines. Our collaborative and supportive team of scientists are responsible for turning promising peptide candidates into safe, stable and effective medicines. This includes characterising the physicochemical properties of the peptide, designing and optimising formulations suitable for clinical use (for example, injectable solutions), and conducting stability studies to understand how the drug substance and drug product behave over time and under different storage conditions. Our work generates the data needed to put innovative peptides onto the path of candidate selection and beyond.

What can I achieve and what will I be responsible for whilst completing a placement at Pfizer?

As a chemistry undergraduate you will join a small team of formulation scientists and analytical chemists responsible for advancing peptide drug candidates and support these hands-on in their research activities and daily laboratory activities to generate high-quality data that supports Pfizer’s therapeutic pipeline.

You will work with an experienced scientist who will provide day-to-day guidance, with the aim of enabling you to contribute with a decreasing level of supervision as your experience and independence increases. During your year with us in Peptide Drug Discovery & Development you will:

• · Contribute to the formulation development of synthetic peptide drug candidates, including preparing and evaluating formulations and assessing the impact of pH, buffers and excipients on solubility and stability.
• · Gain an appreciation of accepted practices, including good documentation practice and quality standards, to ensure safe, compliant and productive working in the laboratory.
• · Attain a working knowledge of state-of-the-art analytical techniques used to characterise peptides, including hands-on high/ultra-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC/UPLC), and biophysical methods for assessing aggregation and physical stability.
• · Set up and monitor solubility screening studies on peptide candidates.
• · Set up, monitor and analyse stability studies on peptide candidates, and gain an understanding of common peptide degradation pathways (e.g. oxidation, deamidation, hydrolysis and aggregation) and how they are controlled.
• · Increase your knowledge of both practical and theoretical aspects of peptide chemistry, pharmaceutics and the drug development process.
• · Potentially have the opportunity to use a range of automated and high-throughput equipment for formulation screening and sample analysis to help improve your efficiency.
• · Be trained and expected to run in vitro potency assays for biologics.
• · Become familiar with searching scientific literature and internal databases to design and plan experiments and interpret data.
• · Gain experience of working as a lab member in a research team, contributing to general operational and routine tasks.
• Participate in team meetings, scientific discussions, and technical training to build your knowledge, communication skills and professional network.

What other opportunities and benefits do Pfizer offer?

· Professional mentorship: Build your network and learn from scientific experts across Pfizer’s Global Research & Development organisation.

· Volunteering: Use up to 5 days of paid volunteering leave per year to support a cause that matters to you.

When can I start?

Placements will start on 1st September 2027 and will run for 12 months.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Type of person we are looking for, in relation to ‘Skills’, ‘Knowledge’ and ‘Motivation’:

• Currently studying for an undergraduate degree (BSc. or higher) in chemistry, biochemistry, or another related discipline as part of a Year in Industry, industrial placement, or gap year
• Prior hands-on experience working in a laboratory
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with a flexible, collaborative, and team-focused approach
• Ability to meet the physical requirements of laboratory work, including regular lifting and carrying
• AI Literate

As a reminder…….

Who can apply?

Applicants must be completing placement as part of a degree course at a UK University, either through Year in Industry/Industrial Placement or Gap Year.

This position will close for applications on 29th November 2026.

Please note that we only accept application forms. Please do not send over your CV or cover letter as they will not be considered.

Please access the Word version of the Application Form here: Undergraduate Vacancies | Pfizer UK and find instructions as to how to complete your application and more about eligibility criteria.

#LI-PFE

Work Location Assignment: On Premise

Purpose

Breakthroughs that change patients' lives... At Pfizer we are a patient centric company, guided by our four values: courage, joy, equity and excellence. Our breakthrough culture lends itself to our dedication to transforming millions of lives.

Digital Transformation Strategy

One bold way we are achieving our purpose is through our company wide digital transformation strategy. We are leading the way in adopting new data, modelling and automated solutions to further digitize and accelerate drug discovery and development with the aim of enhancing health outcomes and the patient experience.

Flexibility

We aim to create a trusting, flexible workplace culture which encourages employees to achieve work life harmony, attracts talent and enables everyone to be their best working self. Let’s start the conversation!

Equal Employment Opportunity

We believe that a diverse and inclusive workforce is crucial to building a successful business. As an employer, Pfizer is committed to celebrating this, in all its forms – allowing for us to be as diverse as the patients and communities we serve. Together, we continue to build a culture that encourages, supports and empowers our employees.

DisAbility Confident

We are proud to be a Disability Confident Employer and we encourage you to put your best self forward with the knowledge and trust that we will make any reasonable adjustments necessary to support your application and future career. Our mission is unleashing the power of our people, especially those with unique superpowers. Your journey with Pfizer starts here!

To learn more about acceptable and prohibited uses of AI during the recruitment process, please review our candidate AI-use guidelines available on Pfizer Careers.

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