Supporting Science Work Experience

Year 12 Work Experience Programme

Supporting the Science – Luton

AstraZeneca is a global, science‑led biopharmaceutical company that focuses on the discovery, development, and commercialisation of prescription medicines in Oncology, Rare Disease, and Biopharmaceuticals, including Cardiovascular, Renal & Metabolism and Respiratory & Immunology.

Headquartered in Cambridge, UK, AstraZeneca has a strong global presence with 6 strategic R&D centres in the US, UK, Sweden, and China, and 30 manufacturing sites across 17 countries. Its innovative medicines are sold in more than 125 countries and used by millions of patients worldwide.

Our R&D focuses on delivering life‑changing medicines for today’s highest unmet medical needs and investing in transformative technologies to pioneer next‑generation solutions for tomorrow and the day after. By partnering across industries and borders, we collaborate and pursue opportunities to access the best science, fostering innovation and co‑creating solutions that meet patients’ needs.

We create great employee experiences that ignite innovation, unite diverse talent and unlock capacity. We do this by being champions of inclusion and diversity and fostering personal growth and enterprise leadership.

During this week, you will be able to take part in a project which will involve rotating around different teams in Luton. You will learn more about the medicine development process and how the teams located in Luton help:

• Acquire medicines in early phase of development
• Develop IT applications
• Respond to questions about safety
• Set up clinical trials

Your work experience will be based at the Luton Horizon Place site, an open‑space building with computers and no laboratories. You will also have the opportunity to visit the Discovery Centre in Cambridge, our global headquarters, for one day of the week (transport will be provided). There you will experience a site tour, visit the laboratories and get the opportunity to do a practical experiment in one of our laboratories.

• An introduction to the pharmaceutical industry.
• Insight to the various teams and functions that support the development of a medicine.
• Career advice from those currently working for AstraZeneca on the apprenticeship scheme, and graduates.
• Experience the workplace environment whilst making new friends.

We are delighted to be able to offer 1 × one‑week unpaid work experience placement based at our Luton site (Capability Green). The placement dates are as follows:

• Monday 13th July to Friday 17th July 2026

To be eligible to apply, students must be in Year 12 and interested in learning more about a career in the pharmaceutical industry.

Please complete the application questionnaire and attach a copy of your CV.

Applications will close on 15th February 2026

Date posted: 09‑Jan‑2026

Closing date: 15‑Feb‑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.