R&D Laboratory Science Chemistry Degree Apprenticeship

Join GSK’s Laboratory Science Chemistry Apprenticeship Programme – UK 2026:
Help us get ahead of disease together

GSK Apprenticeships are a brilliant alternative to college courses or university. As one of the world’s leading biopharma companies, we offer an on-the-job learning experience that really stands out. You’ll earn a salary for performing a real role – with your practical experience backed by classroom sessions.

As the Laboratory Science Chemistry Apprentice, you will gain an understanding of early-stage drug discovery processes, all whilst actively studying towards your BSc (Hons) Chemical Science degree with Manchester Metropolitan University. For more information see:

• Course details:
  Laboratory Scientist Chemical Science Degree Apprenticeship | Manchester Metropolitan University
• Apprenticeship standard:
  Scientist / Skills England

We are looking for motivated individuals with a willingness and enthusiasm to learn, who are excited to join the Research & Development business to support the associated scientific process required for the drug discovery and development process such as;

• Research Technologies - Target Discovery;
  Our Chemical Biology department supports the discovery of new drug targets and will provide the opportunity to work closely with scientists from multiple disciplines and learn all about the drug discovery process. The Mass Spectrometry (MS) team uses advanced platforms to screen and characterise covalent drug molecules Join us to help expand and enhance our MS capabilities to enable covalent drug discovery.
• Medicine Design & Supply - Drug Substance Development;
  The Enzyme and Oligonucleotide Development department pushes the boundaries of science to accelerate oligonucleotide drug substance development. With a focus on designing cutting-edge processes using novel synthetic technologies, we enable efficient routes for early and late phase molecules. Our expertise in enzyme engineering and biocatalysis spans R&D and manufacturing, driving innovation across the pipeline. Join us and make an impact on the future of therapeutic oligonucleotide manufacturing.

Here are some of the motivations of our current apprentices. Does this sound like you?

During my apprenticeship, I learned a variety of analytical chemistry processes and enjoyed working alongside experienced colleagues. I decided to apply for an apprenticeship because I was interested in science, but I was unsure which area I wanted to go into. If I had gone to university, I feel that I wouldn’t have known what career path to take afterwards, but doing an apprenticeship provides some clarity.

I was able to get an insight into a certain field and achieve a degree at the same time.

~ R&D Lab Science Chemistry Apprentice

• GCSE Mathematics and English Language (grade A*-C / 9-4) or equivalent
• Must have/be predicted 104 UCAS points at A-level (grades BCC), with one being Chemistry or an equivalent scientific discipline.

Written and spoken fluency in English

4 years

You will be based  must live within a 60-minute commute of the site location on the day you start your apprenticeship as you are expected to be on site daily.

Stevenage is GSK’s UK R&D Hub, which is the heart of innovation, discovering and developing differentiated, high-quality and needed medicines that are bringing transformational benefit to patients.

• Work with teams of excellent multi-disciplined scientists both internally and externally to progress a diverse portfolio of biopharmaceuticals through discovery, development, and characterisation.
• Operation and maintenance of state-of-the-art mass spectrometry platforms.
• Apply MS-based workflows to GSK programs to advance our portfolio. This includes running routine assays and supporting screening efforts where appropriate.
• Routine preparation of samples for mass spectrometry analysis and supporting day-to-day lab responsibilities.
• Optimise chemical manufacturing processes for therapeutic oligonucleotides, including solid phase synthesis and enzymatic approaches.
• Supporting scale up activities to produce therapeutic oligonucleotides.
• Develop, evaluate, and…