Formulation Science Internship

Formulation Science Internship

Cambridge & Macclesfield

AstraZeneca is a global, science-led biopharmaceutical business and its innovative medicines are used by millions of patients worldwide! AstraZeneca Summer Internships introduce you to the world of ground-breaking drug development, embedding you in highly dedicated teams, committed to delivering life-changing medicines to patients. Our 10–12-week program is designed for undergraduate, master's, and doctoral students. We offer exciting opportunities across Research & Development, Operations, and Enabling Units (Corporate functions).

Our internships immerse students in the pharmaceutical industry, allowing the opportunity to contribute to our diverse pipeline of medicines whether in the lab or outside of it. You will feel trusted and empowered to take on new challenges, but with all the help and guidance you need to succeed. This internship will help you develop essential skills, expand your knowledge, and build a network that will set you up for future success. You will be surrounded by curious, passionate, and open-minded professionals eager to learn and follow the science, fostering your growth in a truly collaborative and global team.

What role can Pharmacists fulfil at AstraZeneca?

Pharmacists are ideally suited for work in the Pharmaceutical industry as a result of their holistic scientific background. Careers in Pharmaceutical Science, Pharmaceutical Technology and Development, Commercial Manufacturing, Clinical Trials, Quality Assurance and Regulatory Affairs are just a few of the many options available to Pharmacists.

What are we looking for?

AstraZeneca are looking to appoint Master of Pharmacy students who are currently in their third year of study. Enthusiasm, professionalism and a sense of fun are key to this role, as well as the ability to work as part of a team. You should be curious about industrial pharmacy and passionate about using cutting edge science to develop and deliver medicines which make a difference to patients lives. You should also have a good academic background and be prepared to apply your knowledge of pharmacy and the patient in a practical way.

This role is suited to Master of Pharmacy students who are interested in taking the first step towards a career in the pharmaceutical industry.

What can we offer you?

Summer placement positions are available at our Macclesfield (Cheshire) and Cambridge (Cambridgeshire) sites. Projects are available in the Pharmaceutical Science Unit with Advanced Drug Delivery and Early Product Development and Manufacturing departments. During the 10-week placement you will gain a useful insight into the Pharmaceutical industry and the variety of opportunities available to Pharmacists within our organisation.

Accountabilities

Project support: Contribute to assigned projects within Advanced Drug Delivery or Early Product Development and Manufacturing, executing defined tasks under supervision and meeting agreed timelines and quality standards.

Experimental execution: Perform routine laboratory activities (e.g., sample preparation, basic characterization tests, data collection) following approved protocols, standard operating procedures, and Good Laboratory Practice.

Data handling and documentation: Record experimental methods, results, and observations accurately in lab notebooks or electronic systems; assist with basic data analysis and prepare concise summaries or slides for team updates.

Cross-functional collaboration: Work closely with scientists, engineers, and quality professionals; attend team meetings; communicate progress and challenges clearly; seek feedback to improve outputs.

Literature and background research: Conduct targeted literature searches to understand project context, summarize findings, and suggest practical, supervisor-approved next steps.

Presentation and reporting: Prepare and deliver a short end-of-placement presentation or report highlighting objectives, methods, results, and learnings, tailored to a multidisciplinary audience.

Essential Criteria

Master of Pharmacy students who are currently in their third year of study

Enthusiasm for Pharmaceutical Science

Must be at least 18 years of age at time of application.

Must have UK right-to-work status.

Must return to schooling at program close (candidates graduating before/during the programmes are ineligible)

AstraZeneca is where you can immerse yourself in groundbreaking work with real patient impact.

Trusted to work on important projects, youll have the independence to take on new challenges while receiving all the guidance you need to succeed. Our collaborative environment is designed to help you grow professionally and personally, surrounded by passionate individuals eager to make a difference.

Our mission is to build an inclusive and equitable environment. We want people to feel they belong at AstraZeneca, starting with the 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 reasonable adjustments/accommodations, please complete the section in the application form.

Ready to make an impact? Apply now and join us on this exciting journey!

#Earlytalent

Date Posted

21-Jan-2026

Closing Date

20-Jan-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.