Molecules to Medicine - Macclesfield- Work Experience

Year 12 Work Experience Programme

Molecules to Medicine - Macclesfield

About AstraZeneca

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 todays 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.

Programme description

Youll get hands-on insight into how medicines are made ready for patients, focusing on the chemistry, manufacturing, and controls (CMC) role from early development to large-scale manufacturing. Activities include:

• An introduction to the pharmaceutical industry.

• Discover how we apply STEM to real problems including synthesising, formulating, and analysing the drugs used in clinical trials.

• Carrying out practical laboratory work related to A-level & university level chemistry concepts.

• Tours of our world class laboratories and manufacturing facilities.

• Career advice from those currently working for AstraZeneca plus a chance to chat with the current cohort of apprenticeship scheme, industrial placement students, and graduates.

What knowledge/skills will you gain?

• Understanding of what it takes to deliver a new medicine from the pre-clinical gram-scale to the on-market tonne scale.

• Learn the differences between drug substances & drug products.

• Awareness of STEM roles within AstraZeneca, and the different entry routes (apprenticeships, university placements, graduate schemes).

• Application and development of STEM knowledge and skills whilst learning new concepts, solving problems, and making decisions.

• Understand expectations in a professional environment and build your network and experience.

What we wont cover

Drug discovery

Mechanisms of drug action in the body

Designing or conducting clinical trials

Biology/Pharmacy/DMPK/Clinical Trials operations/Chemical Engineering

Programme information

AstraZeneca has an exciting opportunity for 2 x one-week unpaid work experience placements based at our Macclesfield site. The placement dates are as follows:

Monday 6th July to Friday 10th July 2026

Monday 13th July to Friday 17th July 2026

Please indicate your preferred week when making your application.

Working hours will be 9 am to 4 pm*

(* Monday will be 8:30 am start to allow time to register with reception).

Who can apply?

To be eligible for this programme, you must:

Be in year 12 (or equivalent) at the time of application

Be studying A-level chemistry

Be motivated to pursue a STEM-related career

How to apply?

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

Applications will close on 15th February 2026

#Earlytalent

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.