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GlaxoSmithKline
Join GSK’s Laboratory Science Chemistry Degree Apprenticeship Programme – UK, 2025: Help us get ahead of disease together and earn while you learn
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.
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.
Education required:
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.
Language requirement: Written and spoken fluency in English.
Location: You will be based at Stevenage. You 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.
Expected Start date: September 2025.
Duration: 4 years.
Application deadline: We recommend you apply as soon as possible. We will close this vacancy when we have enough applications, so please apply as soon as you can so your application can be considered.
Assessment centre date: March 2025.
We want you to feel truly motivated and passionate about the Apprenticeship you choose. Take the time to research thoroughly before applying, as you’ll need to show us why this role is the role for you. Wishing you the best of luck with your application!
Are you looking to gain a head start in your career where you can help positively impact the health of billions of people? Apply for the Stevenage Apprenticeship programme at GSK today!
We are looking for motivated individuals with a willingness and enthusiasm to learn about the early-stage drug discovery process:
This opportunity at GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) is ideal for individuals passionate about Analytical Chemistry and the drug discovery process. We are seeking motivated apprentices who is eager to learn and grow within our dynamic team. This apprenticeship offers comprehensive learning experience, allowing you to rotate across various groups within the analytical chemistry department.
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
Ahead together with tailored training and career development
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:
Apprenticeship standard: Laboratory scientist (degree) / Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education
What will you do?
Gain hands-on experience with liquid chromatography, supercritical fluid chromatography, mass spectrometry, and various automation platforms.
Understand the physicochemical properties of compounds, and learn the analytical techniques used to derive data for compound optimization.
Master the art of preparing samples for analysis to ensure accurate and reliable results.
Develop skills in analysing data to troubleshoot and solve complex problems.
Learn the importance of quality control in ensuring the precision and reliability of analytical results.
Rotate across different groups within the analytical chemistry team to gain a broad understanding of various functions, and gain insights across the Research and Development function.
Engage in the analysis and purification of chemical substances.
Collaborate with experienced scientists and contribute to ongoing research projects.
Ensure and champion a safe and compliant workspace by adhering to safety protocols, quality standards and participating in comprehensive safety training.
What do we offer you?
A competitive starting base salary of £20,800 per year, which increases after year 1 to £26,400 (subject to annual review), plus an annual bonus based on company performance.
Relocation Allowance subject to eligibility checks.
Long-term incentives through shared ownership link your rewards to our longer-term performance.
On-the-job experience and training and development opportunities, delivered through a mixture of coaching, mentoring and formal training programs combined with early responsibility to help you to develop and progress.
Kickstart a rewarding career with a nationally recognised qualification.
A Buddy who will help you to prepare for joining GSK and will be there to offer support and guidance throughout your apprenticeship.
If you successfully complete your apprenticeship and demonstrate the qualities we are looking for, you may be offered further opportunity with GSK.
Employee recognition programs, which reward exceptional achievements.
Access to healthcare and well-being programs, savings programs, time off and childcare support.
Eligibility for NUS Extra card providing you with discounts to many high street and online outlets.
Join NxtGen – a socialising and networking group where you can connect with other apprentices internationally.
Let’s do this!
For hints, tips and guidance for getting onto a GSK apprenticeship click here: Apprenticeships | GSK.
Register on our GSK insight and engagement platform GSK Get Ahead – Connectr to learn more about working at GSK, our culture and the application processes.
You can also learn more about GSK apprenticeships here:
Once you've submitted your online application form, you'll need to complete two online assessments prior to the assessment centre stage and as part of this, you'll be asked about your motivation for the role – we’d like to hear about why you applied to this role and your motivation for it in the context of pharmaceutical manufacturing. You will be asked a 2nd question on what strengths, skills or interests you have that will enable you to be successful in this role. Please be as targeted as you can!
Top tip #1: Make sure you save this job description for reference throughout the process, it will really help you prepare for the different stages in your application.
Top tip #2: Don't forget to register on our GSK insight and engagement platform https://gsk.connectr.co.uk/getahead/ to learn more about working at GSK, our culture and our application processes.
Apply now
Please note we will update you regarding your application by the end of February 2025, if you have any questions please contact: UK.EarlyCareers@gsk.com.
Assessment centres for shortlisted candidates will be held between February and April 2025.
We’re 100% open to all talent – whatever your gender, marital status, religion, age, colour, race, sexual orientation, nationality or disability. We want to recruit the right people for GSK from the widest possible backgrounds, so we can better serve the diversity of our patients. And because it’s the right thing to do.
Need help with your application?
Please email us at UK.EarlyCareers@gsk.com and let us know how we can help you.
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Why GSK?
Uniting science, technology and talent to get ahead of disease together.
GSK is a global biopharma company with a special purpose – to unite science, technology and talent to get ahead of disease together – so we can positively impact the health of billions of people and deliver stronger, more sustainable shareholder returns – as an organisation where people can thrive. We prevent and treat disease with vaccines, specialty and general medicines. We focus on the science of the immune system and the use of new platform and data technologies, investing in four core therapeutic areas (infectious diseases, HIV, respiratory/ immunology and oncology).
Our success absolutely depends on our people. While getting ahead of disease together is about our ambition for patients and shareholders, it’s also about making GSK a place where people can thrive. We want GSK to be a place where people feel inspired, encouraged and challenged to be the best they can be. A place where they can be themselves – feeling welcome, valued, and included. Where they can keep growing and look after their wellbeing. So, if you share our ambition, join us at this exciting moment in our journey to get Ahead Together.
As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we are open to all talent. In the US, we also adhere to Affirmative Action principles. This ensures that all qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment without regard to neurodiversity, race/ethnicity, colour, national origin, religion, gender, pregnancy, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, age, disability, genetic information, military service, covered/protected veteran status or any other federal, state or local protected class*(*US only).
We believe in an agile working culture for all our roles. If flexibility is important to you, we encourage you to explore with our hiring team what the opportunities are.
Please don’t hesitate to contact us if you’d like to discuss any reasonable adjustments to our process which might help you demonstrate your strengths and capabilities.
For UK Intern roles (including Industrial Placements) you can either call us on 01582 692870, or send an email uk.InternRecruitment@gsk.com
For UK Apprentice and Graduate Programme roles you can either call us on 0203 862 2277, or send an email uk.EarlyCareers@gsk.com
As you apply, we will ask you to share some personal information which is entirely voluntary. We want to have an opportunity to consider a diverse pool of qualified candidates and this information will assist us in meeting that objective and in understanding how well we are doing against our inclusion and diversity ambitions. We would really appreciate it if you could take a few moments to complete it. Rest assured, Hiring Managers do not have access to this information and we will treat your information confidentially.
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