About AstraZeneca AstraZeneca is a global, science-led biopharmaceutical business and its innovative medicines are used by millions of patients worldwide. AstraZeneca has long been an advocate of student work placement training. These placements 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. At AstraZeneca, you will engage in meaningful work within a pioneering research and development organization. This placement 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. Introduction to role Are you ready to make a difference in the lives of patients around the world? Join our Macclesfield Quality Assurance (QA) Department, where we are Always Advancing, Always Ahead. Our mission is to ensure that every product we deliver is safe, effective, and fit for use by patients globally. Within the QA department, you’ll find: Our Quality Control (QC) team, a dynamic and diverse group of highly skilled professionals dedicated to excellence. Operating in a fast-paced, collaborative environment, the QC team plays a critical role in safeguarding product quality. They conduct detailed analysis of raw materials, finished products, and monitor the manufacturing facilities on site at Macclesfield. Our state-of-the-art Microbiological and Analytical Chemistry laboratories are co-located under one roof, creating a hub of scientific expertise. Together, 9 specialist teams provide exceptional analytical services, ensuring we meet the highest standards of patient safety and regulatory compliance. Our Quality Assurance (QA) Sampling and Archive team ensure the highest of standards in our incoming raw materials and the safe keeping of our essential GMP documentation. These internships offer the opportunity to work alongside industry-leading experts, gain hands-on experience in quality assurance, and contribute to delivering life-changing medicines. If you’re passionate about science, thrive in a fast-paced environment, and want to be part of a team dedicated to making a difference, we’d love to hear from you What can we offer you? 10-12 week summer placement positions are available in QA and QC teams at our Macclesfield site in Cheshire. There are a variety of areas offering placements with the following responsibilities and accountabilities: Quality Assurance Support Officer – This role has a very practical emphasis on drug sampling, drug archiving and package components testing. The role will be based predominantly in our Site Archive and QA Sampling Facility and ensure the drugs manufactured at the site are safe for consumption and comply with industry standards. Quality Control Technician- This role is lab based in either an analytical chemistry or microbiology QC lab. The quality control of our finished products is our top priority. Our chemistry lab technicians perform a range of analytical chemistry tests (FTIR, HPLC analysis, Thin layer chromatography, Dissolution) on finished products to ensure they meet our exacting quality standards before allowing them to be released. Our Microbiology teams play a key role in supporting pharmaceutical manufacturing by ensuring product and process quality: The Process Assurance team collects and interprets environmental monitoring data. The Product Quality team conducts microbiological tests on raw materials, water, and finished products, including bioburden, endotoxin, and sterility testing. The Water, Support, and ID team monitors our site-wide water quality, identifies microbial isolates using advanced technology. Applications will be open until 19th February. This placement will start 09/06/2025 - 29/08/2025 and you can expect to hear from us by the end of March 2025. Date Posted 05-Feb-2025 Closing Date 19-Feb-2025 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.