Laboratory Scientist Apprenticeship – UCB
Qualification Requirements
• 5 GCSEs (or equivalent) grade A*-C (4-9) Inc Maths, English and Science, and
• You must have gained a minimum of 80 UCAS points from a minimum of 2 A-level subjects including Biology (or equivalent, e.g. BTEC) and an additional Science or Maths.
Salary – £19,300 per annum
Benefits
- Holiday Allowance – 28 Days Holiday Allowance, plus 8 Bank Holidays
- Pension – Employee 5%, Employer 3%
- Casual Dress
- Discount schemes
- Employee assistance programme
- Onsite parking
- Onsite Canteen
- Paid sick leave once out of probation
- Days off for volunteering
Location –
Currently: UCB Biopharma UK,216 Bath Road, Slough, Berkshire, SL1 3WE
Moving soon to:
Sunninghill Road, Windlesham, Surrey, GU20 6PP
Working Hours
Monday to Friday 9:00am – 17:30pm with 1 hour unpaid lunch break.
Duration – 5 years
Start Date – September 2025
Interview Date – June 2025
Closing Date for Applications – 15th May 2025
To Apply
To apply, please click the Apply Now button and complete the form. If you are having difficulty in completing this, please contact recruitment on [email protected] for assistance
Next Steps
Successful candidates will be progressed to a one way video interview, invites will be sent via email.
The video interview will be reviewed by the Hiring Manager along with your application form to decide who is brought through to the final interview.
Job Description
We are currently looking for highly motivated young scientists to join the Antibody Discovery and Optimisation department at UCB’s UK Discovery Research Hub in Slough. Working in the Single B cell Antibody Discovery group, you will be responsible for laboratory-based tasks supporting therapeutic projects and technology development. Using a range of cutting-edge scientific technologies, you will help enable the laboratory to function effectively while adhering to correct procedures and health and safety guidelines. You will receive training in all techniques and will have your own mentor to provide help and advice during your time at UCB. This represents a great opportunity to work in industry-leading laboratories at the cutting edge of drug discovery.
Job Responsibilities
You will be responsible for laboratory-based tasks, which includes designing and running experiments, analysing data. The role will have an emphasis on laboratory automation, to support antibody drug discovery. Techniques will include molecular biology, cell culture, high-throughput screening, as well as maintenance, programming and operation of advanced laboratory automation equipment.
Tasks typically involve:
• Use of specialised software and scripting to control and troubleshoot automated liquid handlers and integrated robotic systems
• Keeping up to date with technical developments, especially those which can save time and improve reliability
• Performing experiments accurately to produce data and support scientific investigations
• Analysing and recording experimental data to the agreed standards
• Helping interpret and present results in collaboration with other colleagues
Following and ensuring strict safety procedures and safety checks.
Candidate Requirements
Skills required
- Good written and oral communication skills
- Ability to deliver assignments to timelines
- Problem solving skills
- Good numerical and IT skills
Personal Qualities
- Highly motivated
- Scientific curiosity and will to learn
- Focused and with good attention to detail
- Demonstrates reliability and integrity
- A team worker and considerate to members of team and wider organisation
Training To Be Delivered
Qualification to be delivered: Applied BioScience BSc
Apprenticeship Standard: Level 6
Training Provider: University of Kent
Delivery model: Online
Future Prospects
Upon successful completion of the apprenticeship, you will be eligible to apply for other positions within the business. The training will expose the apprentice to a wide range of skills and competencies which would make them well placed for further study or suitable for many job opportunities in the life sciences sector.
Things To Be Considered
- Please ensure that you currently live within or can relocate to a commutable distance of the site
- The individual will be working within a laboratory environment and must therefore adhere to site dress code procedures and personal hygiene standards during testing activities (e.g. correct use of PPE such as laboratory coats and glasses; and removal of all jewellery and make-up upon entry into controlled clean room areas).
- The individual will be required to handle hazardous materials (e.g. chemicals, microorganisms) and so must adhere to the relevant procedures.
About UCB
UCB is a global biopharmaceutical company, with a focus on neurology and immunology.
UCB’s ambition is to transform the lives of people living with severe diseases. We focus on neurology and immunology disorders – putting patients at the centre of our world. We are Inspired by Patients,. Driven by Science and are now more than 9000 people in all four corners of the globe.
Our medicines treat millions of people around the world, and we are engaging with patients, their families and healthcare professionals to address their unmet needs. We want to enhance our understanding of disease and the real-life experiences of patients so that our teams can deliver the right drug and the right care to the right patient.
UCB is continuously working to advance science and embrace new knowledge. We are leveraging scientific advances and skills in areas such as genetics, biomarkers and human biology. Patients inspire us to bring them value through cutting-edge science, innovative treatments, and practical solutions – so that they and their carers can get on with their lives
About this role
Tom Bretherton
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