Main Description
We are seeking motivated and enthusiastic individuals to join our team as an Apprentice in Inflammatory Dermatology. This role will provide you with hands-on experience in the laboratory with exposure to cutting-edge technologies, and the chance to work closely to support the progression of projects to drug candidate selection.
| Qualifications required | 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 | £18,500 Annual salary review. Apprenticeship programme has a salary structure with annual increases subject to progress on the apprenticeship and performance in the work place. |
| Holiday Entitlement | 28 days holiday plus 8 bank holidays |
| Benefits | Employee assist programme Gym membership discounts Onsite canteen On-site parking |
| Location | Slough |
| Working hours | Monday to Friday – 9am to 5.30pm (one hour unpaid lunch) |
| Duration | 5 years |
| Start date | September 2024 (open to starting sooner if available) |
| Interview Date | One way video interviews once the vacancy closes, shortlisted candidate will be invited to face to face interviews on week commencing 27th May |
| Closing date for applications | 15th May |
| To apply | To apply, fill in your information in the online form below. If you are having difficulty in completing this, please contact recruitment on [email protected] for assistance. |
| Next Steps | Once the position has closed, shortlisted candidates will be invited via email to a one way video interview, you will have 3 days to complete it. |
JOB DESCIRPTION
The Inflammatory Dermatology Group is a dynamic and innovative team dedicated to advancing research, and treatments, in the field of immunology and inflammatory skin conditions. As an apprentice, you’ll have the opportunity to learn from experienced professionals, contribute to the development of patient therapeutics, and grow essential skills in the pharmaceutical industry.
The candidate will learn about the progression of drug molecules in research development. The role will involve building an understanding and implementation of experimental design and laboratory techniques required to generate and analyse data in the drug discovery process. You will work to support a variety of projects, utilising a range of in vitro, and ex vivo assays, alongside developing skills in in vivo experimental procedures and design. These skills enable the development of novel therapeutics, investigating mechanisms of action and identifying novel therapeutic axes. The role will expand the apprentice’s knowledge in human biology, pathological mechanistic modelling, with focus on dermatology and immunology in health and disease. Alongside the development of academic knowledge, the candidate will learn, optimise and apply key techniques involved in the drug discovery process including, but not limited to;
- experimental design,
- cell and tissue culture,
- flow cytometry,
- protein quantification,
- gene and imaging analysis, and
- data interpretation.
Experimental analysis will utilise relevant statistical analysis when required and, where necessary, will be presented and disseminated in meetings. All work will comply within legal and ethical framework maintaining compliance to record keeping, data integrity, traceability and confidentiality.
As well as working with colleagues in the inflammatory dermatology department, the role will also allow close collaboration with colleagues in different departments, allowing you to gain wider industry knowledge.
You will receive training in all techniques and data analysis with your own supervisor and a mentor to provide help and advice during your time at UCB. In addition, you will complete training and exams to obtain a Home Office personal licence for in vivo work. You will receive support to complete this training. This represents a great opportunity to work in laboratories in the pharmaceutical industry at the forefront of drug discovery.
ABOUT UCB
UCB’s UK site is located Slough, Berkshire where it houses the immunology research hub and the head office for the UK commercial organisation. There are three buildings on the Slough site, housing around 600 staff.
Background:
- UCB was founded in 1928 and was originally a chemicals manufacturer with a separate pharmaceuticals division.
- In 2004, UCB acquired Celltech, the UK’s leading biotechnology company, which brought expertise in antibody-based drug discovery to the company.
- Schwarz Pharma was acquired in 2007, bringing its own portfolio of neurology and urology products
The research hub in Belgium concentrates on CNS therapies while the UK research focus is on immunology. Here, UCB is researching drugs for conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus and osteoporosis. The site is renowned for its capabilities in antibody-based drug discovery and early development
UCB now focuses on severe diseases within immunology and CNS
UCB is active in a number of therapy areas including epilepsy, movement disorders, rheumatoid arthritis and allergy.
UCB is a top five investor in UK pharmaceutical R&D*, investing over £230 million in 2010
Globally UCB invests more than 20% of its sales revenue into R&D
In the UK, UCB’s R&D, Commercial and Corporate functions are located in Slough, Berkshire
UCB employs around 600 staff in the UK, of whom about 400 are engaged in research and development activities
The company supplies over 40 UK-approved medicines.
CANDIDATE REQUIREMENTS
Skills required
- Good written and oral communication skills
- Ability to multitask and manage time effectively.
- Creative thinking and problem-solving skills
- Good numerical and IT skills
Personal qualities
- Attention to detail
- Demonstrates reliability and integrity
- Highly motivated and driven to develop oneself autonomously
- A teamworker, considerate to members of team and wider organisation
- Enthusiasm
TRAINING TO BE DELIVERED
Apprenticeship Standard: Level 6 Laboratory Scientist
Qualification being delivered: BSc Applied BioScience
Training Provider: University of Kent
Delivery model: Distance learning one day a week
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 CONSIDER
- 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.
- The work pattern involves day and shift working dependent upon the needs of the business.
