Research and Development (R&D) Graduate programme – Chemistry – UK Location: Cambridge Salary: £35,600 plus benefits Overview Are you ready to take your career to the next level? The AstraZeneca Research & Development (R&D) Chemistry Graduate Programme is your gateway to a future in groundbreaking scientific research and drug development. If you hold a Chemistry focussed bachelor’s or master’s degree and are eager to unleash your scientific potential, this is your opportunity to work at the forefront of innovation and make a real-world impact. About AstraZeneca AstraZeneca is a global, science-led, patient-focused biopharmaceutical company dedicated to the discovery, development, and commercialization of prescription medicines for some of the world’s most serious diseases. We genuinely follow the science and value individuals at all levels, encouraging continuous learning and exploration to unlock the power of what science can do. About the opportunity: The AstraZeneca R&D Chemistry Graduate Programme is a two-year opportunity for graduates seeking a unique chance to accelerate their careers. Through three eight-month placements, you'll gain hands-on experience in drug discovery and development, working across various functions and therapy areas. You’ll develop technical skills, expand your scientific knowledge, and receive mentorship from industry experts. Programme Details Start Date: September 2026 Duration: 2 years Structure: Three individual eight-month placements Focus Areas: Organic synthetic chemistry, formulation, analytical chemistry, and computational modelling Location: You will be based in Cambridge throughout the 2-year duration. No international placements are offered. What You’ll Gain Hands-On Experience: Engage in diverse R&D projects and gain insights into drug discovery and development. Professional Growth: Receive mentorship and support from a dedicated management team and expand your network with industry experts. Skill Development: Enhance your technical skills and knowledge across various scientific disciplines and stages of the drug discovery process. Requirements Education: Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Chemistry (2:1 UK), awarded in 2025 or before September 2026. Knowledge: Strong understanding of organic synthesis. Skills: Proactive problem-solving, critical thinking, excellent planning, organizational and time management abilities. Attributes: Passionate about drug discovery, team-focused, and driven to make a difference. Placement Details Lab-Based Placements: Opportunities focused on organic synthetic chemistry, formulation, and analytical chemistry. There are also in silico opportunities which involve the computational modelling and design of new compounds as well as wider opportunities across the R&D organization. Flexibility: Various placements to choose from, with at least one lab-based placement required. Post-Programme Opportunities Approximately 50% of graduates pursue a PhD, while others seek roles within AstraZeneca or elsewhere. Where will your journey take you? What's Next? Assessment: After submitting your application, you may be invited to complete an online assessment (SHL). Shortlisted candidates will be invited to a full-day virtual assessment day. Key Dates Advert Opens: Monday 8 December 2025 Advert Closes: Sunday 4 January 2026 Assessment Centre Days: Tuesday 10, Wednesday 11 & Thursday 12 March 2026 (no additional dates available) Are you ready to bring your skills, drive, and curiosity to our projects? We’d love to hear from you! Find Out More Are you curious about what it’s like to work at AstraZeneca? Learn more here: https://careers.astrazeneca.com/life-at-astrazeneca Learn more about the programme: https://careers.astrazeneca.com/r-and-d-graduate-programme Date Posted 08-Dec-2025 Closing Date 04-Jan-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. AstraZeneca is a global, science-led, patient-focused biopharmaceutical company. We focus on discovering, developing and commercialising prescription medicines for some of the world’s most serious diseases. Regardless of role or level, we’re all connected by our purpose and drive to impact patients’ lives. As part of our Early Talent Programmes, you’ll play an integral part in living our values and helping us to deliver on this shared ambition. Our Inclusion & Diversity (I&D) mission is to create an inclusive and equitable environment where people belong, using the power of our diversity to push the boundaries of science to deliver life-changing medicines to patients. Inclusion and diversity are fundamental to the success of our company, because innovation requires breakthrough ideas that only come from a diverse workforce empowered to challenge conventional thinking. We’re curious about science and the advancement of knowledge. We find creative ways to approach new challenges. We’re driven to make the right choices and be accountable for our actions. As an organisation centred around what makes us human, we put a big focus on people. Across our business, we want colleagues to wake up excited about their day at the office, in the field, or in the lab. Along with our purpose to bring life-changing medicines to people across the globe, we have a promise to you: to help you realise the full breadth of your potential. Here, you’ll do work that has the potential to change your life and improve countless others. And, together with your team, you’ll shape a culture that unites and inspires us every day. This is your life at AstraZeneca.