Biology laboratory scientist degree apprenticeship - Vertex Pharmaceuticals Vertex

This role will involve working to support our high throughput biology team where we look to discover small molecules that correct disease biology, understand how they are working and optimise them towards drugs. The role will entail the understanding and use of proteins and cell-types that drive disease biology.

5 GCSEs (or equivalent) grade A*-C (4-9) Inc Maths, English and Science

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

£20,000 per annum

• Holiday Allowance - 28 Days Holiday Allowance, plus Bank Holidays
• Pension - Employee 5%, Employer 3%
• Employee assistance programme
• Onsite parking
• Onsite Canteen
• Days off for volunteering
• Employee recognition awards

Location - 86-88 Jubilee Avenue, Milton Park, Abingdon, Oxfordshire, OX14 4RW
, UK

Working Hours
Monday to Friday, 08:30am – 17:30pm with a 1 hour unpaid lunch break.

Flexible hours / working available

Duration - 5 years

Start Date - September 2026

Interview Date - April 2026

Closing Date for Applications - 24th March 2026

To apply, please click the Apply Now button and complete the form. If you are having difficulty in completing this, please contact recruitment on  for assistance

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

The Laboratory Scientist Apprenticeship will be embedded within our Biology Department where we undertake research to discover therapies for serious diseases. The successful apprentice will need a character that is reliable and diligent, taking responsibility for the quality and accuracy of the work undertaken.

The role will involve working within our dynamic Integrative Biology team. We use state-of-the-art biological techniques to discover small molecules that could correct disease biology, and understand how the molecules are working to optimise them towards drugs.

• The role will entail the use of cutting edge scientific equipment to measure disease protein or cells and robotic automation to enable sample management and reagent preparation.

• You will be imbedded within a wider organisation that is dedicated to drug discovery and benefit from the passion and knowledge of your colleagues. Regular discussions, talks and presentations from within and outside of the organisation will allow you to learn about and understand disease biology, the drug discovery process and how medicines work.

Understanding and working to strict safety and ethical guidelines is paramount to this role. The apprentice will be expected to work both individually and as part of a laboratory team. With appropriate time, training and experience, they will be able to work with minimum supervision, taking responsibility for the quality, accuracy and recording of the work that is undertaken. They will be proactive in finding solutions to problems and helping identify ways to improve processes.

• Prepare for and perform laboratory tasks using the appropriate scientific techniques, procedures and methods relevant to the activities of the laboratory
• Apply knowledge of underlying scientific principles in laboratory-based experimentation and implement new processes according to the literature or input from colleagues
• Demonstrate and explain the principles of laboratory techniques and scientific experimentation to contribute to the development of scientific technical projects
• Develop and apply a theoretical knowledge of the advanced science and technology required to progress in the job role and relevant area of specialism
• Understand the business environment in which the company operates including personal role within the organisation, ethical practice and codes of conduct
• Work safely within a laboratory environment,
• maintaining excellent housekeeping whilst following appropriate safety, environment and risk management systems
• Promote and ensure the application of quality standards relevant to the workplace
• Work autonomously to analyse, interpret and evaluate scientific data and present the results of laboratory work and problem solving clearly and concisely in written and oral form
• Undertake continuous performance improvement within the scientific and technical environment
• Use creative thinking and problem solving to challenge assumptions, innovate, make new proposals and build on existing ideas
• Plan and prioritise tasks, review and evaluate progress against objectives and investigate alternative scenarios
• Communicate effectively using a full range of skills: speaking to a scientific and non-scientific audience, active listening, professional writing, professional body language, scientific presentation
• Demonstrate reliability, integrity and respect for confidentiality on work related and personal matters, including…