Level 6 Laboratory Scientist Degree Apprenticeship- QC & Microbiology

Level 6 Laboratory Science Degree Apprenticeship – QC & Microbiology

Macclesfield, UK

Starting base salary of £24,570+ 11% benefits fund + bonus

At AstraZeneca, we put patients first and strive to meet their unmet needs worldwide.

We aredeeply committed to our strategy of beinga great placeto work. For us, that includes fostering an environment where everyone can be among inclusive, supportive individuals with curious minds.

A company that genuinely follows the science and values individuals at all levels,you willbe backed and encouraged to speak up, ask questions, and share ideas to push the boundaries of science and continuously learn and explore.

Make the start of your journey a life changing one

As part of our Early Talent Programme,you willbe involved in projects and learning opportunities that have real impact from day one.

Being part of our journey and helping us to provide life changing medicine to patients all over the world and transform lives for the better. Making important contributions and embracing our values to deliver on our purpose. Because regardless of role or level, we all have an important part to play in making a positive difference.

Macclesfield

The Macclesfield Campus is an essential part of AstraZeneca’s UK Operation and the 2nd largest operational site within the company’s global network. It is approx. 100 acres with around 4500 people working on site. The site is unique in the AstraZeneca network having Operations, R&D, G&A,ITand others on its site.

We are offering Laboratory Scientist Apprenticeships within the QC, QA or PT&D Microbiology areas. You'll be working with scientists across different lab teams and production facilities to undertake development microbiological testing of raw materials, water systems and finished products. Our teams partner closely with manufacturing to provide timely data, technical insight, and compliance support that keeps operations running safely and to exacting standards.

Within QC Microbiology, you will gain exposure to three core areas:

• Process Assurance
  :
  Collection, trending, and interpretation of environmental monitoring data across manufacturing areas—supporting contamination control, aseptic assurance, and timely investigation input.

• Product Quality
  :
  Execution of routine microbiological assays on raw materials, in-process samples, water, and finished products—including bioburden, endotoxin, water activity, and sterility testing—ensuring batches meet specifications prior to release.

• Water, Support, and Identification (WSI):
  Monitoring and qualification of site water systems against quality requirements, microbial identification of isolates using multiple technologies, and provision of sterile equipment and media to enable environmental monitoring and product testing.

Quality control is our top priority. As a QC Microbiology apprentice, you will develop hands‑on laboratory skills, understand GMP and data integrity principles, and contribute to the reliable delivery of results that underpin product release decisions and support the wider manufacturing teams.

• Structured & consistent
  :
  You enjoy a predictable workday with clear procedures, set schedules, and defined quality standards.

• Detail-focused
  :
  You take pride in repeating tasks to the same high standard, spotting anomalies, and preventing errors.

• Process-minded
  :
  You are comfortable with checklists, version-controlled SOPs, and standardized documentation.

This is a hands‑on quality role, ideal for someone who values routine and precision. You’ll perform recurring QC tests, follow established SOPs, and document results in accordance with regulatory requirements. Success in this role comes from consistency, attention to detail, and dependable execution. If you find satisfaction in delivering the same high‑quality outputs day after day—and improving them through small, compliant refinements—this role will suit you.

AstraZeneca will sponsor you through a BSc Degree in Applied Biosciences with Manchester Metropolitan University https://sk

The apprenticeship combines working, earning a full‑time salary, with fully funded part‑time university learning…