BioScientist Degree Apprenticeship Level 6

Notjustlabcoats; Windlesham; Hybrid; GBP 21,000 - GBP 25,000; Full time

Job summary

A global biopharmaceutical company is seeking a highly motivated scientist to join their Early Solutions department. This role involves laboratory-based tasks such as sampling, testing, and analysing results using advanced scientific techniques, including mammalian cell culture. Candidates should possess strong communication skills, attention to detail, and relevant qualifications. The position provides a competitive salary and opportunities for personal development within a cutting-edge research environment.

Benefits

28 Days Holiday Allowance

Pension Scheme

Casual Dress

Employee assistance programme

Onsite parking

Onsite Canteen

Gym membership

Paid sick leave

Days off for volunteering

Employee recognition / Aspire award

Qualifications

• 5 GCSEs (or equivalent) grade A*-C (4-9) including Maths, English and Science.
• A minimum of 80 UCAS points from 2 A-level subjects including Chemistry or Biology.

Responsibilities

• Design and perform well-structured experiments to generate reliable data.
• Record all laboratory work to agreed standards.
• Interpret and present results clearly in team meetings.

Skills

Good written and oral communication skills

Problem solving skills

Good numerical and IT skills

Attention to detail

Multitasking

Education

BSc BioScience

Job description

UCB are looking for a highly motivated scientist to join the Early Solutions department at UCB’s UK Discovery Research Hub. You will be responsible for laboratory‑based tasks, which include sampling, testing, measuring, recording and analysing results. Techniques will include mammalian cell culture, cell transfection, PBMC and tissue preparation.

• 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 either Chemistry or Biology (or equivalent, e.g. BTEC) and an additional Science or Maths.

Salary - £21,000 per annum

• Holiday Allowance - 28 Days Holiday Allowance, plus Bank Holidays
• Pension - Employee 5%, Employer 3%
• Casual Dress
• Employee assistance programme
• Onsite parking
• Onsite Canteen
• Gym membership
• Paid sick leave 10 paid days per year once probationary period is completed
• Days off for volunteering – 1 day per year
• Employee recognition / Aspire award

Location - 208 Bath Rd, Slough SL1 3WE until late 2026 where UCB will move to new site Sunninghill Road, Windlesham, Surrey, GU20 6PP

Working Hours
Monday to Friday, 09:00am – 17:30pm with a 1 hour unpaid lunch break.

Flexible working hours, 10am – 15:30pm core hours with remaining hours made up around these times

Work from home, 40% onsite minimum requirement.

Duration - 60 months

Start Date - September 2026

Interview Date - To be confirmed

Closing Date for Applications - 4th March 2026

To Apply

To apply, please complete the form. If you are having difficulty in completing this, please contact recruitment on [e-mail] 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.

Job Description

UCB are currently looking for highly motivated scientists to join the Early Solutions department at UCB’s UK Discovery Research Hub in Slough. Working within the Target Validation and Tractability Department you will be part of a team of scientists working on our early pipeline targets. You will be responsible for laboratory‑based tasks using a range of cutting‑edge scientific technologies to support therapeutic projects and technology development. 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.

Specific duties and responsibilities:

You will be responsible for laboratory‑based tasks to support new target proposals and new target discovery, with techniques including mammalian cell culture, cell transfection, PBMC and tissue preparation, biochemical and cell‑based binding assays, molecular biology and DNA manipulation. You will work autonomously to carry out relevant scientific experiments supporting various projects, and you will analyse, interpret and evaluate scientific data generated and present results clearly in written and oral form to the multidisciplinary teams. You will autonomously plan and prioritise your tasks and use creative thinking and problem solving, in addition to reading literature and input from colleagues to challenge assumptions, innovate, and build on the existing knowledge and scientific techniques within the team.

Job Responsibilities

• Design and perform well‑structured experiments to generate reliable data for scientific investigations.
• Execute tasks accurately, following established methodologies and safety procedures.
• Record all laboratory work to agreed standards and maintain compliance with regulatory requirements.
• Interpret, analyse, and present results clearly in team meetings and to diverse audiences.
• Manage time effectively to plan and deliver work to schedule.

Expanded Duties

• Develop and manage collaborative workplans to achieve project outcomes.
• Evaluate, select, and troubleshoot scientific equipment and analytical tools.
• Critically assess and integrate data from multiple sources to draw robust conclusions.
• Identify and resolve technical problems, applying scientific knowledge for continuous improvement.
• Engage with stakeholders, providing technical advice and sharing best practices across teams.
• Keep up to date with technological advances and sustainable working practices.
• Design and lead complex biology‑based investigations and projects, considering environmental and sustainability factors.

Candidate Requirements

• Good written and oral communication skills
• Good ability to multitask
• Problem solving skills
• Good numerical and IT skills
• Attention to detail
• Team worker and considerate to members of team and wider organisation
• Highly motivated and drive to develop oneself
• Demonstrates reliability and integrity
• Enthusiasm

Training To Be Delivered

Qualification to be delivered: BSc BioScience

Apprenticeship Standard: Scientist

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 professional environment and must therefore adhere to site dress code procedures
• All applications to be made through Apprenticeship vacancies. Do not contact the employer

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.