Associate scientist graduate placement - UCB

We are looking for a highly motivated graduate scientist to join the Microbial team within the BioTech Sciences department at UCB’s UK Research and Development Hub in Slough. As part of the upstream microbial team, you will contribute to the development of processes for the production of novel protein-based therapeutics addressing areas of unmet patient need.

You will carry out laboratory based activities using a range of cutting-edge scientific technologies. You will receive training in relevant techniques and have a dedicated mentor to provide guidance and support throughout the programme. You will also contribute to the effective operation of the laboratory while following established procedures and health and safety requirements.

This is an excellent opportunity to gain hands-on experience in industry-leading laboratories and contribute to the development of new medicines.

Qualification Requirements
You must have graduated with a degree in one of the following disciplines or similar to be considered for this role:

• Biochemistry

• Biotechnology

• Biology/Biological Science

• Chemical/ Biochemical Engineering

• Pharmaceutical Science

• Chemistry

• Genetics

Salary - £28,000 per annum

Benefits

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

Location - UCB, 638 Ajax Avenue, Slough, SL1 4BG. UCB is expected to relocate to Sunninghill Road, Windlesham, Surrey, GU20 6PP in the first half of 2028.

Working Hours
37.5 hours Monday to Friday, 9:00am – 17:30pm with 1 hour unpaid lunch break.

Duration - 1 year

Start Date - 14th December 2026

Interview Date - Week commencing Monday 23rd November 2026

Closing Date for Applications - 12th November 2026

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

Job Description

You will work within a multidisciplinary team, collaborating with upstream and downstream process scientists and analytical scientists. You will apply your scientific or engineering knowledge to support process development and optimisation for early-stage clinical projects, as well as late-stage and lifecycle activities.

Your work may include process development and troubleshooting, investigating cellular responses to process conditions, assessing potential effects on product quality, and evaluating process scalability.

This is a hands-on laboratory role working with bioreactors from bench to pilot scale (250mL to 20L). You will also gain experience in Quality by Design (QbD) and Design of Experiments (DoE) approaches for process understanding and optimisation.

As you develop in the role, you will take responsibility for planning experimental activities, analysing and interpreting laboratory data, and communicating results to project leaders and team members. You will also maintain accurate and traceable records of your work in accordance with relevant laboratory procedures.

Candidate Requirements

Skills/Personal Qualities

• Great communication and interpersonal skills

• Ability to work effectively in a multi-functional team

• Strong organisational skills and attention to detail

• Curious and eager to learn

• Problem-solving and analytical skills

• Proactive and willing to take initiative

Things To Be Considered

Please ensure that you are willing and able to live within commutable distance of the company site before applying. This placement is located in Slough Cogent Skills Placements Service are managing the recruitment for this placement at our client's request, therefore we ask that applications are made through our website please. Please do not contact the Company directly.

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.

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