Description

We are looking for a highly motivated scientist to join the protein sciences and structural biology teams 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 X ray crystallography, recombinant protein expression and purification to name a few.

Qualification Requirements
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.

Salary - £21,000 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

• 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 mid 2027 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.

Duration - 60 months

Start Date - 7th September 2026

Interview Date - TBC 2026

Closing Date for Applications - 9th April

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 recruitment@cogentskills.com 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

In this apprenticeship, you will support laboratory-based activities across protein sciences and structural biology. Working under the guidance of experienced scientists, you will learn and assist with a range of techniques including:

• DNA construct design and molecular biology workflows

• Recombinant protein expression and purification in different host systems (e.g., bacteria, mammalian or insect cells) for a variety of different protein classes

• Protein biophysical experiments and analyses (Mass Spectroscopy, Dynamic Light Scattering, Thermal Shift Assay)

• Structural determination using X ray crystallography and computational methods (homology modelling, AlphaFold)

You will design and execute well-structured scientific experiments that support ongoing research projects, ensuring high quality data generation and accurate documentation. You will analyse, interpret, and evaluate experimental results, and communicate findings clearly in both written reports and oral presentations to multidisciplinary teams.

As part of the role, you will plan and prioritise your workload effectively and apply creative thinking and problem solving skills to optimise workflows and contribute to scientific innovation.

This apprenticeship is an excellent opportunity to gain hands on experience, develop strong technical skills, and build a foundation for a future career in science.

Candidate Requirements

Personal Qualities

• 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: The training for this apprenticeship will be delivered 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.