Job Description
Location of role Oxford, UK
Department CMC
Key Responsibilities Supporting the development of Freeze-Dried Formulations for High-Concentration ImmTAX Molecules
Purpose of the role
This internship offers an excellent opportunity for a Year-in-Industry student to gain practical experience in biopharmaceutical formulation development, with a strong focus on lyophilisation (freeze-drying). The intern will work within Immunocore’s formulation development team to support experimental studies aimed at improving the stability and shelf-life of protein-based therapeutics developed using our ImmTAX platform.
Immunocore is a biotechnology company pioneering T cell receptor (TCR) technology to treat serious diseases, including oncology. infectious diseases, and autoimmune conditions. Our ImmTAX molecules are engineered to guide T cells to recognise and eliminate diseased cells that may otherwise escape immune detection. As with other biologics, a suitable formulation is essential to ensure these molecules remain physically, colloidally, and chemically stable throughout manufacturing and storage, allowing the full therapeutic benefit to reach patients.
While liquid formulations are commonly used for biologics, they can present significant challenges—particularly for high-concentration products, where proteins are inherently marginally stable and prone to aggregation, viscosity-related issues, and chemical degradation. These challenges can impact manufacturing, supply chain logistics, and patient delivery, especially when shelf-life is short or cold-chain storage is required.
When liquid formulations are not suitable, freeze-drying (lyophilisation) offers an alternative approach to preserve molecular integrity and improve long-term stability. This process involves freezing the product and removing water as vapour by sublimation, helping maintain the structure and activity of sensitive proteins while enabling more flexible storage conditions.
Over recent years, Immunocore has expanded its formulation toolkit and established in-house lyophilisation capabilities, providing the infrastructure needed to explore alternatives to liquid formulations for molecules that present stability challenges. The intern will contribute to these efforts by supporting the optimisation of freeze-drying processes, excipient screening, and stability studies.
This placement will provide the intern with a solid foundation in fundamental lab work such molar calculations, pH, UV-spectroscopy, osmolality and conductivity measurements that will set them up for future studies and careers within science. The intern will also gain hands-on experience in formulation science and exposure to advanced analytical techniques such as freeze-drying microscopy, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and impedance profiling (Lyotherm 3), and valuable insight into the biopharmaceutical development process. It will also offer a deeper understanding of the complexities involved in stabilising biologics and demonstrate how formulation strategies influence therapeutic performance, manufacturing feasibility, and patient delivery systems.
Key Responsibilities
Experimental Support
Prepare samples for freeze-drying and assist in running freeze-drying cycles.
Support excipient screening and stability studies for freeze-dried formulations.
Participate in early-stage formulation development and stability studies.
Data Analysis & Documentation
Record observations accurately in laboratory notebooks following company procedures.
Analyse experimental data and prepare summaries for internal reports and presentations.
Technical Learning & Collaboration
Gain understanding of lyophilisation principles, formulation strategies, and protein stability challenges.
Work closely with formulation scientists and CMC teams to learn about integrated development processes.
Compliance & Safety
Operate laboratory equipment in accordance with safety guidelines.
Follow company Health and Safety policies at all times, especially within a laboratory environment.
Education & Qualifications
Currently enrolled in a Bachelor’s degree program and seeking a Year-in-Industry placement in one of the following disciplines:
Pharmaceutical Sciences
Biochemistry
Biotechnology
Chemical Engineering
Physical Chemistry
Or a related scientific field
What will you receive?
Join Immunocore for a paid placement and gain insights from our innovative science and corporate growth. You’ll enjoy 25 days of annual leave (pro rata), pension scheme eligibility, and access to our active Sports and Social Club with subsidized events.
Please note this is a full-time position is based at our Abingdon, Oxfordshire office and contracted through a third party.
Important information for all applicants
The application deadline is 9th January 2026, with phone interviews starting shortly after. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to an in-person Assessment Centre on 23rd, 24th, 25th, or 26th February 2026, providing an opportunity to meet current placement students, learn about the role, and socialize with employees.
Placements are expected to begin on 7th September 2026.
Please only apply if you are currently undergoing a degree with a placement year (sandwich year).
Please note - should you not be available on all the above dates, unfortunately, we won't be able to proceed with your application.
If interested, apply with your CV and a cover letter (combined in one document) stating your main areas of interest.
About the Company Immunocore (NASDAQ: IMCR) is a pioneering, commercial-stage T cell receptor biotechnology company whose purpose is to develop and commercialize a new generation of transformative medicines which address unmet patient needs in oncology, infectious diseases and autoimmune disease. Our leaders in R&D are internationally recognised as some of the biotech industry’s most successful drug developers. We are creating not just an environment where great minds can interact but an innovation powerhouse answering the big questions.
Focused on delivering first-in-class biological therapies to patients, we have developed a highly innovative soluble TCR platform. Our ImmTAX molecules underpin a new generation of precision engineered drugs that harness the immune system to treat a broad spectrum of diseases with high unmet medical need, including oncology, infectious diseases and autoimmune diseases.
At Immunocore, we recognize that our employees are our greatest asset. We value the unique contributions each person brings to our team. By embracing Science, Trust, Respect, Integrity, Diversity, and Entrepreneurship (STRIDE), we create an environment where collaboration thrives, ideas flourish, and transformative changes happen. STRIDE represents more than just letters; it embodies our shared identity and drives our mission. We are dedicated to developing breakthrough therapies that transform patients’ lives, advancing medicine, and supporting one another in these pursuits.
Immunocore is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. As such, we are committed to fostering an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered. We encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by law.