Quality Assurance/Quality Control Lab-based Internship
Macclesfield
About AstraZeneca
AstraZeneca is a global, science-led biopharmaceutical business and its innovative medicines are used by millions of patients worldwide. AstraZeneca Summer Internships introduce you to the world of ground-breaking drug development, embedding you in highly dedicated teams, committed to delivering life-changing medicines to patients. Our 10–12-week program is designed for undergraduate, master's, and doctoral students. We offer exciting opportunities across Research & Development, Operations, and Enabling Units (Corporate functions).
Our internships immerse students in the pharmaceutical industry, allowing the opportunity to contribute to our diverse pipeline of medicines whether in the lab or outside of it. You will feel trusted and empowered to take on new challenges, but with all the help and guidance you need to succeed. This internship will help you develop essential skills, expand your knowledge, and build a network that will set you up for future success. You will be surrounded by curious, passionate, and open-minded professionals eager to learn and follow the science, fostering your growth in a truly collaborative and global team.
About The Role
Our Macclesfield Quality Assurance (QA) organization ensures every product is safe, effective, and fit for use. Within QA, our Quality Control (QC) teams safeguard product quality through analysis of raw materials, in-process samples, finished products, and the manufacturing environment. Co-located Microbiology and Analytical Chemistry laboratories host nine specialist teams delivering robust, compliant, patient-focused analytics.
Placement Options
QC Microbiology
Perform microbiological testing on raw materials, site water systems, and finished products.
Support manufacturing with timely data, technical insight, and compliance.
Areas include Process Assurance (environmental monitoring), Product Quality (bioburden, endotoxin, sterility), and Water, Support & Identification (water quality verification, microbial ID, sterile media/equipment supply).
QC Analytical Chemistry
Test excipients, raw materials, APIs, and finished products against Quality Standards within defined lead times.
Techniques span Chromatography (GC, HPLC, APC), Tablet testing and prep automation, Robotic sample preparation, and Wet chemistry (titration, water content, IR, UV).
Learn method execution and validation, data review, and how results support batch release.
QA Support Officer (Sampling & Archive)
Manage end-to-end records and sample archiving: receiving, storing, cataloguing, retrieving, and compliant disposal.
Train on the Records Management & Archiving (RMA) system; build expertise in data integrity and inspection readiness.
Conduct raw material identification testing (e.g., NIR, Raman) and sampling per drawings; support stakeholders with investigations and reports.
Gain exposure to GMP documentation (procedures, deviations, change controls, risk assessments, complaints) and contribute to LEAN problem solving and continuous improvement. Work to cGMP, GDP, ICH Q10, and AstraZeneca standards.
What you’ll gain
Practical lab skills in microbiology and/or analytical chemistry; training in validated methods, data integrity, and GMP documentation.
Experience across quality systems, environmental monitoring, batch release testing, and records lifecycle management.
Exposure to automation and digital tools (chromatography systems, tablet testing, robotic prep, RMA).
Collaboration with manufacturing, QA, QC, and operations; build communication and problem-solving skills.
Insight into regulatory expectations and inspection readiness through real-world tasks.
Who we’re looking for
Undergraduates in microbiology, chemistry, pharmaceutical sciences, biomedical or related fields seeking a 10–12 week placement.
Curious, proactive learners who follow procedures, work safely, and thrive in teams.
Strong attention to detail and interest in quality, compliance, and lab science; prior lab exposure helpful but full training provided.
AstraZeneca is where you can immerse yourself in groundbreaking work with real patient impact.
Trusted to work on important projects, you’ll have the independence to take on new challenges while receiving all the guidance you need to succeed. Our collaborative environment is designed to help you grow professionally and personally, surrounded by passionate individuals eager to make a difference.
Our mission is to build an inclusive and equitable environment. We want people to feel they belong at AstraZeneca, starting with the recruitment process. We welcome and consider applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of characteristics.
We offer reasonable adjustments/accommodations to help all candidates to perform at their best. If you have a need for any reasonable adjustments/accommodations, please complete the section in the application form.
Ready to make an impact? Apply now and join us on this exciting journey!
Date Posted
05-Jan-2026
Closing Date
19-Jan-2026
Our mission is to build an inclusive and equitable environment. We want people to feel they belong at AstraZeneca and Alexion, starting with our recruitment process. We welcome and consider applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of characteristics. We offer reasonable adjustments/accommodations to help all candidates to perform at their best. If you have a need for any adjustments/accommodations, please complete the section in the application form.