Join GSK’s Laboratory Science Chemistry Apprenticeship Programme – UK 2026: Help us get ahead of disease together
GSK Apprenticeships are a brilliant alternative to college courses or university. As one of the world’s leading biopharma companies, we offer an on-the-job learning experience that really stands out. You’ll earn a salary for performing a real role – with your practical experience backed by classroom sessions.
As the Laboratory Science Chemistry Apprentice, you will gain an understanding of early-stage drug discovery processes, all whilst actively studying towards your BSc (Hons) Chemical Science degree with Manchester Metropolitan University. For more information see:
* Course details: Laboratory Scientist Chemical Science Degree Apprenticeship | Manchester Metropolitan University
* Apprenticeship standard: Scientist / Skills England
We are looking for motivated individuals with a willingness and enthusiasm to learn, who are excited to join the Research & Development business to support the associated scientific process required for the drug discovery and development process such as;
* Research Technologies - Target Discovery; Our Chemical Biology department supports the discovery of new drug targets and will provide the opportunity to work closely with scientists from multiple disciplines and learn all about the drug discovery process. The Mass Spectrometry (MS) team uses advanced platforms to screen and characterise covalent drug molecules Join us to help expand and enhance our MS capabilities to enable covalent drug discovery.
* Medicine Design & Supply - Drug Substance Development; The Enzyme and Oligonucleotide Development department pushes the boundaries of science to accelerate oligonucleotide drug substance development. With a focus on designing cutting-edge processes using novel synthetic technologies, we enable efficient routes for early and late phase molecules. Our expertise in enzyme engineering and biocatalysis spans R&D and manufacturing, driving innovation across the pipeline. Join us and make an impact on the future of therapeutic oligonucleotide manufacturing.
Here are some of the motivations of our current apprentices. Does this sound like you?
During my apprenticeship, I learned a variety of analytical chemistry processes and enjoyed working alongside experienced colleagues. I decided to apply for an apprenticeship because I was interested in science, but I was unsure which area I wanted to go into. If I had gone to university, I feel that I wouldn’t have known what career path to take afterwards, but doing an apprenticeship provides some clarity. I was able to get an insight into a certain field and achieve a degree at the same time.
~ R&D Lab Science Chemistry Apprentice
Education required
* GCSE Mathematics and English Language (grade A*-C / 9-4) or equivalent
* Must have/be predicted 104 UCAS points at A-level (grades BCC), with one being Chemistry or an equivalent scientific discipline.
Language requirement
Written and spoken fluency in English
Duration
4 years
Location
You will be based at Stevenage. You must live within a 60-minute commute of the site location on the day you start your apprenticeship as you are expected to be on site daily.
Stevenage is GSK’s UK R&D Hub, which is the heart of innovation, discovering and developing differentiated, high-quality and needed medicines that are bringing transformational benefit to patients.
What will you do?
* Work with teams of excellent multi-disciplined scientists both internally and externally to progress a diverse portfolio of biopharmaceuticals through discovery, development, and characterisation.
* Operation and maintenance of state-of-the-art mass spectrometry platforms.
* Apply MS-based workflows to GSK programs to advance our portfolio. This includes running routine assays and supporting screening efforts where appropriate.
* Routine preparation of samples for mass spectrometry analysis and supporting day-to-day lab responsibilities.
* Optimise chemical manufacturing processes for therapeutic oligonucleotides, including solid phase synthesis and enzymatic approaches.
* Supporting scale up activities to produce therapeutic oligonucleotides.
* Develop, evaluate, and interpret reports of experimental data in collaboration with cross-functional teams to deliver high-quality data packages.
* Gain in-depth and cross-sectional insights across the Research and Development function.
* Undertake mandatory training and adhere to standard operating procedures to uphold quality, safety and regulatory compliance.
Ensure and champion a safe and compliant workspace by adhering to safety protocols, quality standards and participating in comprehensive safety training.
Expected Start date
September 2026
Application deadline
We recommend that you apply as soon as possible. We will close this vacancy when we have enough applications, so please apply as soon as you can so your application can be considered.
Assessment Centre Date
April 2026
We want you to be motivated and passionate for the apprenticeship you apply to – we will only accept ONE Apprenticeship application per candidate each year. Please do your research before applying and select the one Apprenticeship you wish to apply to – good luck with your application!
What do we offer you?
* Starting salary of £21,900 per year, increasing to £27,400 after 1 year (subject to review, this may change in line with living wage) + annual bonus based on company performance.
* Relocation Allowance (eligibility will be confirmed once your first location is confirmed).
* Employee recognition programs, which reward exceptional achievements.
* Access to our cutting-edge wellbeing platform: personalise your experience, help reduce stress, increase focus, build connections and resilience. You will also have access to a confidential helpline 24/7, mindfulness, health screenings and financial wellbeing support.
* Access to Private Healthcare Insurance, including 24-hour access to an online GP.
* Additional Support through salary sacrifice including: identity protection, long-term care insurance, home, auto, and pet insurance.
* Option to opt into our share save plan which gives you long-term incentives by linking your rewards to our longer-term performance.
* Engage with Employee Resource Groups, providing opportunities to network, gain mentorship, and grow personally and professionally.
* Access to NxtGen which is a community of Early Careers programme participants offering development, networking and social connections to help you make the best of your programme.
* 2 volunteering days per year, called “Together Days”.
Let’s do this!
For hints, tips and guidance for getting onto a GSK apprenticeship, register on our GSK candidate insight and engagement platform GSK Get Ahead – Connectr to learn more about working at GSK, our culture and the application processes.
After submitting your application, you will be asked to complete our GSK Digital Assessment. The GSK Digital Assessment will give you the opportunity to demonstrate your skills through engaging exercises, while providing us with insights into your unique approach to work. This will help us better understand how your strengths, behaviors, and skills align with the role and the positive impact you could bring to our team.
Top tip #1: Make sure you save this job description for reference throughout the process, it will really help you prepare for the different stages in your application.
Top tip #2: Don't forget to register on our GSK candidate insight and engagement platform https://gsk.connectr.co.uk/getahead/ to learn more about working at GSK, our culture and our application processes.
Apply now
Please note we will update you regarding your application by the end of April 2026, if you have any questions please contact: UK.EarlyCareers@gsk.com
We’re 100% open to all talent – whatever your gender, marital status, religion, age, colour, race, sexual orientation, nationality or disability.
We want to recruit the right people for GSK from the widest possible backgrounds, so we can better serve the diversity of our patients. And because it’s the right thing to do.
We believe in an agile working culture for all our roles. If flexibility is important to you, we encourage you to explore with our hiring team what the opportunities are.
Please don’t hesitate to contact us if you’d like to discuss any reasonable adjustments to our process which might help you demonstrate your strengths and capabilities.
Contact
For UK Apprentice and Graduate Programme roles you can us on 0203 862 2277, or send an email uk.EarlyCareers@gsk.com
GSK is an Equal Opportunity Employer. This ensures that all qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), parental status, national origin, age, disability, genetic information (including family medical history), military service or any basis prohibited under federal, state or local law.
GSK is a global biopharma company with a purpose to unite science, technology and talent to get ahead of disease together. We aim to positively impact the health of 2.5 billion people by the end of the decade, as a successful, growing company where people can thrive. We get ahead of disease by preventing and treating it with innovation in specialty medicines and vaccines. We focus on four therapeutic areas: respiratory, immunology and inflammation; oncology; HIV; and infectious diseases – to impact health at scale.
People and patients around the world count on the medicines and vaccines we make, so we’re committed to creating an environment where our people can thrive and focus on what matters most. Our culture of being ambitious for patients, accountable for impact and doing the right thing is the foundation for how, together, we deliver for patients, shareholders and our people.
We understand that GSK offers a flexible working culture for all our roles. If needed, we encourage you to discuss any reasonable adjustments that might help you demonstrate your strengths and capabilities.
Important notice to Employment businesses/ Agencies: GSK does not accept referrals from employment businesses and/or employment agencies in respect of the vacancies posted on this site.
For more information about our commitment to compliance, please visit https://openpaymentsdata.cms.gov/.
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