Join GSK’s Laboratory Science Biology with Digital Degree Apprenticeship Programme – UK 2026
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.
· Course details:
· Apprenticeship standards:
We are looking for highly motivated individuals with a willingness and enthusiasm to learn, who are excited to join the Research & Development business to undertake a range of scientific work supporting the clinical development phase of medicine development or the early-stage discovery of medicine development.
You will join one of the following teams;
· Drug Substance Development (DSD) department is part of the Medicine Design & Supply (MDS) division and focuses on creating and manufacturing biopharmaceuticals. As an apprentice, you will join either the Cell Line Development team responsible for generating commercial ready cell lines through transfection, single cell cloning and cell bank production; or the Upstream Process Research team responsible for operating and optimising bioreactor systems, producing therapeutic material from recombinant cells, selecting high performing clones and ensuring processes are ready for largescale manufacture. You will work with scientists and gain practical skills and learn how medicines progress through key stages of development, from early cell line generation to small scale automation and largescale manufacturing.
· The Large Molecule Research (LMR) is a vibrant scientific department focused on discovery, production and analysis of complex biological medicines placed within the Research Technologies division. The team works on discovering new biopharmaceuticals by identifying and engineering new protein-based medicine for efficacy and safety. The team improve protein manufacturing to efficiently supply essential reagents for drug discovery across modalities, and use cutting edge technologies to study protein function and drug interactions. As an apprentice, you will join a supportive community of scientists, gain hands on experience with advanced techniques, and contribute to projects making a real difference in medicine discovery. You will have exposure to other teams to expand your skills and build a broad knowledge of drug discovery.
Education required:
· GCSE Mathematics and English at grade A*-C / 9-4 or equivalent
· Three A-levels (or equivalent) at grades BBB or above, including Biology. Maths A-level is also required for the Large Molecule Research department.
Language requirement: Written and spoken fluency in English
Duration: 3.5 years
Location: You will be based at GSK-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.
Here are some of the motivations of our current apprentices. Does this sound like you?:
‘At GSK, as an apprentice I enjoy having a great balance of academic growth and whilst gaining real-world experience. I'm passionate about the work I do and have the pleasure working with expert people. Initially, I felt a bit out of my depth when applying for a role in the field due to my limited prior knowledge, but the support has been brilliant, and I do not regret my choice.’
~ Lab Science Biology with Digital Apprentice
What will you do?
· Work collaboratively within multi-disciplinary teams to contribute to active scientific research and development projects.
· Carry out laboratory experiments and operate specialised equipment to generate high quality, reliable data.
· Support routine laboratory operations and analysis, or assays to understand biological mechanisms and to characterise or manufacture biopharmaceuticals.
· Interpret experimental data using quantitative and digital analysis tools and contribute to scientific reports and documentation.
· Accurately record experimental procedures and results and communicate findings clearly in writing and verbally.
· Develop practical technical skills, learn to troubleshoot experiments, and design robust approaches to address scientific questions.
· Build digital fluency by using laboratory information management systems (LIMS), data analysis software, and digital collaboration tools.
· Undertake mandatory training and adhere to standard operating procedures to uphold quality, safety and regulatory compliance
Expected Start date: September 2026
Application deadline: We recommend 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: March 2026
What do we offer you?
· A competitive starting base salary of £19,800 per year, which increases after year 1 (subject to annual review), plus an annual bonus based on company performance
· Relocation Allowance subject to eligibility checks
· Long-term incentives through shared ownership link your rewards to our longer-term performance
· On-the-job experience and training and development opportunities, delivered through a mixture of coaching, mentoring and formal training programs combined with early responsibility to help you to develop and progress
· Kick start a rewarding career with a nationally recognized qualification
· A Buddy who will help you to prepare for joining GSK and will be there to offer support and guidance throughout your apprenticeship
· If you successfully complete your apprenticeship and demonstrate the qualities we are looking for, you may be offered further opportunities with GSK
· Employee recognition programs, which reward exceptional achievements
· Access to healthcare and well-being programs, savings programs, time off and childcare support
· Eligibility for NUS Extra card providing you with discounts to many high street and online outlets
· Join NxtGen – a socialising and networking group where you can connect with other apprentices internationally
Let’s do this!
For hints, tips and guidance for getting onto a GSK apprenticeship click here Application process | GSK and GSK Get Ahead – Connectr. You can also learn more about GSK apprenticeships GSKUKDigitalApprenticeBrochure.pdf.
Aftersubmittingyour application, you will be asked to complete our GSK Digital Assessment. The GSK Digital Assessment will give you the opportunity todemonstrateyour 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 couldbring toour team.
Top tip #1: Make sure you save this job description for reference throughout theprocess,it will really help you prepare for thedifferent stagesin your application.
Top tip #2:Don'tforget to register on our GSKcandidateinsight and engagement platformto learn more about working at GSK, ourcultureand our application processes.
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Why GSK?
Uniting science, technology and talent to get ahead of disease together.
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.
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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.
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