Job description
Site Name: UK - Hertfordshire - Stevenage
Posted Date: Jan 27 2026
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.
As the Laboratory Science Biology (Digital) Apprentice you will gain specialist scientific knowledge, advancements in bioscience, and develop digital expertise, all whilst actively studying towards your BSc (Hons) in Bioscience with Northeastern University London. For more information see:
· Course details: Biological Scientist with digital degree apprenticeship - Northeastern University London
· Apprenticeship standards: Scientist / Skills England
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
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 annually, 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 click here Application process | GSK and GSK Get Ahead – Connectr. You can also learn more about GSK apprenticeships GSKUKDigitalApprenticeBrochure.pdf.
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
Assessment centres for shortlisted candidates will be held April 2026.
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.
Need help with your application? Please email us at UK.EarlyCareers@gsk.com and let us know how we can help you.
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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.
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.
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.
For UK Intern roles (including Industrial Placements) you can either call us on 01582 692870, or send an email uk.InternRecruitment@gsk.com
For UK Apprentice and Graduate Programme roles you can either call us on 0203 862 2277, or send an email uk.EarlyCareers@gsk.com
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