Chemistry laboratory scientist degree apprenticeship - Immunocore
Immunocore are looking to recruit a laboratory scientist apprentice. You will help to perform fundamental laboratory tasks to contributing to advanced experimental studies that directly support the research and development of biotherapeutic medicines.
Qualification Requirements
Grade 5 in GCSE Mathematics or equivalent, Grade 4 in GCSE English Language or equivalent
A-Levels equalling 104 UCAS points, including Chemistry at grade C or above plus an additional Science or Mathematics.
Equivalent Level 3 qualifications (e.g., BTEC) will also be considered (with a minimum requirement of 104 UCAS points)
Salary - £22,000 per annum
Benefits
Holiday Allowance - 25 Days Holiday Allowance, plus Bank Holidays
Pension - Employee 5%, Employer 3%
Employee assistance programme
Onsite parking
Location - 91 Park Drive, Milton Park, Abingdon, Oxfordshire, OX14 4RY
Working Hours
Monday to Thursday: 09:00am – 17:00pm with a 45 minute unpaid lunch break.
Friday: 09:00am - 16:15pm with a 45 minute unpaid lunch break.
Duration - 60 months
Start Date - August 2026
Interview Date - 13 – 27 Apr 2026
Closing Date for Applications - 26th March 2026
To Apply
To apply, please click the Apply Now button and complete the form. If you are having difficulty in completing this, please contact recruitment on recruitment@cogentskills.com for assistance
Job Description
Immunocore is offering an opportunity for a Laboratory Scientist Apprentice to join our Formulation Development team. This role is designed for a motivated student who wishes to apply the scientific knowledge and practical skills gained through their university degree within a real-world biotechnology and pharmaceutical environment.
Throughout the apprenticeship, the student will progressively develop from performing fundamental laboratory tasks to contributing to advanced experimental studies that directly support the research and development of biotherapeutic medicines. The role provides structured, hands-on experience that complements academic learning and enables the apprentice to see how core scientific principles are applied within an industrial and regulated setting.
The Laboratory Scientist Apprentice will work on both routine and increasingly complex experiments, with the quality and accuracy of their work directly impacting project outcomes. As confidence and scientific capability grow, the apprentice will take greater ownership of experiments, data analysis, and problem-solving activities, culminating in a final-year research project aligned with Immunocore’s scientific objectives.
Job Responsibilities
Learning Through Practical Application
A core feature of this role is the direct application of academic learning within the workplace. Concepts introduced during the degree programme — including chemistry, biochemistry, physical chemistry, and analytical science — will be reinforced through day-to-day laboratory activities.
The apprentice will:
• Apply theoretical knowledge to practical laboratory experiments.
• Develop a strong understanding of how scientific data is generated, analysed, and used to inform decisions.
• Gain experience working within a highly regulated environment where safety, quality, and ethics are paramount.
• Learn how industrial laboratories operate, from experimental planning through to documentation and reporting.
Key Responsibilities:
• Perform laboratory experiments safely, accurately, and in compliance with company procedures.
• Apply scientific principles learned at university to real-world experimental work.
• Maintain high standards of documentation, traceability, and data integrity.
• Analyse, interpret, and present scientific data in written and verbal formats.
• Work both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Proactively identify problems and contribute to continuous improvement initiatives.
• Adhere to all safety, environmental, quality, and ethical standards
• Develop an understanding of the business, regulatory, and quality context of pharmaceutical development.
By the end of the apprenticeship, the Laboratory Scientist Apprentice will be able to:
• Apply scientific theory to laboratory experimentation and implement new processes based on literature or expert input.
• Explain and demonstrate laboratory techniques to support technical and scientific projects.
• Apply advanced scientific knowledge relevant to formulation development and biotechnology.
• Work within project management frameworks and contribute effectively to team-based projects.
• Understand and comply with regulatory, quality, and ethical requirements.
• Analyse, interpret, and present scientific data clearly and confidently
• Promote quality standards and continuous improvement.
• Communicate effectively with both scientific and non-scientific audiences.
• Manage time, prioritise tasks, and adapt to change.
• Take ownership of personal development and demonstrate a commitment to lifelong learning.
Candidate Requirements
This role is suited to a student at the start of their scientific career. Technical expertise is not expected at entry, as full training and development will be provided.
We are looking for someone who demonstrates:
• An exceptional eye for detail and accuracy.
• A strong interest in science and laboratory-based work.
• Curiosity and an inquisitive mindset.
• Initiative and a willingness to learn.
• Good organisational and time management skills.
• The ability to work responsibly, both independently and within a team.
• Integrity, professionalism, and respect for confidentiality.
Personal Qualities:
• Communicate effectively using a full range of skills: speaking; listening; writing; body language; presentation.
• Precision and care within laboratory environment
• Understanding and commitment to Science & Engineering
Training To Be Delivered
Qualification to be delivered: BSc Chemical Sciences
Apprenticeship Standard: Scientist
Apprenticeship level: Level 6
Training Provider: University of Kent
Delivery model: Online
Future Prospects
Upon successful completion of the apprenticeship, you will be eligible to apply for other positions within the business.
About Immunocore
Immunocore is a commercial-stage biotechnology company that discovered, developed and commercialized the world’s first approved T cell receptor (TCR) therapy.
Their mission is to radically improve outcomes for patients with cancer, infectious diseases, and autoimmune diseases, by pioneering and delivering transformative immunomodulating medicines.
Built on their proprietary ImmTAX platform, they have a diverse pipeline of bispecific therapies across a broad range of indications, including multiple cancers, HIV and HBV.
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, colour, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
- Department
- Chemistry
- Role
- Apprenticeship Degree (Level 5,6,7)
- Locations
- Oxfordshire
- Yearly salary
- £22,000
- Employment type
- Full-time
- Company
- Immunocore
- Industry Sector
- Life Sciences
- Role Level
- Level 6 Apprenticeship
- Full Address
- 91 Park Drive, Milton Park, Abingdon, Oxfordshire, OX14 4RY
Immunocore, Abdington
Not sure where this career can take you?
Take a look at our dedicated Careers hub to see what this career could look like for you in the future!
Diversity and Inclusion
Cogent Skills group (Cogent) is working hard to ensure a clear strategy towards proactively supporting Equality, Diversity and Inclusion initiatives that seeks to improve diversity and create opportunities for all. GDPR will be complied with when collecting and using this data and the data that you provide will be used for monitoring and analysis only.