12 Month – Work Placement Student - Analytical Chemistry

Join AstraZeneca for a 12‑month Work Placement Student Programme and contribute to meaningful drug discovery that impacts patients. Take a study break to apply your learning on real projects, deepen your expertise, and build the skills, knowledge, and network to accelerate your career, while being mentored by experienced scientists in a collaborative, research‑driven team.

About AstraZeneca
AstraZeneca is a global, science-led, patient-centered biopharmaceutical company focusing on discovering, developing, and commercializing prescription medicines for some of the world’s most serious diseases. But we’re more than a global leading pharmaceutical company. At AstraZeneca, we're dedicated to being a Great Place to Work and empowering employees to push the boundaries of science and fuel their entrepreneurial spirit.  

About the Programme
Our 12‑month Student Work Placement, starting in September 2026, offers hands‑on experience in innovative drug discovery within a collaborative, research‑driven organisation. Based at AstraZeneca’s Gothenburg site, you’ll deepen your expertise, apply your skills on real projects, and develop new capabilities. You’ll be mentored by experienced scientists and become an integral part of a supportive, high‑performing team.

About the role
This lab‑based placement gives you the opportunity to learn analytical chemistry with a focus on chromatographic separation techniques at both analytical and preparative scale. You will contribute to method development, purification and characterisation of peptides, oligonucleotides and conjugates—facilitating the delivery of New Modalities with the right quality to portfolio projects across our therapy areas. Because these molecules are synthesised on solid support via stepwise addition of building blocks, the higher number of synthesis cycles increases the risk of impurity accumulation. Given the complex impurity profiles, ongoing method innovation is critical to enable efficient purification by chromatography. You will also gain exposure to spectroscopic techniques such as UV detection and mass spectrometry. Throughout the placement, you’ll strengthen your communication skills by presenting results to wider teams and develop a range of transferable skills while advancing your proficiency as a scientist.

About the team
You will join the Separation Science Laboratory within the Pharmaceutical Sciences function at AstraZeneca in Gothenburg. The vision in Pharmaceutical Sciences is to deliver the therapies of the future through scientific leadership in drug delivery, synthetic route design and manufacturing of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs). The project portfolio spans traditional small molecules, nucleotide‑based therapies and nanomedicines across multiple therapy areas. The Separation Science Laboratory enables the design and evaluation of new candidate drugs by purifying synthesised compounds with chromatography at scales from milligrams to kilograms. Quality control and identification are primarily performed using UV and mass spectrometry. The team collaborates closely across functions to deliver high‑purity compounds to the early portfolio, including synthetic peptides, oligonucleotides and a variety of conjugates.

Who can apply?
We’re seeking students completing a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree at a Swedish institution. You should be able to take a 12‑month study break and have the right to work in Sweden for the full duration without needing additional permits. Across all our programmes, we look for individuals with drive, enthusiasm, strong teamwork skills, and a genuine desire to learn.

Essential requirements

• BSc or MSc student at a Swedish university in Analytical Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chemistry, Biochemistry, or a related discipline.
• You must have completed at least two years of your university education at the time of starting the placement and be returning to complete your studies after this opportunity ends.
• Applicants must have the eligibility to work in Sweden for 12 months from September 2026. 
• Students will be expected to take a study break from their education to participate in the programme, this will need to be arranged by the student at their institution. You must ensure that you receive the approval to take a study break from your university. 

What’s next
We welcome your application as soon as possible, but ahead of the scheduled closing date 31st of January 2026. In the event that we identify suitable candidates ahead of the scheduled closing date, we reserve the right to withdraw the vacancy earlier than published.  

Apply today and take the chance to be part of making a difference, making connections, and gaining the tools and experience to open doors and fulfil your potential. We can´t wait to hear from you!  

Date Posted

01-dec.-2025

Closing Date

31-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.

AstraZeneca embraces diversity and equality of opportunity. We are committed to building an inclusive and diverse team representing all backgrounds, with as wide a range of perspectives as possible, and harnessing industry-leading skills. We believe that the more inclusive we are, the better our work will be. We welcome and consider applications to join our team from all qualified candidates, regardless of their characteristics. We comply with all applicable laws and regulations on non-discrimination in employment (and recruitment), as well as work authorisation and employment eligibility verification requirements.