Chemical Engineering Summer Internships (10 to 12 weeks)
Macclesfield
About AstraZeneca
AstraZeneca is a global, science-led biopharmaceutical business and its innovative medicines are used by millions of patients worldwide. AstraZeneca Summer Internships introduce you to the world of ground-breaking drug development, embedding you in highly dedicated teams, committed to delivering life-changing medicines to patients! Our 10–12-week program is designed for undergraduate, master's, and doctoral students. We offer exciting opportunities across Research & Development, Operations, and Enabling Units (Corporate functions).
Our internships immerse students in the pharmaceutical industry, allowing the opportunity to contribute to our diverse pipeline of medicines whether in the lab or outside of it. You will feel trusted and empowered to take on new challenges, but with all the help and guidance you need to succeed. This internship will help you develop essential skills, expand your knowledge, and build a network that will set you up for future success. You will be surrounded by curious, passionate, and open-minded professionals eager to learn and follow the science, fostering your growth in a truly collaborative and global team. We are looking to recruit 10-12 week summer interns for summer 2026 in Chemical Engineering at our Macclesfield site in the UK.
Macclesfield
The Macclesfield Campus is an essential part of AstraZeneca’s UK Operation and the 2nd largest operational site within the company’s global network. It is approx. 100 acres with around 4500 people working on site. The site is unique in the AstraZeneca network, having Operations, R&D, G&A, IT and others on its site.
Job description
The successful role holder will either work in Chemical Development or Oral Product Development as part of the Chemical Engineering group, responsible for application of new technologies and safe manufacturing scale up, leading to right-first-time campaigns.
Chemical Development are for responsible for the design and delivery of the chemical manufacturing processes and controls that deliver active pharmaceutical ingredients for our medicines.
Within Oral Product Development the successful candidate will assist with the development of any small molecule tablet or capsule based drug products.
Our 10-12 week summer student projects are typically a science and technology project which will offer laboratory and project management experience.
Responsibilities of the role
Effectively plan project work
Communication of results and outcomes
Follow safe working procedures in a laboratory and pilot plant environment
Integrate with development teams
Essential requirements
Currently in the second year or later of an undergraduate or integrated master’s degree with the opportunity to spend 10-12 weeks on placement starting in Summer 2026.
Degree subject within a Chemical Engineering, Biochemical Engineering, or Process Engineering discipline.
Must be at least 18 years of age at the time of application
Must have UK right-to-work status.
Must return to education at placement close (candidates graduating before/during the placement are ineligible)
Desirable experience and attributes
Excellent analytical thinking and problem-solving skills.
Strong communication and influencing ability.
Good planning and information management skills.
Ability to see opportunities, learn, and apply that learning to drive innovation with good collaboration and teamworking skills.
Ability to use modelling packages e.g. MatLab, Aspen
Please include a CV and Cover Letter with your application.
AstraZeneca is where you can immerse yourself in groundbreaking work with real patient impact.
Trusted to work on important projects, you’ll have the independence to take on new challenges while receiving all the guidance you need to succeed. Our collaborative environment is designed to help you grow professionally and personally, surrounded by passionate individuals eager to make a difference.
Our mission is to build an inclusive and equitable environment. We want people to feel they belong at AstraZeneca, starting with the recruitment process. We welcome and consider applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of characteristics.
AstraZeneca has partnered with the Royal Society of Chemistry’s Broadening Horizons in the Chemical Sciences programme, to support chemists from minoritised racial and ethnic backgrounds pursue careers in the chemical sciences. We encourage application from this cohort for this Internship.
Please state in your application:
Are you a member of the Royal Society of Chemistry Broadening Horizons Programme? (Y/N)
Please provide the application code provided via the Broadening Horizons Programme
We offer reasonable adjustments/accommodations to help all candidates to perform at their best. If you have a need for any reasonable adjustments/accommodations, please complete the section in the application form.
Ready to make an impact? Apply now and join us on this exciting journey!
#Earlytalent
Date Posted
12-Jan-2026Closing Date
26-Jan-2026Our 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.