Introduction

UCB are seeking a candidate to join the Musculoskeletal Team as an Apprentice within the Resolution of Inflammation Focus Area. As an Apprentice, you will have an opportunity to gain hands-on experience and learn from a variety of experienced professionals within a cutting-edge pharmaceutical research environment

About the Employer

As the specialists in skills for science and technology, our purpose is to make sure your business; your people and our industry are future ready. We are a not-for-profit charitable organisation with a family of commercially focused companies committed to supporting the skills, needs and ambitions across the UK science and technology sector.

What You'll Do

The Resolution of Inflammation Focus Area is a dynamic and multicultural team including experienced scientists ranging from cell to tissue biologists including in vitro and in vivo pharmacologists. Within this Focus Area, the Musculoskeletal Team supports the biology of the early stage drug discovery process of targets relevant to skeletal disorders.

As an Apprentice, you will balance work-based learning with academic studies, applying theoretical knowledge to practical research challenges. Starting with building an understanding of the scientific method you will implement your new skills to contribute to the drug discovery process. You will create solid foundation in the anatomy of the skeletal tissues and the pathobiology of skeletal conditions while supporting research activities aimed at understanding the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying human diseases.

In the lab you will learn key techniques utilised in early drug discovery including cell and tissue culture of primary cells, molecular biology, flow cytometry, histology and imaging. In addition to classic single cell 2D cultures, you will become familiar with complex in vitro models such as 3D cultures, organoids and organ on a chip, which are increasingly being used within the drug discovery process as they better mimic human physiology, improve translational relevance and enable disease modelling. You will have the opportunity to contribute to the generation of large data sets and to learn bioinformatics tools enabling analysis and visualisation of such data sets. Part of the role will require troubleshooting and optimisation of specific techniques as well as critical thinking. As part of your role, you will maintain accurate and detailed laboratory records in compliance with company standards. A dedicated supervisor and mentor will guide and support you during your time at UCB, making sure you receive all the trainings required for you to work in the lab, analyse and interpret scientific data, prepare and deliver scientific presentations.
As well as working with colleagues within the Resolution of Inflammation Focus Area, the role will also allow interaction with colleagues from other departments allowing a complete understanding of the industry working mode.
By developing your technical and soft skills you will have the opportunity to contribute to advance our early stage drug discovery efforts.
Curiosity and eagerness to learn
Critical thinking and problem solving
Integrity and ethics
Verbal and written communication skills

Training Outcome

Upon successful completion of the apprenticeship, you will be eligible to apply for other positions within the business. The training will expose the apprentice to a wide range of skills and competencies which would make them well placed for further study or suitable for many job opportunities in the life sciences sector.

Skills Required

Attention to detail
Organisation skills
Problem solving skills
Presentation skills
Administrative skills
Analytical skills
Logical
Creative
Initiative

Qualifications

Essential - GCSE - Min 5 inc. Maths English Science - 4/C or above
Essential - A Level - 2 A-levels including Bio+ another science or maths - Minimum of 80 UCAS points

Course Information

Course: Scientist (level 6)

Level: 6

Route: Health and science

Apprenticeship Level: Degree

Working Arrangements

Working Week: Monday to Friday, 9am – 5pm with 1 hour lunch break.

Expected Duration: 5 Years

Training Provider: THE UNIVERSITY OF KENT

This employer is part of the Disability Confident scheme, committed to employing disabled people.

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