Synthetic Organic Chemistry Summer Internship

Synthetic Organic Chemistry Summer Internship

Cambridge

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.

Introduction to role

We are seeking a highly motivated individual willing to join one of the world’s leading pharmaceutical companies for a summer internship. The candidate will join one of our Synthetic Chemistry teams within the Oncology Medicinal Chemistry Department and will be involved in research activities focused on developing cutting-edge synthetic methodology. The purpose of these activities is to support our medicinal chemistry design efforts to discover, synthesise and optimise new drugs in the oncology therapeutic area.

The placement will aim to provide candidates with an opportunity to gain knowledge of, or experience in:

• Modern, practical synthetic, analytical and purification skills
• Techniques for structural and conformational analysis of novel molecules
• Insight into current drug discovery and medicinal chemistry
• Working within a team

This is a 10-week paid placement in Cambridge, UK starting around the 6th of July 2026.

Accountabilities

Examples of tasks the individual may conduct during the internship are:

• Synthesis and purification of novel molecules using state of the art equipment and techniques
• Interpretation of analytical data
• Write up of experimental and manuscript for publication

Essential Criteria

• Applicants must currently be undergraduates (in third year or above) or graduates, with their degree being primarily in chemistry
• Candidates should have good knowledge of synthetic organic chemistry and purification techniques
• Previous industrial or academic work experience in an organic synthesis laboratory is strongly preferred
• Must have UK right-to-work status.
• Must return to schooling at program close (candidates graduating before/during the programmes are ineligible)

**HOW TO APPLY**

Please include a CV and cover letter with your application

In your cover letter please answer the following:

• List 2-3 skills or abilities that you feel are your strengths and would qualify you for this placement
• Describe in less than 100 words what aspects of your degree/ modules interest you the most and why
• Describe in less than 100 words why you are interested in this placement at AstraZeneca, and what you hope to gain from it
• Give any details of scholarships, awards, or prizes you have gained
• List your awarded/predicted grades from your School/ University degree – including breakdown of module marks received
• Please describe any work experience, extracurricular activities and interests
• Include a reference that we can contact for recommendation

Additional Information

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.

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.

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!

Virtual interviews will be scheduled between 20th March – 3rd April 2026.

#Earlytalent

Date Posted

21-Jan-2026

Closing Date

04-Feb-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.