Operations Global Graduate Associates Programme - US

Operations Global Graduate Associates Programme – USLocation: Location will be based on Pathway

Explore your potential and impact lives globally!  

About Operations at AstraZeneca  AstraZeneca is shaping the future of global healthcare, driving innovation and technological advancements to benefit millions of patients around the world. Our Operations organisation's goal is simple: to ensure that patients worldwide are supplied with cost-effective, life-changing medicines. Operations is the crucial link between our Research and Development lab and the pharmacy shelf. We operate in over 100 countries, and our medicines are used around the globe.  

About the Programme  Our two-year rotational programme prepares you for accelerated entry into an impactful role, helping shape your future within AstraZeneca's Operations organisation. Since its launch in 2009, more than 300 graduates have completed the programme and gone on to exciting careers.

Starting in September 2027, graduates will join one of three pathways within the programme. While all graduates follow the same two-year structure and benefit from a shared learning, development and global cohort experience, rotation opportunities are tailored to each pathway.

You'll join one of the following tracks:

Operations PathwayDesigned for those interested in manufacturing and operations, this pathway provides experience across our production network and supply chain. Graduates will typically begin at our Newark, DE, Copell, TX or Mt. Vernon, IN sites and rotate to other locations throughout the programme.

Typical rotations may include:

• Technical or engineering-focused experience
• Manufacturing site operations, supply chain, quality or production support
• A global Operations function or strategic project

Pharmaceutical Technology & Development (PT&D) PathwayDesigned for those interested in pharmaceutical science and product development, this pathway provides experience across the lifecycle of a medicine, from development through commercialisation. Rotations will primarily be based in Durham, NC.

Typical rotations may include:

• Product or process development
• Laboratory-based, technical or scientific experience
• A global PT&D function, digital capability area or a strategic project

Global Engineering Pathway

Designed for those interested in engineering and capital project delivery, this pathway provides hands-on experience across the full lifecycle of major projects, while developing technical, leadership and project management skills that support AstraZeneca's global manufacturing and R&D network.

Rotations will be based in Gaithersburg, MD.

Typical rotations may include:

• Front end studies and project definition
• Capital project delivery and project management
• Technical engineering and design
• Sustainability and digital engineering initiatives

Programme Highlights

• Meaningful Impact: Work on challenging projects and contribute to healthcare advancements by helping us drive innovative solutions that save lives.  

• Global Environment: Contribute to projects with global impact and collaborate with global colleagues.  

• Global Experience: Take part in 3 global cohort meet-ups across the two-year programme, hosted in the Americas, EMEA and APAC, giving you dedicated time to connect, collaborate and learn with peers from around the world. 

• Mentorship and Career Development: Tailored mentorship, structured training, and development opportunities from industry experts to help you channel your skills, learn about yourself, and build a career.  

• Community: Join an open environment where every voice is valued and heard, and employees are empowered to bring their best selves to work.  

Minimum Requirements  

• Bachelor’s or or Master’s degree awarded in 2026 or due to be awarded in 2027
• Degree discipline relevant to your chosen pathway:
  • Operations Pathway: Engineering, Supply Chain Management, Manufacturing Technology, Biological or Physical Sciences, or a related field
  • PT&D Pathway: Chemistry, Pharmacy/Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chemical, Mechanical or Device Engineering, Physics, Data Science, Biosciences, or a related field
  • Global Engineering Pathway: Open to all engineering disciplines
• A strong motivation to pursue a career aligned to your chosen pathway, with a genuine interest in making an impact across AstraZeneca's Operations organisation.
• Commitment to contributing to the development, manufacture and delivery of life-changing medicines to patients worldwide.
• Curiosity, adaptability and a willingness to step outside your comfort zone to take on a variety of experiences within your chosen pathway.
• Strong communication skills (verbal and written). 
• 0-2 years of experience required

Salary: If selected as a successful candidate, the following fixed compensation package is offered: an annualized salary of $80,000.00, a potential 10% annual bonus, and a comprehensive benefits package including vacation, sick leave, health, dental, vision, and 401(k)

Why join us?  Our Graduate Programmes cover a broad range of functions and specialities. They open many doors, and will kickstart your career!  

At AstraZeneca when we see an opportunity for change, we seize it and make it happen, because any opportunity no matter how small, can be the start of something big. Delivering life-changing medicines to our patients is about being entrepreneurial - finding those moments and recognizing their potential. Join us on our journey of building a new kind of organization to reset expectations of what a bio-pharmaceutical company can be.  

We truly value our Graduate talent, their expertise, knowledge, ideas and who they are. So here, you’ll be empowered to jump in, take the initiative and be part of meaningful project teams to make an impact and deliver real value for our patients and our business.  

Whether you’re looking to pursue a particular passion or are still figuring it out, the diverse experiences, transitions, and cultures in the Operations Graduate Programme will help you shape your future and develop into a strong leader, no matter which path you follow.  

So, what’s next?  Are you already imagining yourself joining our team? Good, because we’d love to hear from you! Click the link to apply, and we will be in touch once the advert closes.  

Applications Open: October 12, 2026 

Applications Close: November 2, 2026After you submit your application, you will be asked to complete an online assessment (SHL) and potentially, if moved forward, a HireVue online assessment. If shortlisted, you will then be invited to a full day virtual assessment day on January 27 or 28, 2027.

#EarlyTalent

Date Posted

12-Oct-2026

Closing Date

02-Nov-2026

Our mission is to build an inclusive environment where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants and employees. In furtherance of that mission, we welcome and consider applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of their protected characteristics. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please complete the corresponding 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.