12 Month University Industrial Placement Student: Digital & Data Improvement Specialist

12 Month University Industrial Placement Student (UIPS): Digital & Data Improvement Specialist

Macclesfield, UK

£28,000 Base Salary, Bonus & Flexible Benefits

About AstraZeneca:

AstraZeneca is a global, science-led, patient-centred biopharmaceutical company focused on the discovery, development and commercialisation of prescription medicines for some of the world’s most serious disease. But we’re more than a global leading pharmaceutical company. At AstraZeneca, we’re dedicated to being a Great Place to Work where you are empowered to push the boundaries of science and fuel your entrepreneurial spirit. There’s no better place to make a difference to medicine, patients and society.

About the University Industrial Placement Student (UIPS) Programme:

Join a Truly Inclusive and Supportive International Team. 

As an AstraZeneca placement student, there is a huge network of support available to you. You’ll have a dedicated supervisor, a supportive early talent peer network and a variety of Employee Resource Groups you can join.

We help and empower each other, and our supervisors are committed to providing you with all the guidance and support you need to build your skills, confidence and capabilities.

Whatever your background and experience, you'll be welcomed and encouraged to speak up, ask questions and share knowledge. You will be a valued part of an international team of truly supportive, collaborative and inclusive individuals.

Are you ready to explore this exciting next step in your career? Apply today!

We discourage multiple applications to our UIPS opportunities. Please therefore submit one application to the opportunity that best matches your skills and aspirations. We reserve the right to review and progress one application per candidate based on the role's criteria and candidates' skills.

About the Opportunity:

As a Digital & Data Improvement Specialist, you will help UK Operations use data, digital technology and structured improvement approaches to work more effectively.

You will support projects from the initial identification of a business need through to the development, testing and adoption of a solution. This could involve exploring data, writing code, improving a process, developing a digital tool, coordinating project activities or helping teams adopt a new way of working. The focus will be on understanding the problem clearly and delivering practical improvements that make a measurable difference.

You will work closely with colleagues across operational, technical and business teams. By combining your analytical and technical skills with curiosity, communication and a willingness to understand how people work, you will help turn opportunities for improvement into sustainable solutions.

This placement is suited to someone who enjoys applying technology to real-world challenges. You may already have experience in coding, data analysis, process improvement or project delivery, but you do not need to be an expert in every area. What matters most is your interest in learning how data and digital solutions can improve performance in a complex, highly regulated organisation.

What You’ll Be Doing

You will contribute to projects that improve processes, support better decisions and enable the continued development of AstraZeneca’s digital culture. This may include working with colleagues to understand their needs, investigating how a process currently operates and identifying where data or technology could make it more efficient.

You may analyse and prepare data, assess its quality, identify trends and develop reports or visualisations that provide useful insight. Where appropriate, you may write code using tools such as Python, R or SQL to automate tasks, manipulate data, test ideas or create practical solutions.

You will also help develop and improve digital tools and processes. This could involve creating prototypes, supporting the testing and implementation of solutions, documenting new ways of working or helping users understand and adopt them. You will use structured problem-solving and Lean principles to ensure that improvements address the underlying issue and can be sustained over time.

Alongside the technical work, you will help organise project activities, coordinate with stakeholders, monitor progress and communicate outcomes. You may support workshops, demonstrations or training sessions, and help measure the benefits delivered by a project.

Throughout your placement, you will work responsibly with data and technology, following AstraZeneca’s requirements for data governance, privacy, security and regulatory compliance.

What You’ll Learn

This placement will give you practical experience of how digital and data improvement projects are delivered in a global biopharmaceutical organisation. You will learn how to understand a business problem, work with stakeholders, investigate and prepare data, develop and test solutions, and support the implementation of change.

You will gain insight into how technical and operational teams collaborate, and how structured improvement methods can be used alongside data and digital technology. You will also develop your ability to communicate clearly, manage your work, solve problems and deliver outcomes in a professional environment.

Depending on the projects you support, you may use data analysis, coding, automation, visualisation and project management tools. You will be encouraged to build on your existing strengths while developing a broader understanding of how technology can create meaningful operational improvements.

Qualification, Skills & Experience

Required:

• Currently undertaking an undergraduate or integrated master’s degree in Computer Science, Data Science, Mathematics, Engineering or a related subject, with the opportunity to spend one year in industry starting in September 2027.
• An interest in using data, technology or structured improvement approaches to solve practical problems.
• Some experience or understanding of data analysis, coding, digital technology, process improvement or project delivery.
• The ability to work collaboratively with people from different teams and professional backgrounds.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Curiosity, initiative and a willingness to learn.
• The ability to organise your work, solve problems and deliver agreed outcomes within timelines.

To support your application, please include a cover letter highlighting any scholarships, publications, interest in data, coding, digital technology or extracurricular activities demonstrating leadership and teamwork. Your cover letter should be included in the same document as your CV, and the uploaded file should be named in the format Surname, First name.

Desirable:

• Experience using Python, R, SQL, Power BI or similar data, coding or visualisation tools.
• Experience working on a university, personal, employment or extracurricular project involving data, technology or process improvement.
• Familiarity with automation, artificial intelligence or digital applications.
• An interest in Lean, continuous improvement or project management.
• An understanding of data governance, privacy or compliance in a business or regulated environment.

Applications Open: 4th September 2026

Applications Close: 2nd October 2026

Assessment Day: TBC

Start Date: 6th September 2027

This position is a 12-month fixed term contract.

AstraZeneca is proud to be ranked as a Top 100 ‘Best Student Employer’ in the UK by Higherin. Browse our reviews here (link)

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 authorization and employment eligibility verification requirements.

Date Posted

04-Sept-2026

Closing Date

02-Sept-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.