Apprentice Formulation Scientist

Apprentice Formulation Scientist

Location: Swindon

Position summary: Full time apprenticeship, onsite (study towards Level 3 qualification at New College Swindon) 18month contract.

As part of the New Product Introduction (NPI) Formulation Development team within Pharma Product Delivery, the Apprentice Laboratory Technician will learn and develop the practical skills and scientific knowledge required to support the development of new Zydis® products. This is a hands‑on laboratory role offering structured training, academic study, and exposure to GMP‑regulated pharmaceutical development.

You will assist with formulation batch preparation, testing, data reporting, and general laboratory support activities, while working towards a Level 3 qualification.

The Role:

• Support proof of concept and formulation development studies under supervision.
• Assist in the manufacture of GMP batches for human clinical trials and stability studies.
• Compile and present experimental data for review by senior team members.
• Carry out finished product testing, including physical testing and product characterisation.
• Support routine laboratory experimentation as required.
• Maintain laboratory supplies, including placing orders and tracking deliveries.
• Arrange shipment of supplies to customers in line with company and H&S procedures.
• Conduct routine checks of laboratory equipment, areas, and processes to ensure compliance with good laboratory practice.
• Provide resource support to other NPI teams where required to help achieve critical milestones.
• Ensure all work is carried out in accordance with GLP, GMP, SOPs, and approved protocols where applicable.
• Accurately record data in laboratory notebooks, logbooks, and batch records in line with company procedures.
• Comply with health and safety, COSHH, and risk assessment requirements at all times.
• Plan day‑to‑day activities to meet allocated tasks and project timelines.
• Communicate laboratory results, observations, and write‑ups clearly to line management.
• Attend all apprenticeship training workshops, lectures, assessments, and progress reviews as scheduled.
• Maintain a learning log and gather required evidence for the apprenticeship end point assessment.
• Uphold Catalent’s core values by maintaining the highest ethical and professional standards.
• Perform additional duties as requested by NPI Management.

The Candidate:

• Strong interest in laboratory‑based science and pharmaceutical product development.
• GCSEs (or equivalent) including Maths and Science, with motivation to study towards a Level 3 laboratory qualification.
• Good attention to detail with a methodical approach to work.
• Willingness to learn, take direction, and develop practical laboratory skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to manage time effectively and meet both work and study commitments.
• Commitment to safe working practices and high‑quality standards.

Catalent offers rewarding opportunities to further your career!  Join the global drug development and delivery leader and help us bring over 7,000 life-saving and life-enhancing products to patients around the world. Catalent is an exciting and growing international company where employees work directly with pharma, biopharma and consumer health companies of all sizes to advance new medicines from early development to clinical trials and to the market. Catalent produces more than 70 billion doses per year, and each one will be used by someone who is counting on us. Join us in making a difference. 

personal initiative. dynamic pace. meaningful work.

Visit Catalent Careers to explore career opportunities.

Catalent is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate based on any characteristic protected by local law.

If you require reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process due to a disability, you may submit your request by sending an email, and confirming your request for an accommodation and include the job number, title and location to DisabilityAccommodations@catalent.com. This option is reserved for individuals who require accommodation due to a disability. Information received will be processed by a U.S. Catalent employee and then routed to a local recruiter who will provide assistance to ensure appropriate consideration in the application or hiring process.

Notice to Agency and Search Firm Representatives: Catalent Pharma Solutions (Catalent) is not accepting unsolicited resumes from agencies and/or search firms for this job posting. Resumes submitted to any Catalent employee by a third party agency and/or search firm without a valid written & signed search agreement, will become the sole property of Catalent. No fee will be paid if a candidate is hired for this position as a result of an unsolicited agency or search firm referral. Thank you.