Microbiology Student Internship at AstraZeneca UK
Are you searching for a hands-on Microbiology Student Internship with real-world impact? This Quality Assurance/Quality Control lab-based internship at AstraZeneca in Macclesfield, UK offers an exceptional Internship Opportunity for life science students to gain practical laboratory experience in microbiology, analytical chemistry, and pharmaceutical quality systems. As part of AstraZeneca Careers, this program provides industry exposure, mentorship, and skills development within a global biopharmaceutical leader.
About AstraZeneca
AstraZeneca is a global, science-led biopharmaceutical company focused on discovering, developing, and delivering innovative medicines. Through AstraZeneca Careers, students and professionals contribute to groundbreaking research across oncology, cardiovascular, respiratory, immunology, and rare diseases. The company’s commitment to inclusion, quality, and patient safety makes its Microbiology Student Internship programs among the most competitive Internships in UK.
Internship Details:
- Internship Title: Quality Assurance / Quality Control Lab-Based Internship
- Company: AstraZeneca
- Location: Macclesfield, England, United Kingdom
- Job ID: R-242147
- Closing Date: 19 January 2026
- Program Duration: 10–12 weeks
About the Role
The Macclesfield Quality Assurance (QA) organization ensures every product is safe, effective, and fit for use. Within QA, Quality Control (QC) teams safeguard product quality by analyzing raw materials, in-process samples, finished products, and the manufacturing environment. Co-located Microbiology and Analytical Chemistry laboratories host nine specialist teams delivering compliant, patient-focused analytics.
Placement Options in This Microbiology Student Internship
QC Microbiology
- Perform microbiological testing on raw materials, site water systems, and finished products
- Support manufacturing with timely data, technical insight, and compliance
- Areas include:
- Process Assurance: Environmental monitoring
- Product Quality: Bioburden, endotoxin, sterility
- Water, Support & Identification: Water quality verification, microbial identification, sterile media and equipment supply
QC Analytical Chemistry
- Test excipients, raw materials, APIs, and finished products against quality standards
- Techniques include:
- Chromatography (GC, HPLC, APC)
- Tablet testing and preparation automation
- Robotic sample preparation
- Wet chemistry (titration, IR, UV, water content)
- Learn method execution, validation, data review, and batch release support
QA Support Officer (Sampling & Archive)
- Manage end-to-end records and sample archiving (receiving, storing, cataloguing, retrieval, compliant disposal)
- Train on Records Management & Archiving (RMA) systems
- Conduct raw material identification testing (e.g., NIR, Raman) and sampling
- Support investigations and reporting
- Gain exposure to GMP documentation (procedures, deviations, change controls, risk assessments, complaints)
- Contribute to LEAN problem-solving and continuous improvement
- Work to cGMP, GDP, ICH Q10, and AstraZeneca standards
What You’ll Gain in this Microbiology Student Internship
- Practical laboratory skills in microbiology and/or analytical chemistry
- Training in validated methods, GMP documentation, and data integrity
- Experience with automation and digital tools
- Cross-functional collaboration with QA, QC, manufacturing, and operations teams
- Insight into regulatory expectations and inspection readiness
Who Can Apply?
- Undergraduate students in Microbiology, Biomedical Sciences, or related fields
- Curious, proactive learners who follow procedures and work safely
- Strong attention to detail and interest in quality, compliance, and laboratory science
- Prior lab experience is helpful, but full training is provided
