Full Job Description
The Discovery and Medicinal Chemistry department at Jazz Pharmaceuticals are looking for a highly motivated student with a passion for synthetic chemistry to join our team on a 12-month internship.
Qualification Requirements
Undergraduate with at least 2 years of study or Graduate in a Chemistry based degree
Salary - £24,000 per annum
Benefits
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Holiday Allowance - 25 Days Holiday Allowance, plus Bank Holidays
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Pension - Employee 5%, Employer 3%
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Employee Assistance Programme
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On-site Parking
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Flexi time
Location - Kent Science Park, Broad Oak Road, Sittingbourne, Kent ME9 8AG
Working Hours
Monday to Friday - 8.30am - 5.30pm
Duration - 12 months
Start Date - September 2026
Interview Date - February/Early March 2026
Closing Date for Applications - 31st January 2026
To Apply
To apply, please click the Apply Now button and complete the form. If you are having difficulty in completing this, please contact recruitment on [email protected] for assistance
Job Description
The Discovery and Medicinal Chemistry department at Jazz Pharmaceuticals are looking for a highly motivated student with a passion for synthetic chemistry to join our team on a 12-month internship. You will be working within a patient-focused, science-driven and multi-disciplinary biopharmaceutical environment, with exposure to the key activities and responsibilities of an organic chemist in the drug discovery process. Working in our state-of-the-art labs, you will carry out a wide range of synthetic reactions and utilise purification and characterisation techniques to deliver novel compounds designed towards biological targets, developing your practical chemistry skills. There will be opportunities to deepen your understanding in organic and medicinal chemistry, as well as enhancing your communication skills via presentation of your work to other chemists and wider teams.
Job Responsibilities
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Design and execution of multi-step organic syntheses for the preparation of small-molecule agents.
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Use modern purification techniques (automated column chromatography and HPLC).
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Structural characterisation using modern analytical techniques (NMR).
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Understanding and implementing the laboratory risk assessment process to underpin safe laboratory working, aligning with the company’s EHSS standards.
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Learning to interpret experimental observations and results and manage research strategy.
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Clear and detailed recording of experimental procedures and results in an electronic lab notebook.
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Presentation of work in team and project meetings, with effective communication to key stakeholders, internally and externally.
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Collaboration with other departments and functions to advance research programs.
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Writing of one or more summary reports during the placement.
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The role will involve a combination of laboratory work (mostly standing) and desk/PC work.
Evaluations
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Evaluation will initially be provided via verbal feedback from the intern’s supervisor.
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Further to the above, ongoing evaluation will be given at the midpoint and end of the internship. The midpoint evaluation is intended to provide the student constructive feedback on strengths and weaknesses and offer recommendations to improve.
Candidate Requirements
Skills
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Passion for drug discovery and synthetic organic chemistry, with a problem-solving attitude.
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Highly motivated individual, with a strong willingness to learn and improve upon knowledge and laboratory skills gained at university.
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Strong knowledge of organic chemistry and the application of this in a practical setting.
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Understanding of NMR and other characterisation techniques.
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The ability to interpret experimental results and use conclusions to guide future experimental work.
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Strong oral, written and interpersonal communication skills.
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Ability to work independently through assigned work packages, and to collaborate with other chemists and scientists across diverse departments.
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Excellent organisation skills and time management, with the ability to prioritise tasks and complete within defined deadlines.
Personal Qualities
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Hard-working
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Ability to solve problems, interact with others and manage a varied workload.
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Is self-motivated to achieve high quality results within defined timeframes
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Attention to detail
Things To Be Considered
Please ensure that you are willing and able to live within commutable distance of the company site before applying.
Cogent Skills Placements Service are managing the recruitment for this placement at our client's request, therefore we ask that applications are made through our website please.
About Jazz Pharmaceuticals
Jazz Pharmaceuticals is a global biopharmaceutical company whose purpose is to innovate to transform the lives of patients and their families. Jazz Pharmaceuticals are dedicated to developing life-changing medicines for people with serious diseases—often with limited or no therapeutic options. They have a diverse portfolio of marketed medicines and novel product candidates, from early-to late-stage development, in neuroscience and oncology. They actively explore new options for patients including novel compounds, small molecules and biologics, and through cannabinoid science and innovative delivery technologies. Jazz is headquartered in Dublin, Ireland and has employees around the globe, serving patients in nearly 75 countries.
