Full Job Description
UCB are looking for a highly motivated scientist to join the Early Solutions department at UCB’s UK Discovery Research Hub. You will be responsible for Laboratory-based tasks, which include sampling, testing, measuring, recording and analyzing results. Techniques will include mammalian cell culture, cell transfection, antibody binding assays and tissue preparation.
Qualification Requirements
5 GCSEs (or equivalent) grade A*-C (4-9) Inc Maths, English and Science.
You must have gained a minimum of 80 UCAS points from a minimum of 2 A-level subjects including Biology (or equivalent, e.g. BTEC) and an additional Science or Maths
Salary - £21,000 per annum
Benefits
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Holiday Allowance - 28 Days Holiday Allowance, plus Bank Holidays
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Pension - Employee 5%, Employer 3%
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Casual Dress
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Discount schemes
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Employee assistance programme
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Onsite parking
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Onsite Canteen
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Gym membership
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Paid sick leave 10 paid days per year once probationary period is completed
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Days off for volunteering – 1 day per year
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Employee recognition / Aspire award
Location - 208 Bath Rd, Slough SL1 3WE until mid 2027 where UCB will move to new site Sunninghill Road, Windlesham, Surrey, GU20 6PP
Working Hours
Monday to Friday, 09:00am – 17:30pm with 1 hour unpaid lunch break.
Flexible hours/ working - 10 – 3:30 core hours with remaining hours made up around these times
Duration - 60 months
Start Date - 2026 to be confirmed
Interview Date - 2026 to be confirmed
Closing Date for Applications - 2nd April 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
We are currently looking for highly motivated young scientists to join the Early Solutions department at UCB’s UK Discovery Research Hub in Slough. Working within the Antibody Discovery Department you will be part of a team of scientists developing novel protein-based therapeutics for areas of unmet patient need. You will be responsible for laboratory-based tasks using a range of cutting-edge scientific technologies to support therapeutic projects and technology development. You will receive training in all techniques and will have your own mentor to provide help and advice during your time at UCB. This represents a great opportunity to work in industry-leading laboratories at the cutting edge of drug discovery.
Job Responsibilities
You will be responsible for laboratory-based tasks supporting antibody discovery, including mammalian cell culture, cell transfection, PBMC and tissue preparation, and both biochemical and cell‑based binding assays. You will work autonomously to design and execute scientific experiments across multiple projects, analysing, interpreting, and evaluating the resulting data. You will communicate findings clearly in written reports and oral presentations to multidisciplinary teams. In addition, you will independently plan and prioritise your workload, applying creative thinking and problem‑solving skills, consulting scientific literature, and collaborating with colleagues to challenge assumptions, drive innovation, and advance the team’s scientific capabilities.
Tasks typically involve:
• Performing well designed experiments to produce data which can support scientific investigations
• Following protocols and carrying out lab-based tasks accurately
• Recording all laboratory work to the agreed standards
• Interpreting and presenting results in collaboration with other colleagues
• Presenting results and findings within various sized team meetings.
• Keeping up to date with technical developments, especially those which can save time and improve reliability
• Following and ensuring strict safety procedures and safety checks
• Managing time effectively and being able to plan and complete work to schedule.
Candidate Requirements
Personal Qualities
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Good written and oral communication skills
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Good ability to multitask
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Problem solving skills
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Good numerical and IT skills
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Attention to detail
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Team worker and considerate to members of team and wider organisation
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Highly motivated and drive to develop oneself
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Demonstrates reliability and integrity
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Enthusiasm
Training To Be Delivered
Qualification to be delivered: BSc BioScience
Apprenticeship Standard: Scientist
Training Provider: University of Kent
Delivery model: Online
Future Prospects
Upon successful completion of the apprenticeship, you will be eligible to apply for other positions within the business. The training will expose the apprentice to a wide range of skills and competencies which would make them well placed for further study or suitable for many job opportunities in the life sciences sector.
Things To Be Considered
• Please ensure that you currently live within or can relocate to a commutable distance of the site
• The individual will be working within a professional environment and must therefore adhere to site dress code procedures
• All applications to be made through Apprenticeship vacancies. Do not contact the employer
About UCB
UCB is a global biopharmaceutical company, with a focus on neurology and immunology.
UCB’s ambition is to transform the lives of people living with severe diseases. We focus on neurology and immunology disorders – putting patients at the centre of our world. We are Inspired by Patients. Driven by Science and are now more than 9000 people in all four corners of the globe.
Our medicines treat millions of people around the world, and we are engaging with patients, their families and healthcare professionals to address their unmet needs. We want to enhance our understanding of disease and the real-life experiences of patients so that our teams can deliver the right drug and the right care to the right patient.
UCB is continuously working to advance science and embrace new knowledge. We are leveraging scientific advances and skills in areas such as genetics, biomarkers and human biology. Patients inspire us to bring them value through cutting-edge science, innovative treatments, and practical solutions – so that they and their carers can get on with their lives.
