Full Job Description
We are offering two exciting apprenticeship opportunities for enthusiastic A-level students to join our Antibody production teams. These roles are ideal for candidates passionate about science and eager to gain hands-on experience in a real laboratory environment while working towards a recognised qualification.
As an apprentice, you will be trained in mammalian cell culture, molecular biology, microbial and purification techniques contributing to the production and characterization of high-quality antibodies used in research and development.
Qualification Requirements
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5 GCSEs (or equivalent) grade A*-C (4-9), inc. Maths, English and Science.
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You must have gained a minimum of 80 UCAS points from a minimum of 2 A-level subjects including either Chemistry or 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 Awards
Location - 216 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 a 1 hour unpaid lunch break.
Duration - 60 months
Start Date - TBC 2026
Interview Date - TBC 2026
Closing Date for Applications - 30th 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
What you will learn
You will receive structured training and day-to-day mentoring from experienced scientists. Skills you will develop include:
Mammalian cell culture
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Aseptic technique and sterile workflow
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Thawing, expanding and maintaining mammalian cell lines
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Setting up and monitoring small scale cultures
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Supporting upstream processes for antibody expression
Molecular Biology & Microbial Techniques
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DNA extraction, and basic cloning workflows
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Transformation and culture of microbial strains
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Plasmid preparation, sequence and quality checks
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Understanding expression vectors and constructs design
Purification & Analytical Techniques
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Setting up and running of automated purification platforms
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Purification column/resin maintenance
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Monoclonal antibody specific purification techniques
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Recovery & purity analytical techniques and data interpretation
Laboratory Operations
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Accurate record-keeping and data entry
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Preparation of buffers, media and reagents
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Routine equipment maintenance and calibration
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Following SOPs, quality standards, and health & safety procedures
Key Responsibilities
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Assist in the day-to-day running of the antibody production labs
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Support scientists with experimental setup and sample processing
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Maintain clean, organised laboratory spaces
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Monitor cultures and report observations to the team
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Participate in team meetings and contribute to continuous improvement initiatives
Who we are looking For
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Currently studying A-levels (or recently completed), including Biology or Chemistry
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Strong interest in laboratory science and biotechnology
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Good attention to detail and willingness to learn
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Reliable, organised and comfortable working in a team
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Positive attitude and proactive approach to problem solving
Training & Development
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Formal apprenticeship training delivered through an accredited provider
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On the job learning with experienced mentors
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Opportunities to work across different laboratory functions
Candidate Requirements
Skills/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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Teamwork and consideration 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: Training for this apprenticeship will be completed 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
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Please ensure that you currently live within or can relocate to a commutable distance of the site
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The individual will be working within a professional environment and must therefore adhere to site dress code procedures
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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.
