Research Associate Degree Apprenticeship - Accord Healthcare Ltd

Cogent Skills is working with Accord Healthcare Ltd to recruit three Degree Level Research Associate Apprentices for its Accord Biopharma London (ABL) lab in Harrow. The successful candidates will be employed by Cogent Skills Services but will undertake all on-job learning with Accord Healthcare.

This is your chance to join a world-leading biopharma company as a Degree Level Apprentice, working hands-on with therapeutic proteins and monoclonal antibodies that are transforming patient lives.

The ABL lab is built as a centre of excellence for Research and Development activities, aiming for biosimilar process development and novel biologics development for both human and veterinary use. Various functions in ABL include Upstream Process Development (UPD), Downstream Process Development (DSP), Analytical Development Lab (ADL), Bioanalytical Development Lab (BDL) and Drug Product Development (DPD or Formulation).

From day one, you’ll be based in a state-of-the-art laboratory, learning directly from experienced scientists and contributing to real-world drug development projects. You’ll gain a broad foundation in biopharma science while specialising in one of three exciting pathways:

Upstream Process Development:

If you’re fascinated by how medicines are made, this pathway will put you at the heart of biopharmaceutical production. You’ll grow and optimise cell cultures, operate bioreactors, and test process conditions to maximise yield and quality. Your work will ensure that life-changing medicines can be manufactured reliably and at scale.

Key responsibilities:

Conduct process development activities like cell culture process, downstream or analytical function related
Prepare and document media, feeds, buffers, and supplements accurately and in a timely manner.
Monitor experiment performance by regularly recording parameters responding to deviations or unexpected trends.
Set up, operate, clean, and maintain equipment & analytical tools
Adhere to standard operating procedures (SOPs), good documentation practices (GDP), and good laboratory practices (GLP).
Follow and promote all EHS (Environmental Health and Safety) procedures and safety guidelines in the lab.
Ensure proper handling and storage of chemicals, biological materials, and lab waste and support in preparing risk assessments and COSHH.
Take personal ownership of assigned tasks and ensure timely, high-quality execution with minimal supervision.
Work collaboratively with peers across functions to support overall project timelines.
Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives within the lab, including equipment maintenance, process improvements
 
Candidate Requirements:
Skills / Personal qualities:

Ability to work as part of a team Energetic individual who has a high level of personal pride in their work Excellent written and oral communication skills Excellent organisational and administration skills – uses time efficiently and effectively, ability to work accurately to required deadlines Good working knowledge of MS Office packages and be able to apply in a lab environment Have the capability to produce reliable, accurate data for all work carried out in the lab Be able to analyse and evaluate results / data obtained from work carried out Adopts a logical approach to problem solving Perseveres to find ways through challenges or barriers Strong desire to learn, with a positive attitude and resilient to change Aptitude and passion for science

Training:

Blended learning through a mixture of online and face to face learning. Much of the programme is centred around work-based learning and projects, which means as an apprentice, you will be adding value to your organisation as you work through your Bachelor’s degree. There are also two residential summer schools in years 1 and 2 to complete the Basic and Advanced Laboratory/Industry Skills modules. These will take place at the university’s Canterbury campus.

Training Outcome:

This role is part of our talent planning for the future and, for the right people, we are looking to continue to develop the apprentices upon successful completion of the apprenticeship.

Our business is growing, so there may be an opportunity to gain permanent employment in the team, subject to performance, successful completion of the apprenticeship, and a role being available.

Upon successful completion of the apprenticeship, individuals are eligible to apply for Registered Scientist (RSci) status through a shortened application route.

Employer Description:
As the specialists in skills for science and technology, our purpose is to make sure your business; your people and our industry are future ready. We are a not-for-profit charitable organisation with a family of commercially focused companies committed to supporting the skills, needs and ambitions across the UK science and technology sector.

Working Hours :
9.00am - 5.30pm Monday to Friday, with 1-hour unpaid daily lunch break.

Skills:
Communication skills,IT skills,Attention to detail,Organisation skills,Analytical skills,Logical,Team working