Pfizer UK Undergraduate Programme 2024/2025
FAST Chemical Engineering Undergraduate Placement
Worldwide Research & Development / Pharmaceutical Science Small Molecules
Chemical Research & Development
Pharmaceutical Sciences carries out the development of novel pharmaceuticals from potential drug targets. Once a drug candidate has been selected it is passed to Chemical Research and Development (CRD). The selected route is then developed and modified into a safe, environmentally friendly, cost effective, reproducible manufacturing process within the Process Development Facility. The Flexible API Supply Technologies (FAST) Team provides advanced manufacturing insight into the evolution of new continuous API manufacturing platform technologies.
The Process Development Facility at Sandwich is a small scale flexible manufacturing facility. This ‘state-of-the-art’ £60 million pilot plant facility consists of 22 batch reactors, of 250 to 2500 litre capacity, with all ancillary equipment including centrifuge, drying equipment and new technologies.
What can I achieve and what will I be responsible for whilst completing a placement at Pfizer?
The successful candidate will assist the FAST Team in a range of engineering activities around FAST operations within the Process Development Facility and CRD Laboratories.
During your year with us in the FAST Team you will be involved in a variety of tasks which may include:
-
Design of plant or process improvements and enhancements
-
Development and trials of new continuous technologies in both a laboratory and manufacturing setting including Plug Flow Reactors, Gas/Liquid Flow Systems, Liquid/Liquid Extraction Systems
-
Process scale-up from laboratory to Pilot Plant and to manufacturing scale plant
-
Equipment commissioning and validation in a pharmaceutical plant environment
-
Process and equipment problem solving and troubleshooting
-
Utilising and applying advanced engineering software such as Aspen, Dynochem or Visimix
-
Gaining process comprehension through use of process analytical technologies
Throughout this placement you will increase your knowledge in aspects of both practical and theoretical chemical engineering whilst developing your interpersonal, team and communication skills. You will gain the skills of how to deliver tasks in a team environment by leveraging partnerships with key stakeholders.
What other opportunities and benefits do Pfizer offer?
You will have the opportunity to network with a wide range of other scientific and engineering disciplines across the globe including Manufacturing Engineers; US based Chemical Engineers; other specialists in Organic Chemistry, Kinetics, Crystallisation, Hydrogenation and Process Safety as part of our global Chemical Research and Development department. It is a fantastic way to obtain a better appreciation of the Pharma industry and the types of roles it has to offer.
You will have the opportunity to participate in and organise volunteering activities with 5 days paid volunteering leave, including STEM activities and careers fairs to inspire potential engineers and scientists of the future.
You will receive a competitive salary along with benefits including 25.5 days annual leave.
Placements will start on 2nd September 2024 and will run for 12 months.
Type of person we are looking for, in relation to ‘Skills’, ‘Knowledge’ and ‘Motivation’:
Completing placement as part of University Degree either through Year In Industry/Industrial Placement or Gap Year.
Studying for a Chemical Engineering degree or similar
On target for a minimum of Degree Classification
Ability to work effectively in a team environment
Enthusiasm and pro-active approach to tasks
Interest in Chemical Engineering in a manufacturing and laboratory environment
Applicants must be completing placement as part of a degree course at a UK University, either through Year in Industry/Industrial Placement or Gap Year.
Applications for this role will close on the 1st October 2023.
Please note that we only accept application forms. Please do not send over your CV or cover letter as they will not be considered.
Please access the Word version of the Application Form here:
Undergraduate Vacancies | Pfizer UK
and find instructions as to how to complete your application and more about eligibility criteria.
Purpose
Breakthroughs that change patients' lives... At Pfizer we are a patient centric company, guided by our four values: courage, joy, equity and excellence. Our breakthrough culture lends itself to our dedication to transforming millions of lives.
Digital Transformation Strategy
One bold way we are achieving our purpose is through our company wide digital transformation strategy. We are leading the way in adopting new data, modelling and automated solutions to further digitize and accelerate drug discovery and development with the aim of enhancing health outcomes and the patient experience.
Flexibility
We aim to create a trusting, flexible workplace culture which encourages employees to achieve work life harmony, attracts talent and enables everyone to be their best working self. Let’s start the conversation!
Equal Employment Opportunity
We believe that a diverse and inclusive workforce is crucial to building a successful business. As an employer, Pfizer is committed to celebrating this, in all its forms – allowing for us to be as diverse as the patients and communities we serve. Together, we continue to build a culture that encourages, supports and empowers our employees.
DisAbility Confident
We are proud to be a Disability Confident Employer and we encourage you to put your best self forward with the knowledge and trust that we will make any reasonable adjustments necessary to support your application and future career. Our mission is unleashing the power of our people, especially those with unique superpowers. Your journey with Pfizer starts here!
Support Services