Laboratory Sciences Apprentice

Job Description

Laboratory Sciences Apprentice - Durham, NC

This is a 2-year apprenticeship program registered with the US Department of Labor.

Join AstraZeneca's Durham, NC site as a full-time Laboratory Scientist Apprentice and embark on a groundbreaking journey in pharmaceutical development. Our program offers a blend of paid, hands-on experience and structured learning through in-house training and classroom instruction at Durham Technical Community College.

Why join?

• Earn while you learn: Pursue your associate degree while earning a competitive salary, with benefits including healthcare coverage and paid time off.
• Learn on the job: Apply classroom learning to your day-to-day work, building in-demand skills with the support of experienced journeyworkers and mentors.
• Achieve an apprenticeship credential: Complete the program with a portable, nationally recognized apprenticeship certificate.
• Receive tuition support: AstraZeneca funds associate degree courses once you are enrolled in the program (not retroactive to prior coursework).
• Make a real impact: Be part of teams that create meaningful change - not just for AstraZeneca, but for people across the globe who rely on our medicines.

Role Overview

As an AstraZeneca apprentice, you will be a full-time employee and receive pay for both on-the-job training and academic coursework. A typical schedule includes 24–32 hours per week onsite at AstraZeneca, with the remaining hours spent in classes at Durham Technical Community College, based on the academic calendar. Hours are typically Monday through Friday, with occasional weekend work based on production needs.

You will join the Analytical Development team, supporting analytical chemistry laboratories and performing testing and studies that help ensure the quality of medicines produced onsite in Durham and across our global network.

What you will do:

• Support day-to-day laboratory operations, including ordering supplies, maintaining equipment, conducting instrument checks, managing samples and materials, and maintaining visual dashboards for lab readiness
• Prepare solutions and samples, and perform routine analytical testing
• Assist with analytical method development and laboratory studies
• Maintain accurate documentation and data in compliance with cGMP requirements
• Contribute to continuous improvement activities to enhance laboratory efficiency

What you will learn:

• Chromatographic techniques and HPLC/UPLC and data systems (e.g., Empower)
• cGMP laboratory practices and quality standards in a regulated environment
• Use of electronic lab notebooks, and digital and AI-enabled tools
• Application of Lean principles and continuous improvement in daily work

Education & Coursework

AstraZeneca partners with Durham Technical Community College to provide classroom instruction and laboratory training as part of the apprenticeship. Coursework supports the development of core scientific and technical skills, and successful completion of the associate degree is required to earn the apprenticeship certificate.

Minimum Requirements

• High school diploma or GED (must be earned by start date)
• 0 years of related work experience required
• Willingness to complete a 30-minute online assessment
• Ability to stand for prolonged periods
• Proficiency in English (ability to read, write, and understand documents)

• Basic computer skills, including Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook
• Ability to commute to AstraZeneca site and Durham Technical Community College

Preferred Qualifications

• Currently enrolled in an Associate degree program in a science-related field
• Currently enrolled in or have completed General Chemistry I and/or II (or equivalent coursework)

Application Process 

Applicants must complete a 30-minute, multiple-choice online assessment. You will receive the assessment within two weeks of applying and will have five days to complete it. If selected, in-person panel interviews are tentatively scheduled for the week of June 8, 2026. 

 

Applications Open: May 4, 2026 

Applications Close: May 18, 2026

Apprentice Standards 

Before applying, please review and download our apprenticeship standards. 

Voluntary Disability Disclosure Form 

As sponsors of a registered apprenticeship program, we are committed to equal opportunity for all qualified individuals, including those with disabilities. To support this effort, we invite you to complete this voluntarily disclose form. Your response is confidential and will not impact your application. 

EEOC Pledge

AstraZeneca will not discriminate against apprenticeship applicants or apprentices based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), sexual orientation, genetic information, or because they are an individual with a disability or a person 40 years old or older. AstraZeneca will take affirmative action to provide equal opportunity in apprenticeship and will operate the apprenticeship program as required under Title 29 of the Code of Federal Regulations, part 30.

#EarlyTalent

Date Posted

04-May-2026

Closing Date

18-May-2026

Our mission is to build an inclusive environment where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants and employees. In furtherance of that mission, we welcome and consider applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of their protected characteristics. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please complete the corresponding section in the application form.