Regulatory Affairs - Macclesfield - Work Experience

Year 12 Work Experience Programme

Regulatory Affairs - Macclesfield

About AstraZeneca

AstraZeneca is a global, science-led biopharmaceutical company that focuses on the discovery, development, and commercialisation of prescription medicines in Oncology, Rare Disease, and Biopharmaceuticals, including Cardiovascular, Renal & Metabolism and Respiratory & Immunology. 

Headquartered in Cambridge, UK, AstraZeneca has a strong global presence with 6 strategic R&D centres in the US, UK, Sweden and China, and 30 manufacturing sites across 17 countries.  Its innovative medicines are sold in more than 125 countries and used by millions of patients worldwide.  

Our R&D focuses on delivering life-changing medicines for today’s highest unmet medical needs and investing in transformative technologies to pioneer next generation solutions for tomorrow and the day after.  By partnering across industries and borders, we collaborate and pursue opportunities to access the best science, fostering innovation and co-creating solutions that meet patients’ needs. 

We create great employee experiences that ignite innovation, unite diverse talent and unlock capacity.  We do this by being champions of inclusion and diversity and fostering personal growth and enterprise leadership.

Programme description

Chemistry, Manufacturing and Controls Regulatory Affairs (CMC RA) at AstraZeneca

What is “CMC Regulatory Affairs”?

• CMC means: Chemistry, Manufacturing and Controls - it’s about how a medicine is made, what’s in it, and how we keep its quality consistent and safe.

• Regulatory Affairs means: Working with health authorities (like the MHRA or EMA) to make sure medicines meet all the rules before they can be used by patients and keeping them compliant once they’re on the market.

• Put together, CMC Regulatory Affairs isthe team that turns complex science and manufacturing details into clear, accurate documents that health authorities can review. They make sure every medicine’s recipe, testing, packaging, and storage are reliable, safe, and explained in the right way.

What are “CMC Regulatory Affairs” roles?

• Quality and safety storytellers: Take the science behind how a medicine is made and turn it into a clear “story” (official submissions) that proves it’s consistently safe and effective.

• Detail detectives: Check that the information from labs and factories is complete, correct, and matches what regulations require.

• Rule navigators: Understand the rules in different countries and help the company meet them.

• Problem solvers: If something changes (like a new supplier or improved process), plan how to update the official documents so patients aren’t affected.

• Office-based

During the work experience placement, you will experience:

• An introduction to the pharmaceutical industry.

• Introduction to Chemistry, Manufacturing and Controls Regulatory Affairs. Work across a medicine’s lifecycle - from early development through commercialization, maintenance and licence withdrawal. 

• Career advice from those currently working for AstraZeneca on the apprentice scheme, and graduates.

• Tours of our world-class Manufacturing, Packing and Training environments.

What knowledge/skills will you gain? 

• Medicine quality basics: Understand ideas like product checks, storage/stability tests, and basic factory rules (GMP) that keep medicines safe and consistent.

• Data Analysis and Communication: Look at straightforward results, spot the main message, and explain it in plain words - useful for reports, emails, and presentations.

• Global teamwork and communication: See how office‑based teams work across many countries, join calls with people in different countries, and learn clear, respectful communication across time zones and cultures.

• Organising and attention to detail: Learn how to structure information, track tasks, check details, and meet deadlines - skills useful in any office job.

• Career Development: Experience the workplace environment whilst making new friends.

Programme information

AstraZeneca has an exciting opportunity for 1 x one-week unpaid work experience placement based at our Macclesfield site. The placement dates are as follows: 

•Monday 6th July to Friday 10th July 2026

Working hours will be 9 am to 4 pm* 

(* Monday will be 8:30 am start to allow time to register with reception)

Who can apply?

To be eligible to apply, students must be in Year 12, studying core Science or MathematicsA-Levels or BTEC Level 3s in Applied Science or Pharmaceutical Science or Engineering, and career interests in:

• Real-world impact: How the work connects directly to getting medicines to patients safely.

• Mix of science and writing: It’s perfect if you enjoy both the logic of science and the clarity of good communication.

• Global perspective: Seeing how medicines are approved in different countries.

• Teamwork and careers: Meeting scientists, engineers, and project managers.

How to apply?

Please complete the application questionnaire and attach a copy of your CV.

Applications will close on 15th February 2026

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