Technical Apprenticeship with Eisai: September 2025 to September 2030
We are a global leading research-based pharmaceutical company working in the neurology and oncology therapeutic areas and we define our corporate concept as "to give first thought to patients and the people in the daily living domain and increase the benefits that health care provides to them as well as meet diverse healthcare needs worldwide".
Here at Eisai our people come from many different backgrounds and join us to work across a wide variety of roles, but we all have a common purpose of human health care (hhc) - putting patients first. Our people are what makes Eisai the company we are. By joining Eisai, in any function, you will be part of an organisation with teamwork, positive energy and resilience at the heart of everything we do.
Emerging Talent is a key focus for the team at Eisai, with many of our current workforce starting or building their career as an Apprentice, Intern or Graduate. You will join a tight-knit community and be provided with a Buddy, Line Manager and access to our Emerging Talent Team to ensure you are well supported. You will join a well thought out training programme that will support your soft skills, alongside building your technical skills in your role. You will be given real responsibilities from day one, which gives you the opportunity to learn from highly experienced team members and colleagues.
Why not look at what it’s like to be an Apprentice at Eisai: https://app.pitchy.fr/share?id=A6zLpG5lya297qxgNaNkw4j3VmPgbEBM or see what it’s like as our alumni: https://app.pitchy.fr/share?id=A6zLpG5lya297qxgRb6kw4j3VmPgbEBM
Role: Pharmaceutical Scientist Apprentice (known internally as Technical Apprentice)
Location: Hatfield (Hertfordshire)
Salary: Starting salary is £22,495 but will increase year on year in line with successful completion each year.
Working arrangement: Hybrid – likely 3/4 days in the office
Apprenticeship offered: Bsc Scientist (Pharmaceutical pathway)
Length of programme: 60 months (5 years)
Job Details: We are looking for two Apprentices to join Eisai’s Technical Team based within our leading Manufacturing site in Hatfield, UK. Our Technical Team is a broad function focusing on process development & validation as well as artwork relating to our products that are manufactured & packaged at the site.
The role will see you involved in:
Supporting process development & validation projects in manufacturing & packaging.
Assisting with investigating of issues and implementing solutions.
Supporting continuous improvement of our site.
Providing technical knowledge & support to other teams on site.
We are looking for individuals who enjoy:
Understanding the details behind how and why things work.
Applying their learnings from theories to deliver a project.
Trying new things and when things go wrong/see it as a learning opportunity by critically analysing a situation and using tools and techniques to find the root cause of problems.
Working with other people as a team and problem solving.
Researching, understanding and implementing new technologies.
Working in a detail driven environment and documenting their findings.
This apprenticeship will give the apprentice a good grounding and understanding of the pharmaceutical industry from the development and formulation of drugs, how drugs function in the body, commercial manufacturing and laboratory testing. This foundation will open options for the apprentice to pursue multiple careers within the industry. The classroom learning will be supported by performing a job within the manufacturing technical team where the apprentice can put their learning into practice.
As part of this apprenticeship role, 20% of your time will be focused on studying for a BSc (Hons) Scientist (Pharamaceutical Pathway) which will be completed through block learning and virtual learning. This will be at either Greenwich University OR Manchester Metropolitan University. We will let you know which University this will be affiliated with at point of offer.
Role Requirements: To apply for this apprenticeship, you will need to meet the entry requirement of the degree course which requires 112 UCAS points from:
· A-levels
· An appropriate BTEC National award
· A recognised Access to Science course
· An appropriate Level 3 apprenticeship programme
· Relevant experience, including experience gained from voluntary activities.
You will also need GCSE in English (language or literature) and maths at grade 4/C, or equivalent qualifications
Recruitment process:
Step one: Apply.
The first thing to do is to apply to one of our well-sought-after programmes. You will upload a CV and fill in some personal details so we can be in touch. We will review your application and ensure that you are fully eligible for the programme you have applied for. Our application process opens on 13th January and closes on 10th February.
Step two: Video Interview.
If you are successful at the first stage, you will be invited to take part in a one-way video interview process. This allows you to showcase yourself at a time and pace that suits you. We will be transparent in the process about the questions you will answer to allow you time to put your best foot forward. All video interviews will be scored by 14th February.
Step three: Assessment Centre.
It’s as important to us as it is to you to make sure we find the correct fit, so any successful applicant will be invited to our Hatfield Headquarters for an assessment centre on 12th March 2025. We want you to see the site you will be working in, so we will offer you a tour alongside a face-to-face interview, presentation and individual task. This sounds very daunting, but the Emerging Talent Team will guide you through this process so you will know what you need to prepare ahead of the day. Our assessment centre/interview for this role is: 12th March 2025
Step four: Offer.
Any successful candidate will be offered the vacancy they have applied for. Unsuccessful candidates will receive full feedback at this stage, with ideas and tips of where they can improve for future applications.
We aim to get back to you at each stage within seven working days, however, please note in busy periods this may increase. Please do not worry if you have not heard from us within our allocated time frame, we will endeavour to get back to you as soon as possible. All offers and contracts will be sent by 17th March 2025. Should you be successful, you will be invited to an in-person event on the 24th April 2025 which will allow you to meet your fellow cohort and find out more about Eisai.
What we offer in return
Eisai offers a competitive salary and excellent wider benefits package that includes,
Hybrid working (Depending on role)
Car/Car Allowance (Depending on role)
Electric charging points for Electric/Hybrid vehicles
Discretionary Bonus
Free onsite parking
Subsidised onsite restaurant and coffee shop
Learning and development opportunities
Retail discounts
Well-being & mental health awareness programmes
Multi-faith prayer room
You will also be based out of our excellent EMEA Knowledge Centre (EKC) facility, which is our EU Headquarters, and offers an inclusive, and collaborative working environment.
Eisai Recruitment Statement
Diverse perspectives and experiences are critical to our success, and we welcome applications from all people from all backgrounds with the experience and skills needed to perform this role. We look forward to receiving your application.
Eisai EMEA EDI Commitment Statement
We believe that diverse and inclusive teams promote wellbeing, learning and innovation, helping Eisai serve our patients, their families, our employees, and society. Our commitment is:
to embrace and celebrate our differences, respecting and valuing each other.
to include equity, diversity, and inclusion practices in all that we do so everyone has a full sense of belonging.
to value individual talent where every employee can be themselves and thrive in an environment of openness, trust, and integrity.
