Pfizer Ignite Scientific Services and Operations Undergraduate

Pfizer UK Undergraduate Programme 2025/2026
Pfizer Ignite Scientific Services and Operations Undergraduate
Business Innovation
Pfizer Ignite
Location: Sandwich, Kent
Who can apply?
Applicants must be completing a placement as part of a degree course at a UK University, either through Year in Industry/Industrial Placement or Gap Year.
Please note that we will only consider candidates who have applied by completing the Pfizer Placement Application Form. Candidates who do not complete and attach the application form will NOT be considered. You can download 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.
To learn more about this exciting opportunity, please see below!!
Department Overview
Pfizer Ignite works with innovative biotechnology (biotech) companies that are aligned with Pfizer's priority therapeutic areas and are looking for expertise to support accelerating their asset from candidate selection through later phase clinical development (e.g. phase 2 clinical trials). The breadth of Pfizer's collective experience covers the most complex modalities and disciplines, and Pfizer has the capacity and network to deliver on a global scale. In partnership with Pfizer Research & Development (PRD), the Pfizer Oncology Division (POD), and with trusted partners, Pfizer Ignite provides strategic input and end-to-end services including research and development (for example, pre-clinical research, clinical trial execution and regulatory strategy) and manufacturing, all tailored to the unique needs of each biotech partner. Most importantly, Pfizer Ignite's biotech partners benefit from a relationship with an organization that shares their mission of bringing innovative therapies to patients faster.
The Pfizer Ignite Scientific Services and Operations (SSO) team is accountable for the operational delivery of Pfizer Ignite projects on behalf of our biotech partners, including; project scoping, pricing and negotiation, onboarding and execution oversight, biotech partner liaison, subject matter expert collaboration, and providing operational guidance.
What can I achieve and what will I be accountable for whilst completing a placement at Pfizer?
The successful candidate will complete their assignment in the Pfizer Ignite SSO team. In this team they will have the opportunity to develop an in-depth comprehension of the key elements of Pfizer Ignite SSO activities and exposure to the full scope of research, development, and biotech partnerships. They will gain hands-on experience in many critical aspects of business operations, ensuring operational efficiency, quality of deliverables, establishing processes, data tracking and reporting, developing and maintaining training resources, and facilitating the day-to-day organization and running of the Pfizer Ignite SSO team.
The successful candidate will also develop project management skills through conducting key elements of project execution and will gain experience in internal cross-functional team, client and vendor management, as well as developing a wide range of transferrable skills.
They will become a key part of the Pfizer Ignite SSO team and will be expected to develop a sound technical grasp of and contribute to Pfizer Ignite project execution and internal team business operations.
What other opportunities and benefits do Pfizer offer?
The Pfizer Ignite SSO team partners closely with other functions within Pfizer, allowing the successful candidate a unique opportunity to gain insights into a wide range of core research and development functions and to provide a rounded awareness of the pharmaceutical business. The successful candidate will be encouraged to tailor their experience to best support their learning objectives and interests.
The successful candidate will also have the opportunity to access an extensive library of training tools (including technical and soft skills) and participate in regular educational sessions. They will work closely with experienced members of the Pfizer Ignite SSO team, who have a diverse range of backgrounds to learn from. The successful candidate will also benefit from close mentoring from and face-to-face learning opportunities with their Manager, and face-to-face engagement with other Undergraduates, cross-functional colleagues and leaders.
Placed Undergraduates will be offered the chance to participate in voluntary events, including a range of community and self-identified opportunities, as well as many STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) activities. They are actively encouraged to get involved in delivering science demonstrations to school pupils as part of the Pfizer STEM outreach programme, at events like Science Fairs.
When can I start?
Placements will start on 1st September 2025 and will run for 12 months.
PERSON SPECIFICATION
Type of person we are looking for, in relation to 'Skills', 'Knowledge' and 'Motivation':

• Completing placement as part of University Degree at a UK University either through Year In Industry/Industrial Placement or Gap Year
• Passion to learn more about the biotech ecosystem, end-to-end research and development process and R&D business operations
• Self-motivated with ability to work freely
• Comfortable working on multiple project types, with excellent time management and prioritization skills
• Detail focused
• Strong verbal and excellent written communication skills
• Solution oriented and good problem-solving abilities
• Demonstrated effectiveness working as part of a team, with good collaboration skills
• High IT literacy (experience in Word, Excel, PowerPoint)

As a reminder.......
Who can apply?
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.
This position will close for applications on 24th November 2024.
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.
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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!
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