R&D Data Science Degree Apprenticeship, UK, 2026

Key Skills

Aartificial intelligence, Data science techniques, Machine learning techniques, Python Programming, SQL, Supply Chain Management

Job Description

GSK Apprenticeships are a brilliant alternative to college courses or university. As one of the world’s leading biopharma companies, we offer an on-the-job learning experience that really stands out. You’ll earn a salary for performing a real role – with your practical experience backed by classroom sessions.

As the Data Science Apprentice you will gain exposure to the many facets of drug discovery pipeline, all whilst actively studying towards your BSc (Hons) in Data Science with Nottingham University. For more information see:

• Course details: Data Scientist Degree Apprenticeship – The University of Nottingham

• Apprenticeship standard: Data scientist (integrated degree) / Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education

We are looking for motivated individuals with a willingness and enthusiasm to learn, who are excited to join the Research & Development function in the Clinical Supply Chain: 

• We ensure the right medicines reach the right patients at the right time during clinical trials.

• We forecast how much investigational drug is needed, coordinate manufacturing, manage storage and distribution to trial sites worldwide and track inventory in real-time.

• Our work prevents costly supply shortages that could delay trials while minimizing waste from expired medicines.

• By combining logistics expertise with advanced analytics, we balance complex factors like patient enrolment rates, temperature-controlled shipping, and regulatory requirements across multiple countries - all to keep trials running smoothly and get new treatments to patients faster.

Does this sound like you?

• Do you enjoy learning how Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (AI/ML) can help deliver medicines to patients more efficiently?

• Do you enjoy working with data, solving problems and trying out new coding techniques?

• Are you curious about how technology can improve healthcare and clinical research?

If you have answered ‘yes’ to these questions and like what you’ve read so far then please read on.

Education required:

• Grade 5 in GCSE Mathematics or equivalent, Grade 4 in GCSE English Language or equivalent

• BBC at A-Level to include Maths.  A-Levels in Citizenship Skills, General Studies, and Critical Thinking will not be accepted

Language requirement: Written and spoken fluency in English

Duration: 3.5 years

Location: You will be based at Stevenage or GSK HQ. You must live within a 60-minute commute of the site location on the day you start your apprenticeship as you are expected to be on site daily.

What will you do?

Job role will be in accordance with the department you join and broadly include;

• Analyze supply chain data to identify patterns and support decision-making, working alongside experienced data scientists

• Build dashboards and reports that help teams track medicine inventory, shipments and trial progress

• Support forecasting projects using statistical methods and machine learning to predict how much medicine trials will need

• Assist with automation of routine tasks to increase team efficiency and focus on complex challenges

• Collaborate with diverse teams including clinical operations, manufacturing, quality assurance, and external partners

• Learn industry-standard tools such as Python, SQL, cloud platforms, and data visualization software

• Ensure data quality and compliance with pharmaceutical regulations and company standards

• Present findings clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences

• Contribute to innovation projects exploring new AI/ML (+GenAI) applications in clinical supply chain

• Gain broad exposure across our Research and Development organization through rotations and cross-functional projects

• Develop professionally through mentorship, training and gradually increasing responsibility

Expected Start date: September 2026

Application deadline: We recommend you apply as soon as possible. We will close this vacancy when we have enough applications, so please apply as soon as you can so your application can be considered.

Assessment Centre Date: April 2026

We want you to be motivated and passionate for the Apprenticeship you apply to – we will only accept ONE Apprenticeship application per candidate each year. Please do your research before applying and select the one Apprenticeship you wish to apply to – good luck with your application!

What do we offer you?

• Starting salary of £21,900 per year, increasing to £27,400 after 1 year (subject to review annually, this may change in line with living wage) + annual bonus based on company performance.

• Relocation Allowance (eligibility will be confirmed once your first location is confirmed). 

• Employee recognition programs, which reward exceptional achievements. 

• Access to our cutting-edge wellbeing platform: personalise your experience, help reduce stress, increase focus, build connections and resilience. You will also have access to a confidential helpline 24/7, mindfulness, health screenings and financial wellbeing support. 

• Access to Private Healthcare Insurance, including 24-hour access to an online GP. 

• Additional Support through salary sacrifice including: identity protection, long-term care insurance, home, auto, and pet insurance.  

• Option to opt into our share save plan which gives you long-term incentives by linking your rewards to our longer-term performance.  

• Engage with Employee Resource Groups, providing opportunities to network, gain mentorship, and grow personally and professionally. 

• Access to NxtGen which is a community of Early Careers programme participants offering development, networking and social connections to help you make the best of your programme.

• 2 volunteering days per year, called “Together Days”.  

Let’s do this!

For hints, tips and guidance for getting onto a GSK apprenticeship, register on our GSK candidate insight and engagement platform GSK Get Ahead – Connectr to learn more about working at GSK, our culture and the application processes. 

After submitting your application, you will be asked to complete our GSK Digital Assessment. The GSK Digital Assessment will give you the opportunity to demonstrate your skills through engaging exercises, while providing us with insights into your unique approach to work. This will help us better understand how your strengths, behaviors, and skills align with the role and the positive impact you could bring to our team.

Top tip 1: Make sure you save this job description for reference throughout the process, it will really help you prepare for the different stages in your application. 

Top tip 2: Don't forget to register on our GSK candidate insight and engagement platform https://gsk.connectr.co.uk/getahead/ to learn more about working at GSK, our culture and our application processes.