Data Scientist Degree Apprentice - Pfizer

Join Pfizer’s Analytical R&D team as a Data Scientist Degree Apprentice. Help digitise laboratory workflows, build data pipelines and dashboards, and explore ML/AI using Python, SQL, Dataiku and Spotfire. Collaborate globally, solve scientific data challenges and work towards a BSc (Hons) in Data Science.

Qualification Requirements
Grade 5 in GCSE Mathematics or equivalent, Grade 4 in GCSE English Language or equivalent (prior to admission)

with

BBB-BBC at A-Level, with B in Maths and in Statistics. We will not accept A-Levels Citizenship Skills, General Studies, and Critical Thinking.

or

Level 4 Data Analyst apprenticeship at Distinction

Plus

You must have completed the first year of a Data Science Degree or Data Scientist Degree apprenticeship or equivalent.

Salary - £21,200 per annum

Benefits

• Holiday Allowance - 25,5 Days Holiday Allowance, plus Bank Holidays

• Pension - Employee 5%, Employer 3%

• Casual Dress

• Discount Schemes

• Employee Assistance Programme

• Onsite Parking

• Onsite Canteen

• Onsite Gym

• Employee Recognition/Awards

Location - Pfizer Ltd, Discovery Park, Sandwich, Kent, CT13 9NJ

Working Hours
Monday – Thursday - 9:00am - 5.25pm

Friday - 9:00am - 4:05pm

Lunch - 12:00pm – 12:45pm

Duration - 42 months

Start Date - 4/01/2027

Interview Date -  Week commencing 30th November

Closing Date for Applications - 11th November 2026

To Apply
To apply, please click the Apply Now button and complete the form. Once you submit, you will receive an email to verify your email address that will then submit your application to us. If you do not receive an email confirming your application, please check with us that this has been submitted.

As Cogent Skills doesn’t have a sponsorship license, it is a requirement of this role that candidates have the right to work in the UK before applying.

If you are having difficulty in completing this, please contact recruitment on View email address on vacancies.cogentskills.com for assistance

Next Steps

Successful candidates will be progressed to a one way video interview, invites will be sent via email.

The video interview will be reviewed by the Hiring Manager

Job Description

Analytical Research & Development (ARD) plays a vital role in the development of new medicines by providing a wide range of analytical testing to support the development, manufacture and release of materials used in clinical trials. Our scientists generate and interpret large volumes of complex data that are critical to ensuring the quality, safety and effectiveness of medicines. Supporting this work is a growing team of data science and digital specialists who develop innovative ways to manage, connect and analyse scientific data, helping to transform information into knowledge and accelerate research and development.

This apprenticeship offers a unique opportunity to work at the intersection of data, technology and science. You will gain hands-on experience supporting projects that improve how scientific data is captured, managed and utilised across a global pharmaceutical organisation. Working with scientists and business stakeholders, you will help develop digital solutions that improve efficiency, enhance data accessibility and support better decision-making.

You will be exposed to a range of analytics and visualisation tools including Dataiku, Spotfire and Python-based data science toolkits, alongside industry-leading laboratory and analytics platforms, including BIOVIA OneLab, Empower, LabWare LIMS, and OpenLab.

The role will provide experience in data management, analytics, automation and business analysis, while also offering opportunities to explore emerging applications of artificial intelligence and machine learning within scientific and operational environments.

A key focus of the team is helping scientists digitise and standardise their workflows, ensuring data can be efficiently collected, analysed and reused. This provides an opportunity to gain experience understanding business processes, identifying improvement opportunities and translating user needs into practical data-driven solutions.

As part of a collaborative and fast-paced environment, you will be encouraged to contribute ideas, take ownership of your development and communicate your work to both technical and non-technical audiences. You will work with colleagues across the UK, United States, Ireland, India and other global locations, developing both technical expertise and professional skills within an international organisation.

This apprenticeship provides an excellent foundation for a career in data science, analytics, informatics or digital technology, combining real-world experience, modern technologies and the opportunity to contribute to work that supports the development of medicines that improve patients' lives worldwide.

Job Responsibilities

Main Duties include:

• Provide data science support as ARD Digital Transformation team partners with GMP-Analytics, Drug Substance (API) and Drug Product (DPA), and Degradation Science and Structural Elucidation (DSSE) teams to digitise laboratory workflows

• Partner with Data Science teams in partnering lines to make best use of their expertise in enterprise platform systems, and look for opportunities to apply their technology implementations in ARD

• Develop a good understanding of how ARD interacts with the wider PSSM environment

• Assist to frame, investigate, translate complex data related models, and answer key business questions related to the identification and evaluation of scientific dataflows and datasets

• Assist in the creation of dashboards, reports, visualisations and analytical tools that support decision-making and generate insights from scientific and operational data.

• Communicate project progress, findings and recommendations to both technical and non-technical stakeholders, contributing to a culture of continuous improvement and innovation.

The ideal candidate will demonstrate:

• A passion for data, technology and problem-solving, with an interest in applying data science to improve scientific processes and accelerate digital transformation within pharmaceutical research and development.

• The ability to analyse and interpret complex datasets, investigate business challenges and translate scientific and operational requirements into effective digital solutions.

• Curiosity and a willingness to learn, developing an understanding of analytical sciences, laboratory workflows and the wider role of ARD within Pharmaceutical Sciences Small Molecules (PSSM).

• Strong collaboration and communication skills, enabling them to work effectively with scientists, data specialists and global partners to share ideas, learn from others and help deliver innovative solutions using enterprise technologies.

Candidate Requirements

Skills and Responsibilities:

• Fluent in English (written and spoken)

• Good knowledge of a range of data science skills – programming languages such as python, database tools (SQL), data pipelines and data visualisation

• Ability to break complex work practices down into logical steps

• Familiarity with STEM subjects (chemistry or pharmaceutical science is ideal, but not essential)

• Some familiarity with enterprise level software platforms used in a domain specific area, such as laboratory or manufacturing functions, for example, database/data lakes or control software for complex equipment.

Personal Qualities

• Analytical Thinker: Understands how to synthesize facts and information from varied data sources, both new and pre-existing, into discernible insights and perspectives; takes a problem-solving approach by connecting analytical thinking with an understanding of business drivers and how these insights can provide value to the organization

• Data and Information Manager: Understands and uses analytical skills/tools to produce data in a clean, organized way to drive objective insights

• Communicator: Can understand, translate, and distil the complex, technical findings of the data science team into commentary that facilitates effective decision making; can readily align interpersonal style with the individual needs of others

• Collaborative: Manages projects with and through others; shares responsibility and credit; develops self and others through teamwork

• Self-Starter: Takes an active role in one’s own professional development; stays abreast of analytical trends, and cutting-edge applications of data

Training To Be Delivered

Qualification to be delivered: BSc (Hons) Data Scientist

Apprenticeship Standard: Data Scientist

Training Provider:   Nottingham University

Delivery model: Block Release at Nottingham University

Future Prospects

Upon successful completion of the apprenticeship, you will be eligible to apply for other positions within the business.

Things To Be Considered

The apprentice must be able to demonstrate the required attitudes, behaviours and interpersonal skills associated with the professional workplace. The apprentice must be willing to commit an amount of personal time to study. Please ensure you check out travel options to be able to commute to the workplace.

About Pfizer

You’re the future. Your ambition, talents, ideas and unique way of looking at the world will help us drive innovation in every part of our business.

At Pfizer, we apply science and our global resources to bring therapies to people that extend and significantly improve their lives. We strive to set the standard for quality, safety and value in the discovery, development and manufacture of health care products, including innovative medicines and vaccines. Every day, Pfizer colleagues work across developed and emerging markets to advance wellness, prevention, treatments and cures that challenge the most feared diseases of our time.

Pfizer’s apprenticeship scheme, run in partnership with Cogent Skills, offers the best of both worlds. You’ll work with world-leaders in your field, from researchers to business gurus. You’ll study towards a nationally recognised academic or professional qualification. And all the time, you’ll be earning a highly competitive salary.

Looking for an alternative to college or university, where you can earn while you learn, and build experience with a global leader? Find it at Pfizer.