How do I apply ?
You can search for jobs and then apply on-line using the link at the top or bottom of the relevant job description page. We really do prefer to receive all applications on-line and there is absolutely no need to send a paper back-up application.

Do you accept speculative applications?
At this time we only accept applications for open vacancies, which are all advertised on this website. Use our email job alert service to ensure you are one of the first to hear about a new vacancy.

Is it best to use a recruitment agency to represent me?
We believe applying on-line yourself directly is the most efficient and effective way to apply for jobs with AstraZeneca.

Can you tell me more about job alerts?
If there are no opportunities that interest you and you would like to be kept informed about new vacancies then you can register on this site for our vacancy alert service.  We will match future vacancies against the search criteria that you have entered and contact you via e-mail to alert you about any potential vacancies that you may wish to apply for.

We recommend you choose a 'specialism' when you enter your search criteria, so that we only tell you about jobs that are really relevant to you. You can choose to hear about new vacancies via e-mail and if you prefer we can send them to your mobile phone as well.  You can unsubscribe from this service whenever you receive a new alert.

What is the closing date for applications?
The closing date for most applications is normally stated on each job description.

How long will I have to wait before hearing about my application?
This can vary depending on each particular vacancy but we will send you a 'receipt' e-mail soon after we receive your application.  It is unlikely we will be in touch again until after the closing date to be fair to all candidates. We will then aim to review your application as soon as possible after the closing date and would hope to let you know about the next stage within 2-3 weeks.

What can I do if I haven't heard from AstraZeneca about my application?
Please email us on : HRConnectUK@astrazeneca.com

Does the company employ individuals with disabilities?
Yes.  AstraZeneca is an equal opportunities employer and all recruitment is based on merit.

Do you have an upper age limit for applicants?
No. As an equal opportunities employer we have no upper age limit for applications and you are not required to include your age on your application or c.v. The most suitably qualified and experienced individual will be offered the post irrespective of age.  

Do you sponsor work permits?
The current British and European law states that we cannot employ a person aged 16 or over who does not have permission to live and work in the UK.  We are also unable to apply for work permits until all European Economic Area/EU options have been eliminated.  In exceptional circumstances we do sponsor work permits for highly specialised roles or hard-to-find skills when other options have been eliminated. For more information about your legal right to work in the UK please visit the UK Government Home Office website.

We have a presence in over 100 countries we also recommend visiting our AstraZeneca International Careers Site to consider an opportunity with one of our site locations within your native country

I would like to know more about the assessment process?
Our approach to recruitment will help ensure your success, so that if you join AstraZeneca, you will be able to contribute effectively to meeting the challenges of a global healthcare business.

For each position we evaluate the most appropriate selection methods according to the skills and knowledge required for each role. It might be just be a series of interviews or depending on the position and your area of knowledge might also involve a more in-depth selection event. We call this an 'assessment centre'.

An assessment centre is a recruitment selection event that ranges from a couple of hours to a couple of days.  AstraZeneca assessment centres could incorporate any combination of the following:

· Capability & technical Interviews
· Psychometric assessment
· Group exercises
· Candidate presentations
· Practical exercises
· Social lunches/dinners

If we invite you to attend a selection event you will be provided with a full individual programme with details of any specific preparation that you may be required to do.  All of the above would be considered to enable us to gather an overall impression of your suitability for the position for which you have applied.  No one activity is considered in isolation and our focus is always on a fair, objective and relevant selection process.

What is a psychometric assessment?
We sometimes use psychometric assessment as part of our recruitment process to gain a better understanding of your potential.  There is generally no pass or fail but the results give us an objective indication of your ability and aptitude in a particular skill area.  If you are required to undertake any psychometric assessment you will be advised of this beforehand and sent any relevant information as appropriate.  As with assessment centres this information will be used as part of the wider selection process and would not be considered in isolation.

What is a group exercise?
We commonly include group exercises as part of the assessment centre.  This can take a variety of formats but primarily involves a number of candidates involved in a discussion or working together to complete a task, with a number of AstraZeneca observers at the session.  There would not normally be any preparation involved beforehand, but any relevant information would be provided if necessary.

What will happen at an interview?
AstraZeneca use a number of different interview types such as a competency or technical interview.  A competency interview for instance is an ability or attribute described in terms of skills and behaviours that are key to effective performance within a job.  A technical interview would cover the specific technical aspects of the position.  You would normally be provided with confirmation of the types of interview beforehand.

Will I be paid travel expense if I am invited for an interview?  What if I live a long way away from my interview site?
We would expect you to make your own travel arrangements. However, all reasonable travel expenses are reimbursed by AstraZeneca.  If you live a long distance from your interview location and would be required to have an early start or late start finish then over-night accommodation would be agreed.

Who will be involved in the interviews/assessment centres?
You may meet a number of AstraZeneca employees during a recruitment event.  You could typically expect to meet the prospective line manager, a recruitment partner from HR, colleagues and other line managers from the recruiting department.  This will enable you to gather as much information as possible about a career with AstraZeneca.

Will I be given feedback if my application is unsuccessful?
As we sometimes receive a large number of applications for a particular position, it is not possible to provide feedback if you were unsuccessful at the initial application stage.  However, we will always offer feedback if you attend a 2nd stage interview or assessment centre.

What can you tell me about the care and use of laboratory animals?
Animal testing plays an essential role in the development of new medicines and safety data derived from animal testing is required by regulatory authorities before new therapeutic agents can be tested on humans.

In our research and development of medicines for important areas of human healthcare, we use the most modern scientific knowledge and techniques available. These include both animal studies and non-animal techniques, such as computer modelling.

We take our responsibility towards the animals we study very seriously and have a strict policy on the care and use of laboratory animals, which includes proactively seeking alternatives wherever possible, through research, to replace and reduce the use of animals and to refine experimental techniques.  For more information please visit our special section on animal research