Year In Industry 2026

Upperton Pharma Solutions is a Nottingham-based CDMO that specialises in the development and manufacture of pharmaceutical products, providing a complete service from early-stage feasibility to GMP clinical manufacture. Formulations cover a range of delivery routes, typically including oral (tablets & capsules), nasal and inhaled.

Our values ensure that you will be joining a team with a truly positive and progressive culture surrounded by state-of-the-art facilities, where you, as a leader, can share your ideas with other gifted and dedicated scientists and clients from around the world, all focused on developing new medicines.

Are you working towards a chemistry, biology or pharmaceutical science-related degree and would like a year placement in industry?

We have placements available as Associate Development Scientists and Associate Manufacturing Scientists.

Associate Development Scientist

Working as part of the R&D team, you will be working on client and internal scientific research projects. You will be directly involved in undertaking laboratory practical and written project work to achieve project goals and milestones. Techniques include:

• Spray-drying
• Granulation and tabletting
• Characterisation of solutions by HPLC, UV and DLS.
• Characterisation of powders by laser diffraction, DVS, DSC, and physical tests such as bulk and tapped density and flow.
• Characterisation of dosage forms by dissolution testing, physical testing and stability testing.

The Associate Development Scientist will suit a student with strong problem-solving skills, the ability to work independently and in a team, and excellent technical knowledge of some aspects of pharmaceutical development (analytical or formulation).

Associate Manufacturing Scientist

Working as part of the GMP team, you will be part of a busy group working on the manufacture of pharmaceutical products for clinical trials. The role will undertake both desk and manufacturing activities to achieve project goals and milestones. Dosage forms include, but are not limited to, tablets, capsules, liquids, inhalers and nasal devices.

. Equipment includes blenders, a roller compactor, a rotary tablet press and spray dryers. As the role is based in the GMP team, working under the Upperton Quality System is essential.

The Associate Manufacturing Scientist role will suit a student with good technical knowledge of pharmaceutical formulation development, attention to detail, strong written skills, and the ability to work independently as directed.

What you will get in return

Working 37.5 hours per week, Monday to Friday.  You’ll receive a competitive salary of £26,227.50.

We are located at Trent Gateway, Technology Drive, a short distance from Beeston town centre and close to Nottingham City Centre. With excellent transport routes.

We offer employees not only a competitive salary but also an excellent suite of benefits, including:

• 25 days of holiday and your birthday off!
• Life insurance
• Private Medical Insurance through Vitality
• Internal and external training courses and professional development support
• Free onsite car parking

We know it is the little things that make every day special, so we also organise employee events for you to attend throughout the year, like our annual Christmas party, summer party and charity fundraising events.

To apply please send your CV and a covering letter to careers@upperton.com

Please specify within your covering letter which position you are interested in.

Please also state which year of your degree the placement year covers (e.g. 2^nd year of 3, 3^rd year of 4, final year)

Closing date for applications is 9th January 2026.