Senior Scientist – 12-month fixed term contract- Pharmaceutical Sciences

AstraZeneca is a global, science-driven biopharmaceutical company dedicated to discovering, developing and delivering innovative, meaningful medicines and healthcare solutions that enrich the lives of patients. Here you are encouraged and supported to think creatively in our dynamic environment, free from fear of failure, free to ask the right questions and make bold decisions.  

We are currently looking for a laboratory analytical scientist in drug substance development.  You will join our Early Chemical Development (ECD) group in Pharmaceutical Sciences (PS), Macclesfield Campus, UK.  

The 101-acre Macclesfield is the biggest pharmaceutical manufacturing site in the UK, supported by over 3,000 employees. The campus is also home to Pharmaceutical Sciences and is the primary AstraZeneca site for Chemical Development capabilities.   

Pharmaceutical Sciences is a function within the AstraZeneca Biopharmaceuticals R&D unit that creates innovative, efficient solutions by transforming molecules into investigative medicines meeting unmet needs of future patients. The function has five main science departments: Early Chemical Development (ECD), Small Molecule Product Discovery and Development (SMPDD), New Modality Product Discovery and Development (NMPDD), Drug Product Manufacture (DPM), and Predictive Science, Digital and Automation (PSDA). Our wide-ranging portfolio of projects includes traditional small molecules, nucleotide-based therapies and other novel modalities across AstraZeneca’s therapy areas. 

Early Chemical Development is a world class CMC (chemistry manufacturing and control) department with responsibility for early phase Drug Substance. The department’s responsibilities span from early engagement with Discovery Chemistry groups to manufacture of Phase II Clinical material, and its key skill areas include Analytical Chemistry, Crystallisation, Isotope Chemistry, Large-Scale Laboratory (Kilo-Lab) Manufacturing, Process Chemistry, Process Design and Process Engineering. 

When we put diverse teams in the same room, we unleash bold thinking with the power to inspire life-changing medicines. In-person working gives us the platform we need to connect, work at pace and challenge perceptions. That's why we work, on average, a minimum of four days per week from the office. But that doesn't mean we're not flexible. We balance the expectation of being in the office while respecting individual flexibility. 

Job Description 

We are currently looking for a senior scientist to join our analytical group within ECD for a fixed 12-month contract.  The group are dedicated to the development of control strategies and the accompanying analytical methods to enable the development of manufacturing routes and subsequent GMP release of clinical active pharmaceutical ingredients (API) at AstraZeneca across small molecules and new modalities (including oligonucleotides and peptides).  

We’re looking for a scientist who is enthusiastic, motivated, with scientific rigour and a strong desire to learn and push the boundaries of what we can do.   

Main Duties and Responsibilities 

• Planning and executing lab-based experimental work in accordance with project timelines.  

• Developing the ECD analytical testing capabilities, including development and validation of analytical methodologies to support the drug substance portfolio. 

• Collaborating with synthetic chemists and external partners to drive our understanding of manufacturing processes and control strategies. 

• ​Interpreting complex analytical data and drawing reliable conclusions to influence future work. 

• Using technical knowledge and understanding to contribute to improvement projects and the evaluation of state of the art technologies. 

• Sharing and presentation of work to foster a continued learning environment. 

• Ensure that work is in accordance with appropriate Safety, Health & Environment (SHE) guidelines, quality and compliance standards, e.g. Good Laboratory Practice (GLP). 

Required Qualifications, Skills, Knowledge and Experience 

• BSc/MSc (MChem)/PhD level education in a relevant discipline with significant experience of working within an analytical laboratory. 

• Understanding of a range of analytical technologies, especially chromatography, MS and NMR 

• A rational and logical approach to decision-making and problem-solving; the ability to make judgements based on sound reasoning and data. 

• Ability to challenge the status quo and look for novel solutions and simplification opportunities, including the use of AI along with physical and digital automation. 

• Self-motivated and systematic approach to work and delivering to deadlines. 

• Great communication skills (written and spoken). 

• A thorough understanding of the principles and management of SHE and cGMP. 

Desirable Skills, Knowledge and Experience 

• Experience of leading drug development projects and developing control strategies. 

• Understanding and experience in the analysis of oligonucleotides and peptides. 

• Relevant chemistry understanding applicable to enhance the development of analytical control strategies.  

• Evidence of ability to collaborate and work optimally within teams. 

• Knowledge and practical experience of quality and regulatory requirements (e.g. ICH guidelines) 

Call to Action: Step into a role where your judgment at the site level accelerates meaningful medicines—apply your expertise today and shape what science makes possible!