Principal Scientist

Do you have experience in analytical science and characterization of drug substances and products? Would you like to apply your expertise in a company that follows the science and turns ideas into life changing medicines? Then join us in our vibrant Gothenburg site in this exciting opportunity!

At AstraZeneca, we transform ideas into life-changing medicines and are dedicated to meeting the unmet needs of patients worldwide. Working here means embracing scientific curiosity, being hands-on in problem-solving, and collaborating effectively to achieve innovative results. If you hold an advanced degree related to formulation science, with excellent communication and collaboration skills, experience in product development, and the ability to combine hands-on lab work with digital tools, you’ll thrive with us.

AstraZeneca is a global, science-driven biopharmaceutical company dedicated to discovering, developing, and delivering innovative medicines and healthcare solutions that enrich patients' lives. 

One vision of our global Pharmaceutical Sciences function is to deliver the therapies of the future through scientific leadership in drug delivery. Our portfolio includes projects ranging from traditional small molecules to nucleotide-based therapies and nanomedicines across AstraZeneca’s therapy areas.

The analytical teams in Small Molecule Product Discovery & Development (SPDD) focus on developing small molecules into drug products for our drug projects. We are responsible for progressing candidate compounds from the pre-clinical phase up to phase 2b clinical studies.  

We are now looking for a talented Principal Scientist, depending on your background, to provide analytical expertise to projects, and develop our analytical science capabilities to meet future needs aligned with our strategic ambitions. We believe that you have significant scientific analytical and drug development experience, and passion for strengthen our teams and processes across Pharmaceutical Sciences! This role has a global remit and is based at our site in Gothenburg, Sweden. 
 
In this role, we see that you are an analytical science expert with combination of theoretical and technical excellence. You will be a key part of enable our deliverables of pharmaceutical analytical project activities, analytical science and strategic initiatives.  

What you will do
You will provide technical support and expertise across our development project portfolio and be an authority in analytical problem solving. You will push the boundaries of deliver high quality analytical scientific data including strong engagement in transforming our ability of utilizing predictive science, modelling, AI, digitalization and automation. You will mentor and develop the organization. 

The role includes:

• Leveraging the opportunities of digitization and AI.

• Driving development of predictive models/methodology and automation.

• Working as a member of global cross-functional teams, with a large degree of independence representing own department or area of expertise to lead related analytical chemistry activities.

• Operating confidently as a part of a global organisation to build an organisation prepared for future challenges and change. Demonstrates a high level of understanding of change management.

• Contributing to training and development by acting as coach/mentor, giving immediate feedback, as appropriate.

• Driving the science of relevant areas of research and contributing as a discussion expert partner within separation science techniques.

• Providing support and understanding of the regulatory landscape related to clinical development.

• Identify and drive external scientific collaborations in relevant areas.

• We are looking for leaders in analytical chemistry with capability and a desire for continuing to develop scientifically and to drive external visibility for example, through publications, presentations and networking activities.

Essential requirements

• Educational background at research level (PhD) and/or MSc in a field relevant to analytical chemistry and at least ten years’ experience relevant to the position.

• Advanced skills in analytical separation sciences and related scientific fields such as mass spectrometry and detection techniques. 

• Track record of implementing new analytical technologies.

• Broad knowledge in developing, validating, and implementing analytical methods for control of clinical drug products.

• Experience of developing analytical control strategies including related analytical risk management in a regulated environment.

• Experience of CMC regulatory filings throughout early clinical development for different types of drug products.

• Track record of leading and implementing change, improvement and/or simplification projects across departments.

• Track record of publications and external collaborations

• Experience of implementing predictive science/modelling and automation tools and digitisation/AI solutions. 

Desirable requirements

• Experience of implementing digitization and AI solutions.

• Track record of implementing automation including automated data flows.

• Experience of influencing development of predictive tools and modelling.

• Expert in chromatography, high end mass spectrometry and structural investigations.

When we put unexpected 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. Join us in our unique and ambitious world.
 

Why AstraZeneca?
At AstraZeneca, we’re dedicated to being a Great Place to Work. Where you are empowered to push the boundaries of science and unleash your entrepreneurial spirit. There’s no better place to make a difference to medicine, patients and society. An inclusive culture that champions diversity and collaboration, and always committed to lifelong learning, growth and development. We’re on an exciting journey to pioneer the future of healthcare.

What is next?
We welcome your application, including CV and cover letter, no later than Aug 11th, 2026.

Please combine your cover letter and CV into a single document before uploading. Interviews are expected to begin end of August.

Date Posted

27-Jul-2026

Closing Date

11-Aug-2026

Our mission is to build an inclusive and equitable environment. We want people to feel they belong at AstraZeneca and Alexion, starting with our recruitment process. We welcome and consider applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of characteristics. We offer reasonable adjustments/accommodations to help all candidates to perform at their best. If you have a need for any adjustments/accommodations, please complete the section in the application form.