AstraZeneca is a global, science-driven biopharmaceutical company dedicated to discovering,developingand 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. 

Introduction to the role

We are currently looking for a laboratory analytical scientist in drug substance developmentYou 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 theprimaryAstraZeneca sitefor 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 fivemain sciencedepartments: Early Chemical Development(ECD),Small Molecule Product Discoveryand Development (SMPDD), New ModalityProduct Discovery and Development (NMPDD),DrugProductManufacture(DPM), andPredictive Science,Digitaland Automation (PSDA) Our wide-ranging portfolio of projects includes traditional small molecules, nucleotide-basedtherapiesandother novel modalitiesacross 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 DesignandProcess Engineering.

When we putdiverseteams 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 challengeperceptionsThat'swhy we work, on average, a minimum of four days per week from the office. But thatdoesn'tmeanwe'renot flexible. We balance the expectation of being in the office while respecting individual flexibility.

We are currentlylookingfor ascientistto join ouranalytical group within ECDThe groupare dedicated to the developmentof control strategies and the accompanying analytical methodsto enable thedevelopment of manufacturing routesandsubsequentGMP releaseofclinical active pharmaceutical ingredients (API) at AstraZeneca

We’relooking for a scientist who is enthusiastic, motivated, withscientific rigour anda strong desireto learnandpush the boundaries of what we can do

Main Duties and Responsibilities

• Development of robust analytical methodologies supporting the development of synthetic routes and processes and the release and stability analysis of active pharmaceutical ingredients (API)

• Interpreting analyticaldata and drawing reliable conclusions and recommendations to influence future work

• Developing the ECD analytical testing capabilities,includingdevelopment and validation of analytical methodologiesto support the drug substance portfolio

• Collaborating withsyntheticchemistsand externalpartnersto drive our understandingofmanufacturing processesand control strategies.

• Usingtechnical knowledgeand understandingto contribute to improvement projects and the evaluation ofstate of the arttechnologies

• Utilising specialist scientific and/or technology networks within Pharmaceutical Sciences and beyond for project development and issue resolution

• Sharingand presentation of work to foster a continued learning environment.

• Ensure that work isin accordance withappropriate Safety, Health & Environment (SHE) guidelines,qualityand compliance standards, e.g. Good Laboratory Practice (GLP).

Required Qualifications, Skills,Knowledgeand Experience

• Degree or equivalent in Chemistry or Analytical Chemistry (achieved or predicted 2:1 or higher), graduating in 2026or in the last two years

• Degree course must include significant synthetic organic and analytical chemistry content

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

• Greatcommunicationskills (written and spoken).

• Evidence of ability to collaborate and work optimally within teams

• Detailed approach to tasks with the ability to plan and deliver activities to deadlines

• Rational and logical approach to decision making and problem solving, making judgements based on sound reasoning

• Uses digital tools and laboratory systems confidently to analyse and share data, work efficiently, and supporttimelydecision-making in early phase drug substance development.

• Knowledge of a range of analytical techniques, e.g. Ultra/High PerformanceLiquid Chromatography, Mass Spectrometry, Gas Chromatography, NMR spectroscopy

Desirable Skills,Knowledgeand Experience

• Evidence of innovative approaches to problem solvingin order toovercome significant challenges

• Relevant chemistry understanding applicable to enhance the application of analytical testing 

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

How to Apply

To apply for this exciting opportunity, please complete the full application form on our website.

Applications must include your current CV, and a cover letterwhich presents your motivation and suitability for the role.