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. 

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 aseniorscientistto join ouranalytical group within ECDfor afixed12-monthcontractThe groupare dedicated to the developmentof control strategies and the accompanying analytical methodsto enable thedevelopment of manufacturing routesandsubsequentGMP releaseofclinical active pharmaceutical ingredients (API) at AstraZeneca acrosssmall molecules and new modalities (including oligonucleotides and peptides)

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

• Planningand executinglab-based experimental workin accordance withproject timelines

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

• Collaborating withsyntheticchemistsand externalpartnersto drive our understandingofmanufacturing processesand control strategies.

• ​ Interpretingcomplexanalytical data and drawingreliable conclusions to influence future work

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

• 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

• BScMSc (MChem)PhD level education in a relevant disciplinewithsignificantexperienceof working within an analytical laboratory.

• Understanding of a range of analytical technologies,especiallychromatography,MSand 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 solutionsand simplificationopportunities,including the use of AIalong with physical anddigital automation

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

• Greatcommunicationskills (written and spoken).

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

Desirable Skills,Knowledgeand Experience

• Experience ofleading 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.ICHguidelines)

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!