Senior Scientist – 12-month fixed term contract- Pharmaceutical Sciences
Macclesfield - UK
Job Summary
AstraZeneca is a global science-driven biopharmaceutical company dedicated to discoveringdevelopingand 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 3000 employees. The campus is also home toPharmaceuticalSciences and is theprimaryAstraZeneca siteforChemicalDevelopment 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 ScienceDigitaland Automation (PSDA). Our wide-ranging portfolio of projects includes traditional small molecules nucleotide-basedtherapiesandother novel modalitiesacross AstraZenecas therapy areas.
Early Chemical Development is a world class CMC(chemistry manufacturing and control)department with responsibility for early phase Drug Substance. The departments 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 -person working gives us the platform we need to connect work at pace and challengeperceptions.Thatswhy we work on average a minimum of four days per week from the office. But thatdoesntmeanwerenot flexible. We balance the expectation of being in the office while respecting individual flexibility.
Job Description
We are currentlylookingfor aseniorscientistto join ouranalytical group within ECDfor afixed12-monthcontract.The 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).
Werelooking 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 capabilitiesincludingdevelopment 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) guidelinesqualityand compliance standards e.g. Good Laboratory Practice (GLP).
Required Qualifications SkillsKnowledgeand Experience
BSc/MSc (MChem)/PhD level education in a relevant disciplinewithsignificantexperienceof working within an analytical laboratory.
Understanding of a range of analytical technologiesespeciallychromatographyMSand 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 simplificationopportunitiesincluding 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 SkillsKnowledgeand 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 medicinesapply your expertise today and shape what science makes possible!
Date Posted
07-jul.-2026Closing Date
13-jul.-2026Our 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.Required Experience:
Senior IC
About Company
AstraZeneca is an equal opportunity employer. AstraZeneca will consider all qualified applicants for employment without discrimination on grounds of disability, sex or sexual orientation, pregnancy or maternity leave status, race or national or ethnic origin, age, religion or belief, ... View more