Senior Scientist - Pharmaceutical Sciences

at  AstraZeneca

WE ARE ALSO OPEN TO THOSE THAN CAN WORK 0.8FTE, DO LET US KNOW AS PART OF YOUR APPLICATION!

At AstraZeneca, we win through science, it’s at the heart of our every success! That science is only possible when we all work together – we’ll always make sure you’re clear about how your role is connected to our wider mission to really show what science can do!
We are currently looking for an analytical scientist in drug substance development. You will join our Early Chemical Development (ECD) group in Pharmaceutical Sciences (PS), Macclesfield Campus, UK.
AstraZeneca is a global biopharmaceutical company committed to discovering, developing, and delivering innovative medicines and healthcare solutions that improve the lives of patients.
AstraZeneca Biopharmaceuticals R&D has a branch called Pharmaceutical Sciences that builds effective medicines by converting molecules, addressing the needs of future patients. The function has four departments: Early Chemical Development, Advanced Drug Delivery, Early Product Development and Manufacturing, and Data Science and Modelling. Our multifaceted portfolio of projects includes traditional small molecules, nucleotide-based therapies and other novel modalities across AstraZeneca’s therapy areas.
Early Chemical Development (ECD) is a world class CMC 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, Process Engineering, Route Design and Separation Science.

JOB DESCRIPTION

We are currently recruiting for an analytical chemist to join our synthetic new modalities analytical group within ECD. The role is encouraged to be split between lab work and leading analytical aspects of drug project development. The lab aspect will be focused on finding innovative solutions to analytical challenges in our diverse portfolio, including analysis on non-chromophoric substances. The project lead aspects will be using CMC experience to guide the development of control strategies to progress projects through our early phase portfolio working both with internal talent and with outsource partners.
We’re looking for a scientist who is enthusiastic, motivated, with a strong desire to learn and looking for a rewarding career within the pharmaceutical industry.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS, SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE

• BSc/PhD level education in a relevant field
• A proven track record in CMC project delivery within the pharmaceutical industry.
• Experience of performing analytical testing and method development in industry laboratories.
• Understanding of a range of analytical technologies, especially LC, 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.
• Self-motivated and systematic approach to work and delivering to deadlines.
• Excellent communication skills (written and spoken) across various fields, cultures, and areas of expertise.
• A thorough understanding of the principles and management of SHE and cGMP.

DESIRABLE SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE

• Knowledge and experience in the analysis of molecules containing no chromophore.
• Evidence of ability to collaborate and work optimally within teams.
• Depth of knowledge in chromatography and mass spectrometry
• An understanding of control strategies to define the requirements for ensuring the quality of drug substance.

• Developing the ECD synthetic new modalities analytical testing capabilities, including for non-chromophoric molecules.
• Collaborating with process chemists to drive our understanding of manufacturing processes and control strategies.
• Planning and implementing lab-based experimental work as per project timelines.
• Using technical knowledge and understanding to contribute to improvement projects and the evaluation of brand new technologies.
• Enhancing ECD and AstraZeneca’s scientific reputation by sharing knowledge internally, publishing high calibre research and engaging in external collaborations.
• Collaborating with internal and external manufacturing partners to deliver the analytical aspects of GMP API manufacture.
• Authoring the CMC components of regulatory submissions and preparation of health authority query responses.
• Ensure that work is in accordance with appropriate Safety, Health & Environment (SHE) guidelines, quality and compliance standards, e.g. Good Laboratory Practice (GLP).