Associate Principal Scientist - Process Engineer

About AstraZeneca:

AstraZeneca is a global, science-led biopharmaceutical company and our innovative medicines are used by millions of patients worldwide. This is the place to make an impact. Here we ensure everyone can reach their full potential, perform at their best and make a valued contribution to the enterprise!

We are looking for a Quality professional with strong subject knowledge, both in depth and breadth. Experience from a number of different areas of quality. Will control, monitor and develop systems and procedures to enhance the approach quality across multiple disciplines.

About Pharmaceutical Technology & Development (PT&D) and Global Product Development (GPD):

PT&D is the bridge that turns brilliant science into real medicines, spanning the entire value chain—from early toxicology and clinical supplies to technology that enables robust commercial manufacture. Within PT&D, GPD leads the late‑stage design and development of drug products across a range of dosage forms. We develop the formulation, manufacturing process, and scientific understanding needed to scale, launch, and sustain new medicines. You’ll collaborate in highly multidisciplinary teams with engineers and pharmaceutical scientists to advance life-changing medicines for patients.

The Opportunity:

We are seeking a Associate Principal Scientist in Process Engineering with experience of solid dosage product development (tablets, capsules), and who will help grow our engineering capability within Global Product Development.

As a senior scientist you will play a key role in leading the process engineering aspects of projects in late-stage development spanning an exciting portfolio of oral solid dosage forms (including Continuous Direct Compression).  You will be an important member of a multidisciplinary team, providing input to the overall product development, designing and executing lab based and pilot plant work packages and driving the development and implementation of in silico tools to support and accelerate development.

You will be a recognized problem solver and team player who thrives under pressure and has a passion for ensuring product robustness through the development of manufacturing processes which are well understood, controlled, and capable of meeting long‑term commercial and patient needs.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead engineering input for the design and development of robust manufacturing processes for oral solid dosage forms.

• Lab-based process development: plan and execute lab-scale experiments to facilitate project decisions.

• Shape the scientific and technical direction of product development activities through process understanding and control.

• Define and optimize critical process parameters (CPPs) and integrate them into control strategies.

• Lead or contribute to technology transfer, risk assessment, process validation and scale‑up.

• Apply modelling, simulation, digital twins and predictive tools to enhance process understanding.

• Solve key technical challenges with direct impact on current project delivery.

• Drive a culture of creativity, innovation and scientific excellence.

• Cross-functional collaboration: Contribute to integrated drug product development plans within a multidisciplinary team.

Essential Skills and Experience:

• Bachelors Degree in Related Discipline (e.g - Chemical Engineering, Biochemical Engineering, Pharmaceutical Sciences) with 5 - 10 years of relevant industrial experience.

• Experience in oral solid dose development.

• Experience in late‑stage product development, technology transfer, scale‑up and process validation.

• Fundamental understanding of control strategy and risk management.

• Basic understanding of predictive science, artificial intelligence, modelling and simulation.

• Excellent communication and collaboration skills

Desirable Skills and Experience:

• Masters or PhD in Life Sciences (e.g. - Chemical Engineering, Biochemical Engineering, Pharmaceutical Sciences).

• Experience with a range of unit operations e.g. continuous manufacturing, granulation, compression, coating.

• Experience with regulatory authoring and defence.

• Experience with CMOs/CROs and outsourced development.

Working at AstraZeneca

AstraZeneca is a global, innovation-driven biopharmaceutical company focused on discovering, developing, and commercializing prescription medicines for some of the world’s most serious diseases. We’re committed to being a Great Place to Work—empowering people to push the boundaries of science in an inclusive culture that champions diversity, collaboration, and continuous learning.

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 three 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.

The annual base pay for this position ranges from $138,392.80 - $207,589.20 USD Annual. Hourly and salaried non-exempt employees will also be paid overtime pay when working qualifying overtime hours. Base pay offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, including market location, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. In addition, our positions offer a short-term incentive bonus opportunity; eligibility to participate in our equity-based long-term incentive program (salaried roles), to receive a retirement contribution (hourly roles), and commission payment eligibility (sales roles). Benefits offered included a qualified retirement program [401(k) plan]; paid vacation and holidays; paid leaves; and, health benefits including medical, prescription drug, dental, and vision coverage in accordance with the terms and conditions of the applicable plans. Additional details of participation in these benefit plans will be provided if an employee receives an offer of employment. If hired, employee will be in an “at-will position” and the Company reserves the right to modify base pay (as well as any other discretionary payment or compensation program) at any time, including for reasons related to individual performance, Company or individual department/team performance, and market factors.

So, what’s next:  

Are you already envisioning yourself joining our team? Good, because we can’t wait to hear from you!  

You will have access to a flexible employee benefits fund, including holiday purchase and flexible time off, pension contributions, Share Save Plans, A performance recognition scheme and a competitive, generous remuneration package.  

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Our mission is to build an inclusive environment where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants and employees. In furtherance of that mission, we welcome and consider applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of their protected characteristics. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please complete the corresponding section in the application form.