Research Scientist – FTE - Pharmaceutical Sciences (PS)

AstraZeneca is a global, science-driven biopharmaceutical company dedicated to discovering, developing and 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 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 3,000 employees. The campus is also home to Pharmaceutical Sciences and is the primary AstraZeneca site for 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 five main science departments: Early Chemical Development (ECD), Small Molecule Product Discovery and Development (SMPDD), New Modality Product Discovery and Development (NMPDD), Drug Product Manufacture (DPM), and Predictive Science, Digital and Automation (PSDA). Our wide-ranging portfolio of projects includes traditional small molecules, nucleotide-based therapies and other novel modalities across 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 Design and Process Engineering. 

When we put diverse 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 four 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. 

Job Description 

We are currently looking for a scientist to join our analytical group within ECD.  The group are dedicated to the development of control strategies and the accompanying analytical methods to enable the development of manufacturing routes and subsequent GMP release of clinical active pharmaceutical ingredients (API) at AstraZeneca. 

We’re looking for a scientist who is enthusiastic, motivated, with scientific rigour and a strong desire to learn and push 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 analytical data and drawing reliable conclusions and recommendations to influence future work 

• Developing the ECD analytical testing capabilities, including development and validation of analytical methodologies to support the drug substance portfolio. 

• Collaborating with synthetic chemists and external partners to drive our understanding of manufacturing processes and control strategies. 

• Using technical knowledge and understanding to contribute to improvement projects and the evaluation of state of the art technologies. 

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

• Sharing and presentation of work to foster a continued learning environment. 

• Ensure that work is in accordance with appropriate Safety, Health & Environment (SHE) guidelines, quality and compliance standards, e.g. Good Laboratory Practice (GLP). 

Required Qualifications, Skills, Knowledge and Experience 

• Degree or equivalent in Chemistry or Analytical Chemistry (achieved or predicted 2:1 or higher), graduating in 2026 or 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. 

• Great communication skills (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 support timely decision-making in early phase drug substance development. 

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

Desirable Skills, Knowledge and Experience 

• Evidence of innovative approaches to problem solving in order to overcome 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 letter which presents your motivation and suitability for the role.