Principal Scientist – Early Chemical Development

Principal Scientist – Early Chemical Development 
Macclesfield UK

About AstraZeneca

AstraZeneca is a global, science-led, patient-focused biopharmaceutical company that focuses on the discovery, development and commercialisation of prescription medicines for some of the world’s most serious diseases. But we’re more than one of the world’s leading pharmaceutical companies. At AstraZeneca, we are pioneering new frontiers by identifying and treating patients earlier, working towards the aim of eliminating cancer as a cause of death.

Come and join our AZ team where you will play a pivotal role in this exciting period of development!!

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.

We are looking for a Principal Scientist as a scientific lead for the chemistry section, bringing exceptional knowledge of process chemistry and a track record in pharmaceutical development, including tech transfer of processes to manufacturing, both internally and with CDMO partners. Candidates should be skilled in route and process design and familiar with technologies like High Throughput experimentation, Automation, and Continuous Processing. You will work with a team to develop and scale-up chemistry processes, ensuring projects meet timelines and quality standards and leveraging innovation to drive departmental S&T strategies. Additionally, as a Principal Scientist, you will mentor junior staff, provide scientific input, and enhance AstraZeneca’s reputation through presentations and publications. Strong communication skills and a collaborative nature are crucial for influencing across cultures and geographies.

Key Responsibilities:

• Contributes to the success of AZ’s small molecule chemistry teams.

• Works closely with other ECD skillsets/teams and improves collaboration across the department.

• Provides scientific leadership in process chemistry and displays influence across both the department and wider Pharmaceutical Sciences organisation.

• Maintains up-to-date knowledge of technical advances in chemistry identifying potential benefits for the business.

• Delivers routes and processes for drug substance manufacturing according to project timelines.

• Leads tech transfer of small molecule projects to external CMOs and CROs for investigation, implementation, and delivery of manufacturing campaigns.

• Grows relationships with internal and external partners towards technological and scientific developments. Ensures innovative technology is applied, delivering new ways of working to improve project delivery and driving innovation.

• Assesses, reviews and reports data from own work and work of junior colleagues, with a clear understanding of its reliability and interprets findings and draws authoritative conclusions and recommendations so that their significance can be appreciated.

• Presents information for discussion at project teams and across other functions.

• Influences colleagues in other areas/functions and/or in external groups

• Provides training/mentorship to junior scientists on technical and functional processes.

• Works independently as a member of cross-functional teams, representing own department or area of expertise.

• Ensures own work and that of project chemists is performed in accordance with appropriate Safety, Health & Environment (SHE), quality and compliance standards, e.g., Good Laboratory Practice (GLP)

• Enhances the reputation of the company by representing AstraZeneca through external presentations, publications, working parties and academic collaborations as appropriate.

Requirements:

• Degree, advanced degree, or equivalent scientific qualification in a relevant subject area such as organic chemistry

• Significant industrial experience (20+ years) in Chemical Process Research and Development at a Pharmaceutical Company or Pharmaceutical Sciences CDMO.

• Experience of working in the fast moving/dynamic environment of early phase development.

• Prior experience of leading defined areas of science strategy within an organisation

• Extensive experience of process chemistry with extensive laboratory experience and a track record of delivery and creativity

• Experience of transfer of laboratory processes to Kilo-Lab, Pilot Plant or Full-scale commercial manufacture

• Prior experience of authoring Regulatory Submissions (Drug Substance modules)

• Proven problem solver with in-depth technical skills

• Excellent collaboration and demonstrated ability to work in multi-functional project teams.

• Detailed knowledge of cGMP

Desirables:

• Experience of working at the interface of Medicinal Chemistry with Process Chemistry

• Experience applying modern process technologies (continuous, biocatalysis, process analytical technology, high throughput experimentation, automation) in the delivery of drug substances.

• Experience of green chemistry and sustainability principles and tools and their application towards the development and manufacture of drug substances

• Understanding of patent and Intellectual Property strategies

• Understanding of the overall drug development process from discovery through to launch

In Office Requirement:

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. 

Why AstraZeneca?

Join the team unlocking the power of what science can do. We are working towards treating, preventing, modifying and even curing some of the world's most complex diseases. Here we have the potential to grow our pipeline and positively impact the lives of billions of patients around the world. It's our combination of curiosity and courage that drives us, inspired by the possibility of doing things that have never been done before. Empowered to step up, we free ourselves from fear of failure to dig deep into the biology of complex diseases and make bold decisions. Celebrating our successes and failures along the way.

Competitive salary and benefits package on offer.

The successful candidate 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.

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, colour, national origin, sex, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.

AstraZeneca embraces diversity and equality of opportunity. We are committed to building an inclusive and diverse team representing all backgrounds, with as wide a range of perspectives as possible, and harnessing industry-leading skills. We believe that the more inclusive we are, the better our work will be. We welcome and consider applications to join our team from all qualified candidates, regardless of their characteristics. We comply with all applicable laws and regulations on non-discrimination in employment (and recruitment), as well as work authorization and employment eligibility verification requirements.