Associate Principal Scientist – Compound Management

Title  Associate Principal Scientist – Compound Management

Cambridge, UK

Competitive Salary & benefits

Introduction to role:

Are you an experienced scientist seeking a role where your expertise can make an extraordinary impact? Join a place built on innovation and creativity. Where different views and perspectives are welcomed and valued. An environment that champions inclusion, and teams that reflect the diversity of the communities that we serve.

We are currently looking to recruit into Compound Management – a delivery focused team where we collaborate to support projects aiming to impact patients’ lives. We are responsible for the storage and timely provision of chemical compounds to AstraZeneca’s drug discovery projects. We belong in Discovery Sciences – our wider function that applies deep technical expertise in specialist technologies to support the delivery of targets and molecules to the early AstraZeneca pipeline.

The role will provide the opportunity to work in a dynamic and enthusiastic environment, while contributing to high-impact drug discovery projects. You will actively engage with High-Throughput Screening (HTS) teams and other research groups, ensuring integration of workflows. This role is ideal for someone with deep expertise in drug discovery, automation, strategic thinking and compound management.

Continuous improvement will be at the core of everything you do, and you will have the opportunity to implement innovation solutions, advanced automation systems and contribute to the progress of compound management capabilities.

Accountabilities:

• This is a fully lab-based role with a focus on hands-on work using advanced automation platforms and technologies

• Delivering research compounds in varied formats to meet drug discovery needs locally and globally

• Providing expert input into drug discovery projects, aligning Compound Management workflows with strategic prioritise

• Leading multiple process improvement projects, impactful across our global footprint

• Driving the advancement of automation and integrated systems to enhance workflow efficiency

• Building and maintaining productive relationships with HTS teams and other stakeholders

• Achieving personal scientific visibility through project contributions, presentations and publications

• Representing the Compound Management team at conferences, industry discussions and collaborations

Essential Skills/Experience:

• A Ph.D. or M.Sc. with equivalent experience in relevant scientific discipline (e.g., chemistry, biology, engineering)

• 5+ years of relevant lab-based experience in a scientific or engineering setting

• Drug discovery processes and assay knowledge is critical for the ability to contribute scientifically to projects

• Expertise in automation and systems within lab-based environment

• Demonstrated ability to deliver impactful solutions through innovative thinking and collaboration

• Exceptional communication and leadership skills, with experience mentoring colleagues

• Experience in contributing and deploying strategic initiatives across a department

Desirable:

• Experience in compound management or related fields

• Experience working with global teams and building external partnerships

• Knowledge and application of the latest trends and technologies in sample management and/or laboratory automation

• Proven success in leading multi-disciplinary initiatives that deliver value to research projects

• Knowledge of with Lean Six Sigma principles and experience applying them in a lab or operational setting

We truly believe that everyone contributes with a unique set of competences. Your curiosity and passion for personal development combined with support from colleagues, mentors and leaders, will ensure you maximise your skills, abilities and contribution.

*** We will be reviewing applications and shortlisting on a rolling basis - as such we reserve the right to withdraw this vacancy ahead of the stated closing date ***

Why AstraZeneca?

Join the team that follows the science unlike anywhere else. This is the place for curious minds. Dig deep into the biology of complex disease and uncover breakthroughs. Thrive in a place where the brightest and most curious minds seamlessly come together in our inclusive environment.

So, what’s next!

If your passion is science and you want to be part of a team that makes a bigger impact on patients’ lives, then there’s no better place to be.

This advert will be running from 19th December 2024  and, we welcome your application as soon as possible, but ahead of the scheduled closing date of 31st January 2025. In the event, that we identify suitable candidates ahead of the scheduled closing date, we reserve the right to withdraw the vacancy earlier than published.

Where can I find out more?

This is what we’re made of: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pmFx_jr2eFo&t=2s

Our sustainability ambition: https://www.astrazeneca.com/sustainability.html

Recent Publications: https://www.astrazeneca.com/publication.htm

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.