Technical Specialist Manager – Process Analytical Technologies (PAT)

Job Title: Technical Specialist Manager – Process Analytical Technologies (PAT)

Career Level: E

Introduction to role:

Are you ready to design real-time analytics and control that turn sophisticated biologics and conjugates into reliable, scalable manufacturing outcomes for patients? In this role, you will architect and lead Process Analytical Technology (PAT) across our ADC manufacturing campus—spanning incoming material testing, small- and large-molecule production, conjugation, sterile filling, and lyophilization—to drive quality, speed, and consistency at scale.

You will set the strategy and deliver hands-on solutions that enable advanced process control, self-regulating loops, digital twins & and data-driven decision making. Working closely with Manufacturing, Engineering, Digital, Automation and QA teams, you will accelerate our move toward autonomous manufacturing and continuous process verification while meeting GMP and regulatory expectations. Could you turn raw signals into actionable insight and closed-loop control that boosts yield and robustness? Do you want your work to directly increase the reliability and availability of medicines for patients, while supporting bold sustainability ambitions across our network?

Accountabilities:

PAT Strategy and Roadmap: Define and implement a site-wide PAT strategy aligned to manufacturing scale-up, digitalisation, and operational excellence objectives, with clear value and risk profiles.

Technology Selection and Lifecycle: Identify, evaluate, and deploy spectroscopy, sensors, soft sensors, and real-time analytics; own lifecycle management from proof-of-concept to validated, GMP-grade performance.

Site Domain Expertise: Serve as the SME for PAT, multivariate data analysis, Chemometrics and advanced process control to guide critical decisions and unlock deep process understanding.

Modeling and Advanced Analytics: Build and maintain process models, predictive analytics, and digital twins that translate data into stabilised processes, higher yields, and faster investigations.

Closed-Loop and Self-Regulating Control: Design and implement advanced strategies that increase capability, reduce variability, and improve efficiency.

Systems Integration: Integrate PAT platforms with DCS, SCADA & Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES), and data architectures in partnership with Automation, Digital, Process Engineering, and QA teams.

Governance and Compliance: Establish standards for data integrity, model lifecycle management, validation, and performance monitoring to meet GMP & regulatory requirements.

Capital and Deployment Leadership: Lead PAT-related capital projects and multi-asset deployments, ensuring robust user requirements, vendor selection, commissioning, and qualification.

Tech Transfer and Validation: Enable technology transfers, process validation, and continued process verification using PAT to strengthen regulatory submissions and lifecycle control.

Performance and Value Realisation: Define metrics and dashboards to measure PAT efficiency and business impact across units and the campus.

Capability Building: Coach and develop engineers, scientists, and manufacturing teams in PAT methods and decision making to cultivate a learning culture.

External Representation: Represent the site in regulatory inspections, audits, and external technical forums on PAT and latest manufacturing technologies.

Innovation and Change Leadership: Drive adoption of emerging digital technologies with structured organizational change, customer engagement, and continuous improvement.

Essential Skills/Experience:

Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience in Chemical Engineering, Process Engineering, Pharmaceutical Engineering, Data Science, Automation Engineering, Chemistry, or related scientific field.

Significant experience in pharmaceutical, biotechnology, or regulated manufacturing environments.

Demonstrated experience implementing PAT solutions within manufacturing operations.

Good understanding of process modelling, Chemometrics, multivariate statistical analysis, enhanced process management techniques, and manufacturing analytics.

Experience with data historians, MES, distributed control systems (DCS), SCADA systems, and automation platforms.

Consistent track record in deploying digital manufacturing solutions and integrating process analytical tools into operational environments.

Understanding of GMP requirements, data integrity principles, validation requirements and regulatory expectations related to process and analytical technologies.

Familiarity with regulatory interactions related to PAT submissions and latest manufacturing technologies

Experience leading multi-functional projects involving manufacturing, engineering, QA, digital, and automation collaborators.

Strong customer engagement, influencing, and organizational change capabilities.

Ability to translate complex data and technical insights into practical operational improvements and strategic recommendations.

Desirable Skills/Experience:

Degree or equivalent experience in the field of Chemical Engineering / Data Science / Pharmaceutical Technology, Statistics, Automation, or related fields.

Expertise in spectroscopy technologies such as NIR, Raman, FTIR, or mass spectrometry applications.

Experience with machine learning, artificial intelligence, digital twins & predictive modelling in manufacturing environments.

Knowledge of continuous manufacturing and real-time release testing principles.

Experience leading PAT deployment across multiple sites or a manufacturing network.

When we put unexpected teams in the same room, we ignite ambitious 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 world.

Why AstraZeneca:

Here, science meets focused execution to turn molecules into medicines at pace. You will work with diverse experts—data scientists, engineers, quality leaders—side by side to develop smart factories that fuse real-time analytics, automation, and lean thinking. Your contribution will reach patients faster while supporting our environmental goals, including a rapid shift to low-carbon operations and a carbon-negative value chain. We value courtesy alongside ambition, pairing big challenges with genuine support so you can grow your expertise, broaden your impact and activate your ideas on the shop floor and in regulatory filings.

Call to Action:

If you are ready to play an active part in our mission towards autonomous, data-driven manufacturing and see your work translate into reliable medicines for patients, we want to hear from you today.

Date Posted

Closing Date

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.