At a Glance
- Tasks: Design and synthesise complex small molecules for innovative cancer therapies.
- Company: Join AstraZeneca, a global leader in oncology research.
- Benefits: Develop your skills, expand your network, and make a real impact.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities for career growth.
- Why this job: Be part of pioneering research that transforms patient outcomes.
- Qualifications: PhD in synthetic organic chemistry or equivalent experience required.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 70000 £ per year.
AstraZeneca is seeking a Senior Scientist- Synthetic Chemist to join our site on Cambridge Biomedical Campus. You will join the Oncology Targeted Discovery group within Early Oncology, supporting pioneering research in the synthesis of novel payloads and linker-payloads for Antibody-Drug Conjugates (ADCs).
This hands-on, laboratory-based role is integral to our ADC chemistry efforts. You will design and synthesize complex small molecules, developing innovative payloads and linker-payload architectures to accelerate new therapeutic options in oncology. You’ll be embedded in a collaborative team environment, driving forward experimental work and contributing to the delivery of high-impact targets.
Key Responsibilities- Lab-Based Synthesis: Plan and perform multi-step synthetic routes to deliver complex payloads and linker-payload constructs with high purity and reproducibility.
- Technique Proficiency: Apply advanced organic synthesis, purification, and analytical characterization (including NMR, LC-MS), working with challenging and structurally diverse molecules.
- Collaboration: Work closely with multidisciplinary scientists across chemistry and biology, sharing data and insights to support ADC design and optimization.
- Documentation & Safety: Maintain detailed experimental records, SHE standards, and contribute to technical reports summarizing synthetic approaches and findings.
About You
- Education & Experience: PhD in synthetic organic chemistry (or equivalent experience), ideally with postdoctoral or industry experience in complex molecule synthesis.
- Technical Skills: Extensive experience in synthetic route development, troubleshooting challenging chemistry, and characterizing compounds at each stage.
- Lab Focus: Enjoys bench chemistry and thrives in a dynamic laboratory setting, handling the scale-up and purification of potent molecules.
- Communication: Demonstrates clear scientific communication; collaboratively engages with project teams.
What We Offer
Join a global leader in oncology research at the heart of the Cambridge Biomedical Campus. Work with talented scientists at the cutting edge of targeted therapies, contributing to meaningful advances for patients. This maternity cover offers a unique opportunity to develop your skills further in complex molecule synthesis, expand your scientific network, and make an impact in early drug discovery.
Why AstraZeneca: Here, science meets bold collaboration to deliver meaningful outcomes for people living with cancer. You will learn from diverse experts who blend academic rigor with industrial scale, working with cutting-edge computational tools and rich data to push biologics forward. We bring unexpected teams into the same room to unleash inventive thinking, value kindness alongside ambition, and empower individuals to take smart risks—so your contribution at the bench connects to real change in the clinic.
Ready to apply? Send your CV and cover letter, detailing your fit for this hands-on synthetic chemistry role and your availability.
Our mission is to build an inclusive and equitable environment. We want people to feel they belong at AstraZeneca and Alexion, starting with our recruitment process. We welcome and consider applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of characteristics. We offer reasonable adjustments/accommodations to help all candidates to perform at their best. If you have a need for any adjustments/accommodations, please complete the section in the application form.
Senior Scientist (Synthetic Chemistry) in Cambridge employer: AstraZeneca
AstraZeneca is an exceptional employer located at the forefront of oncology research on the Cambridge Biomedical Campus, offering a collaborative and innovative work culture that empowers scientists to make significant contributions to drug discovery. Employees benefit from extensive professional development opportunities, access to cutting-edge technology, and the chance to work alongside leading experts in the field, all while being part of a mission-driven organisation dedicated to improving patient outcomes. Join us to be part of a team that values creativity, ambition, and kindness, fostering an environment where your work truly makes a difference.
