Senior Scientist Crystallisation in England

Location: Macclesfield UK

Salary: Competitive Excellent Employee Benefits!

Introduction to the role:

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. In Early Chemical Development an exciting opportunity has arisen for a Crystallisation Senior Scientist.

About the role:

You will be a key member of a team responsible for the delivery of drug substance of the right quality with a focus on physical attributes (solid form and particle properties) to clinical programmes up to Phase II. You will bring a strong understanding of the design and development of robust drug substance crystallisation/precipitation & isolation and drying processes. You will work collaboratively with multiple internal and external partners including drug substance and drug product colleagues and Contract Development and Manufacturing Organisations (CDMOs). The role is based at the Macclesfield Campus Cheshire. The role is primarily laboratory‑based and will involve working flexibly across the development and Large‑Scale Laboratory for GMP manufacture of drug substance. It will also involve advising our development teams and our CDMOs.

Accountabilities:

• Develop new crystallisation (or precipitation) isolation and drying processes for active pharmaceutical ingredients (API) to meet specifications (e.g. chemical purity) solid form and particle property requirements.
• Provide expert advice to drug substance process development scientists on the development of crystallisation, isolation & drying processes as an integral part of synthetic route development.
• Work collaboratively with colleagues in Drug Substance and Drug Product Development units to evaluate influence and agree on solid form and particle properties for bioavailability and formulation activities.
• Represent own area of expertise with a large degree of independence with a view to influencing overall drug project direction.
• Assess, review and report data from own work with a clear understanding of its reliability and interpret findings and draw authoritative conclusions and recommendations so that their significance can be appreciated.
• Work collaboratively with internal and external manufacturing partners to ensure successful scale‑up and scale‑out of crystallisation processes. This will include overseeing the manufacturing of batches of pre‑clinical or clinical material in internal or external manufacturing facilities.
• Ensure own work is performed in accordance with appropriate Safety Health & Environment (SHE) quality and compliance standards e.g. Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) or Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP).
• Drive the identification and implementation of new science and ways of working in own area of expertise.

Essential skills and experience:

• A Bachelor's degree in Chemistry or Chemical Engineering or equivalent with at least 3 years of experience in the area of crystallisation process development.
• A thorough understanding of the fundamental principles of solid‑state crystallisation and precipitation and isolation and drying processes.
• An understanding of solid‑state properties that are linked to material behaviour.
• A passion and ability to independently plan and execute experimental work in the laboratory to generate high‑quality data in the development of crystallisation or precipitation processes.
• The ability to report and interpret high‑quality data with clear impact to development projects.
• Expertise in PAT technologies for crystallisation processes.
• The ability to work collaboratively with colleagues of different skillsets (e.g. process chemists, engineers, particle and material scientists, analytical chemists, formulation scientists, etc.) and departments and engage in discussions in multi‑disciplinary project teams.
• Effective communication and influencing skills.
• An open attitude to learning and continuously develop oneself and colleagues.
• The ability to work in a highly regulated environment.

Desirable skills and experience:

• PhD in an area relevant to the discipline of crystallisation process development.
• Experience of working in the Pharmaceutical or Fine Chemicals Industry.
• Experience in a range of particle/materials characterisation techniques.
• Involvement with working with Contract Development and Manufacturing Organisations (CDMOs).
• Knowledge of particle size reduction unit operations.
• Experience in technology transfer.
• Experience of leading and driving improvement projects or new ways of working.
• Collaboration with external partners investigating a new technology or process and implementing these within an industrial setting.
• Knowledge and industrial experience of pharmaceutical development and regulatory submissions.
• Experience of using CCDC applications including Mercury to investigate crystal structure.

At AstraZeneca we are committed to making a difference by fusing data and technology with the latest scientific innovations. Our curiosity and courage drive us to explore new possibilities treating, preventing, modifying and even curing some of the world’s most complex diseases. We work seamlessly as one leveraging diverse global knowledge to create impactful solutions. With a dedication to lifelong learning we offer varied opportunities for growth and development empowering our team to push the boundaries of science. 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.

Ready to make an impact? Apply now and join us in transforming the future of healthcare! Apply from 13 Jan 2026 to 27 Feb 2026 with CV and cover letter.