Associate Principal Scientist – Peptide Development Chemistry - Pharmaceutical Sciences (PS) in Macclesfield

Location: 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. 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.

Pharmaceutical Sciences is a function within the AstraZeneca Biopharmaceuticals R&D unit that builds innovative, efficient solutions by transforming molecules into investigative medicines meeting unmet needs of future patients. Early Chemical Development (ECD) is a 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’re looking for a highly experienced Process Chemist to join the team working on our peptide-containing clinical programs. These programs include pure-play therapeutic peptide projects, as well as projects involving peptide conjugates (such as antibody-peptide conjugates and oligonucleotide-peptide conjugates). The role will sit within ECD’s New Modalities team, with a focus on delivering against our TIDES-based early clinical-phase project portfolio, working closely with our CMC Project Leaders and in collaboration between our late-phase development teams and our internal Discovery TIDES colleagues.

The individual will have extensive process chemistry development, manufacturing and project leadership experience, and this must include considerable expertise in developing peptide chemistry for CMC applications. A passion for working in new / emerging scientific areas and developing solutions to technical and project challenges is a key requirement for the role.

Key Responsibilities:

• As a project technical lead for Early Chemical Development, working on complex peptide and peptide-conjugate drug projects, you will drive the development and manufacture of these peptide-containing drug substances, contributing significantly to the definition and implementation of manufacturing strategies for API processes, driven primarily through external partnership with our CMDOs.
• Demonstrate scientific leadership, contribute strategic thinking and provide expert challenge within peptide (and peptide-conjugate) drug project CMC teams, whilst role modelling positive behaviours in exploring new ways of working and accelerating scientific development in both projects and the department.
• Bring an outward-facing perspective towards addressing opportunities (collaborating across functional and departmental boundaries, identifying/aligning specialist capabilities, identifying and tapping into expertise external to AstraZeneca).
• Mentor and develop colleagues, supporting them in reaching their full potential.
• Enhance AstraZeneca’s scientific reputation by publishing research and engaging in external collaborations.

Requirements:

• Degree or equivalent scientific qualification (Masters or PhD preferred) in a relevant field.
• Deep understanding of the drug development process, spanning discovery through to launch, with clear evidence of significant CMC project expertise.
• Significant direct experience of peptide-specific chemical development with a track record of delivery and creativity in leading drug substance development project work within a CMC organisation, with demonstrated ability to provide influence and strategic direction, deliver technical supervision (internally/externally) and provide mentorship to colleagues.
• Hands-on experience of conjugation chemistry involving peptide linkers or peptide targeting agents.
• Solid understanding of the regulatory environment for clinical development and supply of peptide and peptide-containing drug substance.

Desirables:

• Strong leadership skills, with excellent communication and strategic influencing ability, including experience of partnering with external CROs and CDMOs.
• Strong development focus, of self and others, with an interest in learning about new scientific areas.
• Ability to think and operate across functional boundaries, challenge the status quo, and seek opportunities for business improvement.

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 four 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.

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.

Date Posted: 17-Jul-2026

Closing Date: 02-Aug-2026

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.