At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our team to develop innovative analytical methods for drug substance development.
- Company: AstraZeneca, a leading biopharmaceutical company focused on meaningful healthcare solutions.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Dynamic work environment with a focus on collaboration and innovation.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in healthcare by developing life-changing medicines.
- Qualifications: Degree in Chemistry or Analytical Chemistry, with strong teamwork and communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
AstraZeneca is a global, science-driven biopharmaceutical company dedicated to discovering, developing and delivering innovative, meaningful medicines and healthcare solutions that enrich the lives of patients. Here you are encouraged and supported to think creatively in our dynamic environment, free from fear of failure, free to ask the right questions and make bold decisions.
We are currently looking for a laboratory analytical scientist in drug substance development. You will join our Early Chemical Development (ECD) group in Pharmaceutical Sciences (PS), Macclesfield Campus, UK. The 101-acre Macclesfield is the biggest pharmaceutical manufacturing site in the UK, supported by over 3,000 employees. The campus is also home to Pharmaceutical Sciences and is the primary AstraZeneca site for Chemical Development capabilities.
Pharmaceutical Sciences is a function within the AstraZeneca Biopharmaceuticals R&D unit that creates innovative, efficient solutions by transforming molecules into investigative medicines meeting unmet needs of future patients. The function has five main science departments: Early Chemical Development (ECD), Small Molecule Product Discovery and Development (SMPDD), New Modality Product Discovery and Development (NMPDD), Drug Product Manufacture (DPM), and Predictive Science, Digital and Automation (PSDA). Our wide-ranging portfolio of projects includes traditional small molecules, nucleotide-based therapies and other novel modalities across AstraZeneca’s therapy areas.
Early Chemical Development is a world class CMC (chemistry manufacturing and control) 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 and Process Engineering.
When we put diverse 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.
We are currently looking for a scientist to join our analytical group within ECD. The group are dedicated to the development of control strategies and the accompanying analytical methods to enable the development of manufacturing routes and subsequent GMP release of clinical active pharmaceutical ingredients (API) at AstraZeneca. We’re looking for a scientist who is enthusiastic, motivated, with scientific rigour and a strong desire to learn and push the boundaries of what we can do.
Main Duties and Responsibilities- Development of robust analytical methodologies supporting the development of synthetic routes and processes and the release and stability analysis of active pharmaceutical ingredients (API).
- Interpreting analytical data and drawing reliable conclusions and recommendations to influence future work.
- Developing the ECD analytical testing capabilities, including development and validation of analytical methodologies to support the drug substance portfolio.
- Collaborating with synthetic chemists and external partners to drive our understanding of manufacturing processes and control strategies.
- Using technical knowledge and understanding to contribute to improvement projects and the evaluation of state of the art technologies.
- Utilising specialist scientific and/or technology networks within Pharmaceutical Sciences and beyond for project development and issue resolution.
- Sharing and presentation of work to foster a continued learning environment.
- Ensure that work is in accordance with appropriate Safety, Health & Environment (SHE) guidelines, quality and compliance standards, e.g. Good Laboratory Practice (GLP).
- Degree or equivalent in Chemistry or Analytical Chemistry (achieved or predicted 2:1 or higher), graduating in 2026 or in the last two years.
- Degree course must include significant synthetic organic and analytical chemistry content.
- Self-motivated and systematic approach to work and delivering to deadlines.
- Great communication skills (written and spoken).
- Evidence of ability to collaborate and work optimally within teams.
- Detailed approach to tasks with the ability to plan and deliver activities to deadlines.
- Rational and logical approach to decision making and problem solving, making judgements based on sound reasoning.
- Uses digital tools and laboratory systems confidently to analyse and share data, work efficiently, and support timely decision-making in early phase drug substance development.
- Knowledge of a range of analytical techniques, e.g. Ultra/High Performance Liquid Chromatography, Mass Spectrometry, Gas Chromatography, NMR spectroscopy.
- Evidence of innovative approaches to problem solving in order to overcome significant challenges.
- Relevant chemistry understanding applicable to enhance the application of analytical testing.
- Evidence of ability to collaborate and work optimally within teams.
To apply for this exciting opportunity, please complete the full application form on our website. Applications must include your current CV, and a cover letter which presents your motivation and suitability for the role.
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.
Research Scientist – FTE - Pharmaceutical Sciences (PS) in Macclesfield employer: AstraZeneca
AstraZeneca is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration in the heart of Cambridge. Employees benefit from extensive professional development opportunities, a commitment to diversity and inclusion, and the chance to make a meaningful impact in the pharmaceutical industry through cutting-edge research and AI integration.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Research Scientist – FTE - Pharmaceutical Sciences (PS) in Macclesfield
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We think you need these skills to ace Research Scientist – FTE - Pharmaceutical Sciences (PS) in Macclesfield
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Experience:When applying for a role in the pharmaceutical industry, it's crucial to highlight any relevant experience you have. Whether that's internships, lab work, or even related coursework, make sure to weave this into your CV and cover letter. We want to see how your background aligns with the role you're applying for at AstraZeneca!
Emphasise Your Understanding of Regulations:The pharmaceutical industry is heavily regulated, so it's important to indicate your familiarity with industry standards and regulations. In your cover letter, mention any training or certifications you've received that are relevant, or discuss projects where you’ve navigated compliance. This will show AstraZeneca that you're not just a fit for the job but also a safety-conscious candidate!
Tailor Your CV to Be Result-Driven:Craft your CV to highlight quantifiable achievements, especially if you have previous roles in pharmaceuticals or related fields. Use metrics to demonstrate your impact, such as improved processing times or successful project completions while working on trials. This analytical approach will resonate well with hiring managers at AstraZeneca!
Convey Your Passion for the Industry:In your cover letter, express why you are passionate about working in the pharmaceutical sector. Whether it’s your desire to contribute to groundbreaking drug research or improve patient outcomes, let it shine through! At AstraZeneca, we value candidates who are truly enthusiastic about their work—you might just stand out from the crowd.
How to prepare for a job interview at AstraZeneca
✨Understand the Science
Make sure you brush up on key pharmaceutical concepts and recent developments in the industry. You might get asked some technical questions during the interview at AstraZeneca that show your grasp of drug development processes or regulatory requirements, so be ready to discuss them clearly.
✨Showcase Relevant Experience
If you have any hands-on experience or internships in a laboratory setting, be sure to highlight these in your responses. Think about the projects you worked on, the methodologies you used, and the impact you made. It's all about telling a story that connects your background to the role you're applying for.
✨Know Their Products
Take some time to familiarise yourself with AstraZeneca’s product range and recent breakthroughs. Understanding their portfolio not only shows your enthusiasm for the role but also allows you to ask insightful questions that demonstrate your interest in actively contributing to their projects.
✨Be Ready for Regulatory Scenarios
In a full-time pharmaceutical role, understanding the regulatory landscape is crucial. Prepare for situational questions that may test your problem-solving skills concerning compliance and safety standards. You could be asked how you'd handle a hypothetical issue regarding a drug’s market release, so think through your approach.
