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- Tasks: Lead innovative projects in chemical engineering to develop and optimise drug manufacturing processes.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking pharmaceutical company committed to sustainability and inclusivity.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working options, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with mentorship opportunities and a focus on innovation.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on healthcare by developing cutting-edge drug manufacturing technologies.
- Qualifications: Degree or PhD in Chemical Engineering with experience in pharmaceutical manufacturing.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 70000 £ per year.
Location: Macclesfield, UK
Opening date: 22/04/2026
Closing date: 05/05/2026
In Chemical Development we design, develop and optimise synthetic routes to deliver active pharmaceutical ingredients in a sustainable, commercially viable way. This role focuses on developing, scaling‑up, and ensuring the reproducibility of drug substance manufacturing processes for small molecules and complex biologic conjugates.
Accountabilities
- Lead engineering input to develop and optimise new chemical processes through laboratory experimentation and in‑silico modelling.
- Assess scale‑up and manufacturability to secure right‑first‑time manufacture, smooth technical transfers, and long‑term viability across internal and external facilities.
- Perform environmental, materials and process safety assessments to support integration of processes into the internal manufacturing facility.
- Partner with contract manufacturing organisations worldwide to provide engineering support for external scale‑up and accommodation of processes.
- Champion sustainability initiatives to improve environmental footprint, efficiency and patient access.
- Contribute to drug substance control strategies to ensure robust and consistent product quality.
- Drive improvement projects and evaluate, select, and implement new manufacturing technologies.
- Mentor and supervise junior colleagues and students, sharing knowledge and encouraging innovative thinking.
Essential Skills / Experience
- A degree and/or PhD in Chemical Engineering.
- Experience in pharmaceutical/fine chemical/food manufacturing, including batch and/or continuous operation.
- Strong understanding of unit operations such as mixing, distillation, liquid‑liquid extraction, solid‑phase synthesis, chromatography, tangential flow filtration, isolation and drying, and their dependency on scale and equipment.
- Ability to use modelling software (e.g., Aspen, DynoChem, gPROMS, Computational Fluid Dynamics) to support process understanding.
- Good collaborative skills to work effectively with chemists, analysts, and physical properties experts.
- Strong understanding of process safety and Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) principles.
- Excellent communication and influencing skills.
Desirable Skills / Experience
- Significant experience in a chemical/process engineering role in industry or equivalent.
- Experience in chemical process development scale‑up and/or technical transfer.
- Experience in evaluation and implementation of new manufacturing technologies.
- Experience leading technical projects or acting as a lead process engineer.
- Awareness of AI tools and their application to chemical engineering process development and scale‑up.
- Experience collaborating with external partners.
Our mission is to build an inclusive and equitable environment. We welcome and consider applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of characteristics. We offer reasonable adjustments and accommodations to help all candidates perform at their best. If you have a need for adjustments, please complete the section in the application form.
Senior Scientist - Chemical Engineer, Chemical Development employer: AstraZeneca
Contact Detail:
AstraZeneca Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Scientist - Chemical Engineer, Chemical Development
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to professionals in the chemical engineering field on LinkedIn or at industry events. We can’t stress enough how valuable personal connections can be in landing that dream job.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions and showcasing your experience with process safety and GMP principles. We recommend doing mock interviews with friends or mentors to boost your confidence.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your technical skills! Be ready to discuss your experience with modelling software and how you’ve applied it in past projects. We want to see how you can bring that expertise to our team.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to connect directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Scientist - Chemical Engineer, Chemical Development
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Senior Scientist role. Highlight your experience in chemical engineering and any relevant projects you've worked on. We want to see how your skills align with our mission in Chemical Development!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about chemical development and how you can contribute to our sustainability initiatives. Keep it engaging and personal – we love to see your personality!
Showcase Your Technical Skills: Don’t forget to mention your experience with modelling software and your understanding of unit operations. We’re looking for someone who can hit the ground running, so make sure we know what you bring to the table!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and keep track of it. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need about the role there!
How to prepare for a job interview at AstraZeneca
✨Know Your Chemistry
Brush up on your knowledge of chemical processes and unit operations. Be ready to discuss specific examples from your experience, especially those related to mixing, distillation, and chromatography. This will show that you understand the technical aspects of the role.
✨Showcase Your Modelling Skills
Familiarise yourself with modelling software like Aspen or DynoChem. Prepare to explain how you've used these tools in past projects to optimise processes. Highlighting your ability to leverage technology will impress interviewers.
✨Collaborate Like a Pro
Demonstrate your collaborative skills by sharing examples of successful teamwork. Discuss how you've worked with chemists and analysts to achieve project goals. This will illustrate your ability to fit into their team-oriented environment.
✨Champion Sustainability
Be prepared to talk about sustainability initiatives you've been involved in. Share ideas on how to improve environmental footprints in chemical processes. Showing your commitment to sustainability aligns with their mission and values.