Associate Principal Scientist – Oligonucleotide Chemistry - Pharmaceutical Sciences (PS)
Macclesfield, UK
Competitive Salary & Benefits
We are open to those who are able to commit to a minimum of 0.8FTE
Here you’ll have the opportunity to make a meaningful difference to patients’ lives. With science at its heart, this is the place where breakthroughs born in the lab become transformative medicines – for the world’s most complex diseases. Answer unmet medical needs by pioneering the next wave of science, focusing on outcomes, and shaping the patient ecosystem.
The setup: 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 only AstraZeneca site with chemical development capabilities.
Be encouraged and supported to think creatively in our dynamic environment. Here we are free from fear of failure, free to ask the right questions and make bold decisions.
We are currently looking for scientific leaders in process chemistry with oligonucleotide experience to join our Early Chemical Development team.
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. The function has four departments: Early Chemical Development, Advanced Drug Delivery, Early Product Development and Manufacturing and Data Science and Modelling. Our wide-ranging portfolio of projects includes traditional small molecules, nucleotide-based therapies, and nanomedicines across AstraZeneca’s therapy areas.
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.
We’re looking for a very hardworking and experienced Process Chemist to join the team working on our oligonucleotide programs. The role will sit within ECD’s New Modalities team, with a focus on delivering against our Oligonucleotide projects portfolio, as well as contributing to the implementation of the new process development and manufacturing facility for therapeutic oligonucleotide drug substance currently being established at AstraZeneca’s UK Macclesfield campus. The individual will have extensive process chemistry experience, preferably with significant specific expertise in oligonucleotide development and manufacturing. A passion for working in new scientific areas and developing solutions to technical and project challenges is a key requirement for the role.
As an expert in process chemistry, you will provide leadership and scientific/technical input into the Oligonucleotide projects ongoing within Pharmaceutical Sciences. You will identify and solve problems, champion scientific and technology innovations to develop a strategic capability in oligonucleotide manufacturing, mentor and develop your colleagues, and actively contribute to scientific subject area networks. By driving innovation, helping to secure intellectual property, and contributing to presentations and publications you will develop your own profile and enhance AstraZeneca’s scientific reputation.
What you’ll do
- Lead technical contributions in complex Oligonucleotide projects, bringing an outward-facing perspective towards addressing opportunities (collaborating with other departments, identifying/aligning specialist capabilities, identifying and tapping into expertise external to AstraZeneca).
- Provide scientific leadership across the development and manufacture of Oligonucleotides within Early Chemical Development
- Contribute significantly to the definition and implementation of manufacturing strategies for Oligonucleotide API processes (internally and externally)
- Demonstrate scientific leadership, contribute towards strategic development and provide expert challenge within drug project CMC teams, whilst role modelling positive behaviours in exploring new ways of working and accelerating scientific development
- Provide scientific/technical leadership across the department skill groups in resolving risks and identifying learning opportunities across the department
- Demonstrate scientific leadership and strategic development within drug projects.
- Mentor and develop junior colleagues, supporting them in reaching their full potential.
- Contribute to the evolution of Early Chemical Development to support AstraZeneca’s current and future portfolio, defining, and delivering continuous improvement plans.
- Enhance AstraZeneca’s scientific reputation by publishing high calibre research and engaging in external collaborations.
Essential Criteria
- Degree or equivalent (Masters or PhD preferred) scientific qualification in a relevant field
- Significant experience of chemical development with a track record of delivery and creativity
- Deep understanding of the drug development process, spanning from discovery through to launch
- Experience of leading project work, technical supervision and coaching
- An appreciation of how Pharmaceutical Science contributes to R&D
- Direct experience relevant to Oligonucleotide development (preferable) or a strong interest in rapidly developing knowledge and experience in this area
- Knowledge of the QA/regulatory environment for Oligonucleotides would be an advantage
Desirable Criteria
- Ability to lead complex projects and provide clear strategic direction
- Excellent communication and strategic influencing skills across interfaces of subject area, culture, and expertise both internally and externally
- 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
- Proven problem solver with in-depth technical skills
- Demonstrated scientific leadership
- A background in oligonucleotide chemistry or manufacturing
- Experience of clinical drug substance development within a CMC organisation
- Strong internal and external partner leadership skills, including experience of partnering with external CRO’s and CDMO’s
Why AstraZeneca?
At AstraZeneca, we’re dedicated to being a Great Place to Work, where you are empowered to push the boundaries of science and unleash your entrepreneurial spirit. There’s no better place to make a difference to medicine, patients, and society. An inclusive culture that champions diversity and collaboration. Always committed to lifelong learning, growth, and development.
So, what’s next?
Complete your application before the below closing date, inclusive of a cover letter explaining your motivation and curiosity about this opportunity.
This role is open from 29/06/2023, we welcome your application no later than 29/07/2023
Where can I find out more?
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