Associate Director; Analytical Team Leader), Early Chemical Development

Associate Director (Analytical Team Leader), Early Chemical Development, Pharmaceutical Science

Location:

Macclesfield UK – 3 days on site per week

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. But we’re more than one of the world’s leading pharmaceutical companies. 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. Our wide‑ranging portfolio of projects includes traditional small molecules, nucleotide‑based therapies, and nano‑medicines 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 an Analytical team leader to join ECD’s Analytical Section. The individual will have extensive experience of analytical science, preferably with specific experience driving performance through organisational effectiveness. A passion for leading and developing team members is a key requirement for the role.

As a line manager of analytical scientists, you will provide leadership, coaching and mentorship alongside scientific/technical input into projects. You will work with your team, and in close collaboration with other skill groups and ECD’s Drug Substance manufacturing facility, to ensure project activities are delivered in line with the overall project timelines, scientific rigour and appropriate quality.

As a member of the Early Chemical Development Leadership Team, you will provide expertise and leadership for analytical skill groups. You will partner with other Team Leaders to contribute to strategic business development and manage resources to deliver the project portfolio to time, quality and quantity targets. You will work broadly across the company and externally, looking to implement new technologies and ways of working, plus interface, where necessary, with industry and regulatory bodies to keep abreast of industry trends.

• Accountable for the planning and execution of analytical deliverables in support of internal GMP manufacturing and stability.
• Contribute to the development of departmental goals and link them to team members’ individual goals.
• Ensure work is performed in accordance with appropriate Safety, Health & Environment (SHE), quality and compliance standards, e.g. GMP, ensuring standards are upheld and improvement and action plans delivered as required.
• Provide leadership in continuous improvement to drive organisational effectiveness and productivity through introduction of new digital tools.

• Degree or equivalent scientific qualification (Masters or PhD preferred) in a relevant field (e.g., Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences or a closely related subject area) with substantial relevant experience in analytical science within the pharmaceutical industry, ideally in CMC or drug substance development.
• Solid understanding of the regulatory environment for clinical development and strong working knowledge of the pharmaceutical industry to ensure that industry standards are applied.
• Extensive experience of analytical science, preferably with specific experience driving performance through organisational effectiveness.
• Demonstrated leadership within a scientific environment, with a strong background of leading, coaching, and developing analytical…