Associate Principal Scientist –PeptideDevelopmentChemistry - Pharmaceutical Sciences; PS

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

Location:

Macclesfield, UK

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. Early Chemical Development (ECD) is 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.

• 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‑modeling 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 with 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.

• 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.
• Hand on experience of conjugation…