Associate Principle Scientist – Product Discovery and Development

Do you have a passion for Science? Would you like to apply your expertise to make an impact at a company that follows the science and turns ideas into life-changing medicines? Then AstraZeneca might be the one for you!

At AstraZeneca, we put patients first and strive to meet their unmet needs worldwide. Working here means being entrepreneurial, thinking big and working together to make the impossible a reality. If you are swift to act, confident to lead, willing to collaborate, and curious about what science can do, then you’re our kind of person.

Summary of the group:

Pharmaceutical Sciences is a department within AstraZeneca’s Biopharmaceuticals R&D organization with a mission to transform molecules into investigational medicines that address the unmet needs of future patients. Within Pharmaceutical Sciences, the Small Molecule Product Discovery and Development group focuses on advancing a diverse portfolio of small-molecule projects, including PROTAC- and RIPTAC-based therapeutics, across AstraZeneca’s therapeutic areas. The group’s mission is to translate innovative modalities into high-quality investigational medicines.

Main Duties & Responsibilities:

We are looking for a highly motivated and experienced individual to join the dynamic Small Molecule Product Discovery and Development group, supporting the small molecule projects in AstraZeneca pipeline. Main responsibilities for this role include:

• Developing analytical methods, formulations, and drug delivery systems with a focus on small molecules

• Serving as a function representative and providing pharmaceutical expertise to global project teams

• Planning and conducting experiments with minimal supervision; generating, evaluating, reporting and interpreting data clearly and reliably; presenting data effectively and making clear and actionable recommendations to project teams and stakeholders.

• Being actively involved with novel formulation development and innovative technology evaluation.

• Identifying and addressing critical issues during daily operations while understanding strategic direction.

• Acting as a scientific leader and influencing across disciplines via project teams and aligning science and technology developments to business needs.

• Working as a member of cross-functional pharmaceutical science and CMC project teams, in close collaboration with other formulators, analytical chemists, chemists and biologists at AstraZeneca

• Presenting data at internal AstraZeneca meetings and occasionally at external meetings.

Education & Experience Requirements:

• PhD degree in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Analytical Chemistry, Material Sciences, Biomedical Engineering, Chemical Engineering or related scientific disciplines with a minimum of 3 years, preferably 5+ years post-graduation experience in pharmaceutical and/or biotechnology environment.

• Or MS degree in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Analytical Chemistry, Material Sciences, Biomedical Engineering or related scientific disciplines with a minimum of 7 years, preferably 10+ years industry experience in pharmaceutical and/or biotechnology environment.

Required Skills:

• Advanced practical laboratory capability in pre-formulation, formulation development, and physical properties characterization and their influence on product design and performance.

• Knowledge and hands-on experience with analytical instruments for the characterization of formulation and drug products particularly in separation and chromatography (e.g., HPLC/UPLC, LC/MS, DLS, DSC, TGA, DVS, PXRD, dissolution).

• Demonstrated ability in designing and optimizing formulations of poorly soluble compounds for preclinical studies including PROTACs & RIPTACs.

• Knowledge and hands-on experience of enabling formulation technologies including but not limited to amorphous solid dispersion, lipid-based formulation and nanoparticles.

• Track record of scientific excellence in terms of scientific publications, patents, and/or conference presentations.

• Committed to best practices through a process-oriented approach and growth mindset.

• Ability to effectively explain complex scientific concepts to a broad, diverse audience.

• Ability to make effective risk-based decisions under pressure, during change and in the absence of clarity.

• Ability to apply sound problem-solving skills, combining analytical rigor with a consistent standard of high-quality output.

• Ability to apply knowledge of scientific theories and principles on a broad base where analysis of situations or data requires an in-depth evaluation of various factors.

Desired Skills:

• Willingness to acquire new skills or technologies.

• Work independently and collaboratively in team settings.

• Modeling and simulation predictions for human oral absorption of drug products.

• Broad knowledge and in-depth understanding of drug discovery and drug development.

• Understanding of principles and applications of GLS/GLP/GMP.

When we put unexpected 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. Join us in our unique and ambitious world.

The annual base pay for this position ranges from $147,507 to $221,261. Hourly and salaried non-exempt employees will also be paid overtime pay when working qualifying overtime hours. Base pay offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, including market location, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. In addition, our positions offer a short-term incentive bonus opportunity; eligibility to participate in our equity-based long-term incentive program (salaried roles), to receive a retirement contribution (hourly roles), and commission payment eligibility (sales roles). Benefits offered included a qualified retirement program [401(k) plan]; paid vacation and holidays; paid leaves; and, health benefits including medical, prescription drug, dental, and vision coverage in accordance with the terms and conditions of the applicable plans. Additional details of participation in these benefit plans will be provided if an employee receives an offer of employment. If hired, employee will be in an “at-will position” and the Company reserves the right to modify base pay (as well as any other discretionary payment or compensation program) at any time, including for reasons related to individual performance, Company or individual department/team performance, and market factors.

AstraZeneca is where science meets innovation to create impactful solutions! We challenge the status quo by leveraging data to drive scientific breakthroughs that make a tangible difference in patients' lives. Our collaborative environment fosters learning and growth, empowering you to contribute to meaningful research across global Therapy Areas. With countless opportunities for development, AstraZeneca is committed to investing in technology and expanding knowledge to maximize impact.

Ready to make a difference? Apply now to join our team and be part of something extraordinary!

Date Posted

05-Jun-2026

Closing Date

Our mission is to build an inclusive environment where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants and employees. In furtherance of that mission, we welcome and consider applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of their protected characteristics. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please complete the corresponding section in the application form.