Associate Principle Scientist – Product Discovery and Development

AstraZeneca • Waltham, MA

1d • Hybrid

About The Position

AstraZeneca is seeking a highly motivated and experienced individual to join the dynamic Small Molecule Product Discovery and Development group within Pharmaceutical Sciences. This department is part of AstraZeneca’s Biopharmaceuticals R&D organization and focuses on transforming molecules into investigational medicines. The Small Molecule Product Discovery and Development group specifically advances a diverse portfolio of small-molecule projects, including PROTAC- and RIPTAC-based therapeutics, across AstraZeneca’s therapeutic areas, with the mission to translate innovative modalities into high-quality investigational medicines. The role involves supporting small molecule projects in the AstraZeneca pipeline.

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.
• 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.

Nice To Haves

• 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.

Responsibilities

• 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.

Benefits

• qualified retirement program [401(k) plan]
• paid vacation and holidays
• paid leaves
• health benefits including medical, prescription drug, dental, and vision coverage
• short-term incentive bonus opportunity
• equity-based long-term incentive program (salaried roles)
• retirement contribution (hourly roles)
• commission payment eligibility (sales roles)

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Principal
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree