Scientist

AstraZeneca•Waltham, MA

About The Position

Typical Accountabilities: • Manages own work to achieve drug and improvement project targets in a timely fashion and to agreed quality standards by applying technical knowledge and expertise • Aids with the selection of candidate drugs from a product design perspective • Conducts experimental work to characterise and understand the pharmaceutical properties (physicochemical and biopharm) of drug substances and formulations • Develops formulations and manufactures batches for discovery, pre-clinical or clinical use as required, as well as developing and validating appropriate test methodology and specifications for these • Develops drug substance route and process for early supply including identification of ‘C-2’ synergies • Assesses and reports data with a clear understanding of its reliability and interprets findings and draws authoritative conclusions and recommendations so that their significance can be appreciated • Provides technical instruction to team and allocates administrative work where possible • Applies technical knowledge to improvement projects and the evaluation of new technology/processes • Collaborates with specialist scientific and/or technology networks within Pharmaceutical Development • Presents information for discussion at team meetings • Works as a member of cross-functional teams, representing own department or area of expertise • Liaises with colleagues from other disciplines with the purpose of discussing project-related matters, sharing experiences and reporting progress • Ensures that work is performed in accordance with appropriate Safety, Health & Environment (SHE), quality and compliance standards, e.g. Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) Typical People Management Responsibility (direct / indirect reports): • Approximate number of people managed in total (all levels) - 0 What is the global remit? (how many countries will the role operate in?): • Own country Education, Qualifications, Skills and Experience: • Essential: Graduate or experienced non-graduate; A basic understanding of the principles and concepts in pharmaceutical sciences; A basic knowledge of other drug development areas outside of own specialist area; A basic understanding of the role of Pharmaceutical Development within the R&D Operating model; Understanding of compliance systems; Good communication skills • Desirable: Experience in Discovery and the early development phases of the drug development process; Significant experience in a narrower field of science or technology Key Relationship to reach solutions: • Internal (to AZ or team): Pharmaceutical Development; Medicines Development; Portfolio and Projects Management; Supply Chain • External (to AZ): External scientific community Compensation Pay Range: 81,041.60 - 121,562.40 USD Annual The annual base pay (or hourly rate of compensation) for this position is outlined above. 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 salary (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. Date Posted 07-Jan-2026 Closing Date 13-Jan-2026 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. AstraZeneca is a global, science-led, patient-focused biopharmaceutical company. We focus on discovering, developing and commercialising prescription medicines for some of the world’s most serious diseases. But we are more than one of the world’s leading pharmaceutical companies. At AstraZeneca, we’re dedicated to being a Great Place to Work. Where you are empowered to push the boundaries of science, challenge convention and unleash your entrepreneurial spirit. To embrace differences and take bold actions to drive the change needed to meet global healthcare and sustainability challenges. There is no better place to make a difference in medicine, patients, and society. An inclusive culture where you will connect different thinking to generate new and valuable opportunities. Where you will find a commitment to lifelong learning, growth and development for all. Our Inclusion & Diversity (I&D) mission is to create an inclusive and equitable environment where people belong, using the power of our diversity to push the boundaries of science to deliver life-changing medicines to patients. Inclusion and diversity are fundamental to the success of our company, because innovation requires breakthrough ideas that only come from a diverse workforce empowered to challenge conventional thinking. We’re curious about science and the advancement of knowledge. We find creative ways to approach new challenges. We’re driven to make the right choices and be accountable for our actions. As an organisation centred around what makes us human, we put a big focus on people. Across our business, we want colleagues to wake up excited about their day at the office, in the field, or in the lab. Along with our purpose to bring life-changing medicines to people across the globe, we have a promise to you: to help you realise the full breadth of your potential. Here, you’ll do work that has the potential to change your life and improve countless others. And, together with your team, you’ll shape a culture that unites and inspires us every day. This is your life at AstraZeneca.

Requirements

Graduate or experienced non-graduate
A basic understanding of the principles and concepts in pharmaceutical sciences
A basic knowledge of other drug development areas outside of own specialist area
A basic understanding of the role of Pharmaceutical Development within the R&D Operating model
Understanding of compliance systems
Good communication skills

Nice To Haves

Experience in Discovery and the early development phases of the drug development process
Significant experience in a narrower field of science or technology

Responsibilities

Manages own work to achieve drug and improvement project targets in a timely fashion and to agreed quality standards by applying technical knowledge and expertise
Aids with the selection of candidate drugs from a product design perspective
Conducts experimental work to characterise and understand the pharmaceutical properties (physicochemical and biopharm) of drug substances and formulations
Develops formulations and manufactures batches for discovery, pre-clinical or clinical use as required, as well as developing and validating appropriate test methodology and specifications for these
Develops drug substance route and process for early supply including identification of ‘C-2’ synergies
Assesses and reports data with a clear understanding of its reliability and interprets findings and draws authoritative conclusions and recommendations so that their significance can be appreciated
Provides technical instruction to team and allocates administrative work where possible
Applies technical knowledge to improvement projects and the evaluation of new technology/processes
Collaborates with specialist scientific and/or technology networks within Pharmaceutical Development
Presents information for discussion at team meetings
Works as a member of cross-functional teams, representing own department or area of expertise
Liaises with colleagues from other disciplines with the purpose of discussing project-related matters, sharing experiences and reporting progress
Ensures that work is performed in accordance with appropriate Safety, Health & Environment (SHE), quality and compliance standards, e.g. Good Laboratory Practice (GLP)

Benefits

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.

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