Senior Scientist - Crystallisation

Job Title: Senior Scientist – Crystallisation

Location: Macclesfield, UK

Salary: Competitive + Excellent Employee Benefits!

Introduction to the role:

Early Chemical Development (ECD) is a World-Class CMC department with responsibility for early phase Drug Substance. The departments 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.

In Early Chemical Development, an exciting opportunity has arisen for a Crystallisation Senior Scientist.

About the role:

You will be a key member of a team responsible for thedelivery of drug substanceof the right qualitywith a focus on physical attributes (solid form and particle properties)to clinical programs up to Phase II.You will bring a strong understanding of the design and development of robustdrug substancecrystallisation/precipitation&isolation and dryingprocesses.Youwill workcollaborativelywith multiple internal and external partners,including drug substance and drug product colleagues andContract Development and Manufacturing Organisations (CDMOs).

The role is based at the Macclesfield Campus, Cheshire. The role is primarily laboratory based and will involve working flexibly acrossthe development and Large-Scale Laboratory for GMP manufacture of drug substance.Itwill also involveadvisingour development teams and our Contract Development and Manufacturing Organisations (CDMOs).

Accountabilities:

Develop new crystallisation(or precipitation),isolationand dryingprocesses foractive pharmaceutical ingredients (API),to meet specifications(e.g.chemicalpurity),solidformand particle property requirements.Provideexpert advice to drug substanceprocessdevelopment scientistson development of crystallisation,isolation& dryingprocesses as an integralpart of synthetic route development.Work collaboratively with colleagues inDrug Substance andDrug Product Development units to evaluate, influence and agree on solid formand particle properties for bioavailability and formulation activities.Represent own area of expertise with a large degree of independencewith a view to influencingoverall drug project direction.Assess, review and report data from own work, with a clear understanding of its reliability,and interpret findings anddrawauthoritative conclusions and recommendations so that their significance can be appreciated.Work collaboratively with internal and external manufacturing partners to ensure successful scale-up and scale-out ofcrystallisation processes.This will include overseeing themanufacturing of batches of pre-clinical or clinical materialin internal or external manufacturing facilities.Ensure own work is performedin accordance withappropriate Safety, Health & Environment (SHE),qualityand compliance standards, e.g. Good Laboratory Practice (GLP)or Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP).Drivethe identification and implementation ofnew science and ways of working in own area of expertise.

Essential skills and experience:

ABachelorsdegreeChemistry orChemical Engineering or equivalentwithat least 3 years of experienceinthe area ofcrystallisation process development.Athoroughunderstanding of the fundamental principles ofsolid state,crystallisationand precipitationand isolation and dryingprocesses.An understanding ofsolid stateproperties that are linked to material behaviour.A passion andability toindependentlyplan and executeexperimentalwork in the laboratoryto generate high quality datain the development of crystallisation or precipitation processes.The ability toreport and interpret high quality data with clear impact to development projects.Expertisein PAT technologies for crystallisation processes.The ability to work collaboratively withcolleagues of different skillsets (e.g. process chemists, engineers,particle andmaterial scientists, analytical chemists, formulation scientists, etc.) anddepartments, andengage in discussionsin multi-disciplinary project teams.Effectivecommunication and influencing skills.An open attitude to learning and continuously developoneselfand colleagues.The ability to work in a highly regulated environment.

Desirable skills and experience:

PhD in an arearelevant to thediscipline of crystallisation process development.Experienceofworking in the Pharmaceutical or Fine Chemicals Industry.Experience in a range of particle/materials characterisation techniques.Involvement withworking withContract Development and Manufacturing Organisations (CDMOs).Knowledge of particle size reduction unit operations.Experience in technology transfer.Experienceofleading and driving improvement projects ornewways of working.Collaborationwithexternal partners investigatinganew technologyor process and implementing these withinan industrial setting.Knowledge and industrial experience of pharmaceutical development and regulatory submissions.Experience of using CCDC applications including Mercurytoinvestigatecrystal structure.

At AstraZeneca, we are committed to making a difference by fusing data and technology with the latest scientific innovations. Our curiosity and courage drive us to explore new possibilities, treating, preventing, modifying, and even curing some of the world's most complex diseases. We work seamlessly as one, leveraging diverse global knowledge to create impactful solutions. With a dedication to lifelong learning, we offer varied opportunities for growth and development, empowering our team to push the boundaries of science.

Our mission is to build an inclusive and equitable environment. We want people to feel they belong at AstraZeneca and Alexion, starting with our recruitment process. We welcome and consider applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of characteristics.

We offer reasonable adjustments/accommodations to help all candidates to perform at their best. If you have a need for any adjustments/accommodations, please complete the section in the application form

Ready to make an impact? Apply now and join us in transforming the future of healthcare! Apply from 13 Jan 2026 to 27 Feb 2026 with CV and cover letter.

Where can I find out more?

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Date Posted

13-Jan-2026

Closing Date

26-Jan-2026

Our mission is to build an inclusive and equitable environment. We want people to feel they belong at AstraZeneca and Alexion, starting with our recruitment process. We welcome and consider applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of characteristics. We offer reasonable adjustments/accommodations to help all candidates to perform at their best. If you have a need for any adjustments/accommodations, please complete the section in the application form.