AstraZeneca

Associate Principle Scientist - Product Discovery and Development

AstraZeneca$147K — $221K *
Pharmaceuticals & Biotech
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences or related field with 3-5 years experience, or MS with 7-10 years experience in pharmaceuticals or biotechnology.
  • Extensive knowledge of analytical instruments, particularly HPLC/UPLC, LC/MS, and other characterization methods.
  • Experience optimizing formulations of poorly soluble compounds, specifically PROTACs and RIPTACs.
  • Proficiency in advanced formulation technologies, including amorphous dispersion and lipid-based formulations.
  • Demonstrated scientific excellence, evidenced by publications and patents.
  • Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
  • Strong leadership abilities in scientific/project activities.

Responsibilities

  • Develop analytical methods and formulations for small molecules.
  • Provide pharmaceutical expertise to global project teams.
  • Conduct experiments with minimal supervision and report data effectively.
  • Engage in novel formulation development and evaluate innovative technologies.
  • Collaborate within cross-functional teams with chemists and biologists.
  • Present findings at internal and external meetings.

Benefits

  • 401(k) retirement plan with qualified contributions.
  • Paid vacation, holidays, and leaves.
  • Comprehensive health benefits including medical, dental, and vision coverage.
  • Short-term incentive bonus opportunity and equity-based long-term incentives.
Full Job Description
Summary of the group:

Pharmaceutical Sciences is a department within AstraZeneca's Biopharmaceuticals R&D organization with a mission to transforming molecules into investigational medicines that address the unmet needs of future patients. Within Pharmaceutical Sciences, the 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 authoritative individual to join the dynamic 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 minimum supervision; Generating, evaluating, and reporting data clearly and efficiently; Providing data interpretation and making recommendations to project teams and other partners.
  • Being actively involved with novel formulation development and innovative technology evaluation.
  • 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 fields with minimum 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 fields with minimum 7 years, preferably 10+ years experience in pharmaceutical and/or biotechnology environment.


Required Skills:
  • 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)
  • Validated ability in designcraftingptimizing 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 validated dispersion, lipid based formulation and nanoparticles
  • Strong analytical, problem solving skills
  • Track record of scientific excellence in terms of scientific publications, patents, and/or conference presentations
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills
  • Ability to effectively lead scientific/project activities
  • Committed to guidelines through a process-oriented approach and growth mindset


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 principals 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 three 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.

Date Posted
04-Jun-2026

Closing Date

About AstraZeneca

AstraZeneca is a British-Swedish multinational pharmaceutical company that specializes in the research, development, and manufacturing of prescription drugs. The company was formed in 1999 through the merger of Astra AB and Zeneca Group plc. AstraZeneca's products are used to treat a wide range of medical conditions, including cancer, cardiovascular disease, respiratory disease, and diabetes. The company has operations in over 100 countries and employs more than 76,000 people worldwide. AstraZeneca is committed to developing innovative medicines that improve the health and well-being of people around the world.
Learn more about AstraZeneca
Size
83,100 employees
Market Cap
$211.5 billion
Industry
Net Income
$3.1 billion
Founded
1999
5 Year Trend
+10.2%
Revenue
$26.6 billion
NASDAQ

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