Job Description

Senior Scientist - Asymmetric Catalysis and High-Throughput Experimentation

Location: Macclesfield

Type: Permanent

AstraZeneca is a global biopharmaceutical company focused on innovating and delivering life-saving medicines while prioritizing sustainability and minimizing our environmental impact. We foster a collaborative, inclusive culture where colleagues are empowered to share ideas and feel valued and rewarded.


Pharmaceutical Technology & Development (PT&D) transforms cutting-edge science into medicines for millions, working across the value chain to design, develop, and scale up drug products from early research through commercial manufacture.


In Chemical Development, we combine scientific expertise and innovation to create and optimize sustainable, commercially viable processes for active pharmaceutical ingredients. By collaborating widely and embracing new technologies, we continually improve how we deliver medicines.


Catalysis and High-Throughput Experimentation (HTE) facilitate the development of efficient and sustainable processes, allowing innovative routes to API (Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient) molecules that are increasing in complexity. The catalysis and HTE group support the development and manufacture of drug projects across the portfolio, from late-discovery to launch, with key expertise in a range of technologies such as cross-coupling, asymmetric reactions, and the use of gases in synthesis.

Job description:

We are offering an exciting Senior Scientist position in asymmetric catalysis and HTE in our vibrant team, with the successful candidate joining a cutting-edge pharmaceutical lab with access to gloveboxes and state of the art HTE equipment. The responsibilities and requirements of the position are outlined below.


The role is based at the Macclesfield Campus, Cheshire.

Key responsibilities:

Lab based role involving the design and execution of catalytic reactions with the ability to interpret data, analyse results and plan the next steps accordingly. Has a good understanding of reactions relevant to the pharmaceutical industry and an up-to-date knowledge of the literature in relevant areas of asymmetric catalysis and synthesis. Seeks out the most appropriate methods for carrying out experimental work to a high standard utilizing high-throughput experimentation and automation where appropriate. Collaborates with other members of the catalysis team, drug project teams or external academic collaborators to contribute to the development of new medicines.

Essential Requirements:

A PhD aligned to organic synthesis and/or catalysis, or BSc/MSc with relevant industrial experience to an equivalent level. Substantial experience in practical organic synthesis with good information management (recording of experimental and results). An excellent understanding of synthetic reagents and methodologies, reaction mechanisms and modern analytical techniques. A record of scientific innovation, through publication authorship, patent inventorship, or conference presentation. The ability to work effectively within a team environment.

Desirable experience and attributes:

Lab-based pharmaceutical industry and/or process development experience with awareness of considerations for design of synthetic routes for scale-up and manufacture of APIs. Prior experience of modern catalytic methods, working under inert conditions, and/or high-throughput experimentation would be advantageous. The confidence to coach and drive performance and development among your peers. Excellent communication skills, with the ability to communicate across interfaces of scientific disciplines, culture, and expertise both internally and externally.

Please note applications must include your current CV and a covering letter which presents your key areas of strength and why you should be considered for the role.

AstraZeneca is an equal opportunity employer. AstraZeneca will consider all qualified applicants for employment without discrimination on grounds of disability, sex or sexual orientation, pregnancy or maternity leave status, race or national or ethnic origin, age, religion or belief, gender identity or re-assignment, marital or civil partnership status, protected veteran status (if applicable) or any other characteristic protected by law.!