• Job Description

  Req#: R-228151

  Job Title: Mass Spectrometry Specialist - Senior Scientist (FTC)

  Locations: Macclesfield, UK

  Salary: Competitive + Excellent Employee Benefits!

  Applications Deadline: June 20

  Why AstraZeneca?

  At AstraZeneca, we win through science, it’s at the heart of our every success! That science is only possible when we all work together – we’ll always make sure you’re clear about how your role is connected to our wider mission to really show what science can do!

  Introduction to the role:

  AstraZeneca is a global, science-driven biopharmaceutical company dedicated to discovering, developing and delivering innovative, meaningful medicines and healthcare solutions that enrich the lives of patients.

  Pharmaceutical Sciences is a function within the AstraZeneca Biopharmaceuticals R&D unit that creates innovative, efficient solutions by transforming molecules into investigative medicines meeting unmet needs of future patients. The function has four departments: Early Chemical Development, Advanced Drug Delivery, Early Product Development and Manufacturing, and Data Science and Modelling. Our wide-ranging portfolio of projects includes traditional small molecules, nucleotide-based therapies and other novel modalities across AstraZeneca’s therapy areas.

  Early Chemical Development (ECD) is a world class CMC department with responsibility for early phase Drug Substance. The department’s 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.

  Accountabilities:

  We are currently recruiting on a temporary FTC a mass spectrometry specialist to join our analytical group within ECD who are dedicated to the development of control strategies and the accompanying analytical methods to enable the development of manufacturing routes for clinical active pharmaceutical ingredients (API) at AstraZeneca across a range of small and large molecules.

  During this 12 months-FTC, We’re looking for a scientist who is enthusiastic, motivated, with a strong desire to learn.

  Main Duties and Responsibilities

  • Structural elucidation of small molecule APIs to support regulatory submissions

  • Impurity characterisation of low level impurities within our APIs to drive process and control strategy understanding

  • Developing our capabilities in mass spectrometry, with a focus on complex small molecules such as drug-linkers.

  • Working with project analysts to provide mass spectrometry knowledge and support to progress project understanding

  • Enhancing ECD and AstraZeneca’s scientific reputation by sharing knowledge internally, publishing high calibre research and engaging in external collaborations.

  • Ensure that work is in accordance with appropriate Safety, Health & Environment (SHE) guidelines, quality and compliance standards, e.g. Good Laboratory Practice (GLP).

  Required Qualifications, Skills, Knowledge and Experience

  • PhD level education with a focus on mass spectrometry or BSc level education in chemistry with at least one years’ experience of structural elucidation using mass spectrometry.

  • A thorough understanding of mass spectrometry instrumentation and applicability to pharmaceutical setting.

  • A rational and logical approach to decision-making and problem-solving; the ability to make judgements based on sound reasoning and data.

  • Ability to challenge the status quo and look for novel solutions

  • Ability to collaborate and work optimally within and across teams.

  • Self-motivated and systematic approach to work and delivering to deadlines.

  • Great communication skills (written and spoken).

  • A thorough understanding of the principles and management of SHE and cGMP.

  So, what’s next?

  • Are you already imagining yourself joining our team? Good, because we can’t wait to hear from you.

  • To apply for this exciting opportunity, please complete the full application form on our website. We encourage you to apply online before June 20.

  • Applications must include your current CV, and a cover letter which presents your motivation and suitability for the role.

  Where can I find out more?

  Our Social Media, Follow AstraZeneca on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/1603/

  Follow AstraZeneca on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/astrazenecacareers/

  Follow AstraZeneca on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/astrazeneca_careers/?hl=en

  Date Posted

  05-Jun-2025

  Closing Date

  04-Jun-2025

  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.

• About the company

  AstraZeneca PLC is a British-Swedish multinational pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical company with its global headquarters in Cambridge, England.

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