Senior Scientist – Analytical Method Development, Pharmaceutical Development

Are you passionate about analytical science, method development, and innovative laboratory solutions? Do you enjoy solving complex technical challenges and applying new technologies to improve analytical workflows?

Pharmaceutical Technology and Development (PT&D) sits within Operations and is the organization that turns brilliant science into actual medicines that help millions of people. We work across the entire value chain, designing and delivering active ingredients, formulations and devices for new medicines and providing expert technical support to all AstraZeneca’s commercial drug substances and products to ensure we successfully supply medicines to patients.

We are seeking an experienced and innovative Senior Scientist to support analytical method development activities within Global Product Development.

As a Senior Scientist in Analytical Method Development, you will work with colleagues across formulation, manufacturing, quality, engineering, and external partner organisations to develop robust analytical methods, optimise sample preparation and cleaning validation approaches.

What you will do

Separation Science Expertise: Apply advanced knowledge of chromatographic and separation techniques, including HPLC, UPLC, LC-MS and related approaches, to develop selective, sensitive, and robust analytical methods.

Sample preparation optimisation: Improve extraction, dilution, filtration, and purification procedures.

• Cleaning validation: Develop and validate analytical methods for cleaning verification, including residue recovery, swab and/or rinse sampling.
• Method development & validation: Design, develop, validate and transfer analytical methods
• Analytical troubleshooting: Provide expert analytical troubleshooting and scientific support across pharmaceutical development programmes, applying separation science expertise to investigate method performance issues, resolve complex analytical challenges, and deliver timely, reliable data to support programme objectives.
• CRO troubleshooting: Provide technical troubleshooting and scientific support to contract research organisations, resolving analytical challenges and supporting successful study delivery.
• Automation and robotics: Implement and optimise automated and robotic solutions for sample preparation, analytical workflows, and cleaning validation activities.

Essential requirements 

• MSc, PhD, or equivalent experience in Analytical Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences or a related scientific discipline.

• Proven experience in analytical method development, optimisation, qualification, or validation within a pharmaceutical, or related environment.

• Practical experience with sample preparation techniques, including extraction, dilution, filtration and purification.

• Strong knowledge of analytical techniques such as HPLC, UPLC, LC-MS, GC, or related methodologies.

• Work experience in troubleshooting analytical methods and resolving issues such as matrix effects, carryover, variability, and atypical results.

• Experience working with CROs or external laboratory partners.

• Strong scientific, organisational, communication, and problem-solving skills.

• Knowledge of GMP, data integrity, and relevant analytical quality requirements.

Desired requirements

• Experience supporting cleaning validation, including swab and rinse sampling, residue recovery, and analytical assessment.
• Experience of advanced structured problem-solving techniques e.g. six sigma 
• Fundamental digital and data capability relevant to analytical development, including proficiency with multivariate experimental design and basic DoE concepts for method and process understanding. 
• Experience implementing or supporting laboratory automation and robotics.
• Experience with electronic laboratory systems, chromatography data systems, statistical tools, or laboratory workflow platforms.
• Experience working in a global, cross-functional, or matrix organisation.
• Experience preparing or reviewing analytical protocols, reports, validation documentation, or technical assessments.

At AstraZeneca, we’re dedicated to being a Great Place to Work. Where you are empowered to push the boundaries of science and unleash your entrepreneurial spirit. There’s no better place to make a difference to medicine, patients and society. An inclusive culture that champions diversity and collaboration, and always committed to lifelong learning, growth and development. We’re on an exciting journey to pioneer the future of healthcare.

We welcome your application no later than 2nd November 2026!

Please tailor your application for this role and specify how your skills and experience match the scope of the role.

Date Posted

22-okt.-2026

Closing Date

01-nov.-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.

AstraZeneca embraces diversity and equality of opportunity. We are committed to building an inclusive and diverse team representing all backgrounds, with as wide a range of perspectives as possible, and harnessing industry-leading skills. We believe that the more inclusive we are, the better our work will be. We welcome and consider applications to join our team from all qualified candidates, regardless of their characteristics. We comply with all applicable laws and regulations on non-discrimination in employment (and recruitment), as well as work authorisation and employment eligibility verification requirements.