Assoc. Principal Scientist/Senior Scientist - Material Science

We have an exciting opportunity to join the Material Science and Solid State team within Inhalation Product Development (IPD) as an Associate Principal Scientist (APS) or Senior Scientist in Material Science, depending on experience.

At AstraZeneca Pharmaceutical Technology & Development (PT&D) is a global function tasked with design, development, commercialization and support of AstraZeneca's medicines. Inhalation Product Development in Gothenburg, within PT&D, is responsible for the development of inhalation products including combinations.

What you'll do - The role includes a high focus on physical characterisation of critical properties of the drug substances, excipients and formulations in the field of inhalation and be active in the laboratory and generating of data. Your role will be key at the interfaces of raw materials to drug product process & in vivo performance, supporting drug projects in clinical phases as well as technical and feasibility projects. You will be responsible for the application and development of science in the field of particle and bulk powder characterisation, to progress the design and development of drug substance and drug products. You will also collaborate cross functionally with scientists responsible for drug substance development.

For the APS role we also see that you have a proven track record of delivering pharmaceutical development projects and you will be responsible for leading small groups of development scientists and the technical and regulatory contribution to drug product development. You will provide physical science and strategic input into pharmaceutical development delivery teams and to the material science community across PT&D. You will have a good working knowledge of product development, control strategy and lead to deliver the CMC aspects for projects to meet development timelines.

Key Responsibilities

* Provide material science expertise in product development. Plan and execute material science and solid-state characterization of drug substances, excipients and inhaled formulations.
* Work collaboratively with colleagues in other functions to identify and define drug substance critical attributes, contribute to the end-to-end control strategy and reduce end-product testing
* Identify and assess materials risks. Develop understanding of the link between critical material attributes, process robustness and product performance.
* Clearly communicate plans, experimental data and conclusions to project teams
* Tackle complex scientific problems and provide lean and innovative solutions
* Develop appropriate methods to support formulation development, and perform phase appropriate validation as required, in accordance with relevant guidelines
* Lead small group of development scientists in a matrix style team

Additionally, for APS

* Act as Subject Matter Expert and advisor as required across functional projects
* Collaborate broadly across PT&D with other Material Scientists, giving input to science and innovation projects and future strategic direction.
* Coaching and developing colleagues, helping them to achieve their full potential within this field of expertise

Essential Requirements

* PhD (or BSc/MSc with proven industry experience) in material science or a relevant subject area.
* Excellent understanding of principles of physical chemistry related to surface properties and particle characterization and bulk behaviour
* Proven experience in material science characterisation (size, surface, morphology, imaging and flow properties) of products resulting from either size reduction, blending or spray drying processes.
* Advanced practical expertise in characterisation methods e.g., powder rheometry, particle size by laser diffraction or dynamic light scattering, pycnometry, specific surface area by BET and SEM imaging
* Strong oral and written communication skills and the ability to discuss complex ideas in a simple, easy to understand way
* Ability to tackle complex scientific problems and troubleshooting
* Proven track record of working collaboratively in a team environment to deliver project objectives

Additionally, for APS

* Proven experience of leading technical packages and delivering within Research & Development in the pharmaceutical industry
* Demonstrated understanding of the link between process and properties and a track record of impact projects in the area of material science during development or launch
* Ability to lead multiskilled matrix teams for complex scientific projects
* Excellent communication and strategic influencing skills across scientific disciplines, cultures, functions and externally
* Actively seeks out innovative approaches and new scientific advances in the field, leveraging their internal and external networks

Preferred Requirements

* Knowledge of powder flow and bulk powder characterization linked to process design and optimization. Experience of powder flow in hoppers, volumetric and/or gravimetric filling operations, spray drying and micronisation
* Proven track record in influencing product design using scientific material science data and experience of direct impact on decisions during pharmaceutical product development
* Experience of regulatory file submissions or agencies interactions
* Knowledge of tools for multivariate analysis, data visualization and predictive modelling packages.
* Experience of technical supervision, coaching and mentoring

We welcome your application no later than May 15th, 2022.