Senior Scientist in Polymer Characterisation to OPD

Are you ready for an exciting opportunity to join AstraZeneca in a lead role with a focus on characterisation of drug products, developing characterisation techniques and understanding of material properties? Then this is the role for you!

At AstraZeneca, we put patients first and strive to meet their unmet needs worldwide. Working here means being entrepreneurial, thinking big and working together to make the impossible a reality. In Pharmaceutical Technology and Development (PT&D), we are the bridge between brilliant science and innovative medicines that help millions of people. We work across the entire value chain, designing and delivering active ingredients, formulations and devices required to support new medicines - from supplies for use in early toxicology studies and clinical trials to developing the technology to ensure drugs can be scaled up for commercial manufacture.

We are currently looking for a lead Senior Scientist, to strengthen our capabilities in the area of polymer characterisation. We believe that you have significant scientific project-based experience and want to strengthen our team and join us in the Oral Product Development (OPD) function!

At OPD in Gothenburg, a sub-division of PT&D, we focus on the fields of Oral Controlled Release Drug products and Immediate Release Drug Products. You will join a vibrant team that is working on the next generation of medicines and play a key role in the development of new medicinal products.

What will you do?

We are looking for a senior scientist in Characterisation/Material Science, who can provide input in the area of polymer characterisation during the development of drug products. The role will be laboratory based where analytical/material science expertise with combination of theoretical and technical knowledge is a must. We work in cross-skilled project teams during development so the role holder will be an integral part of, or leading, such teams with an accountability of pharmaceutical characterisation project activities, as well as providing input into regulatory submissions.

The role holder will typically:

* Characterise the properties of excipients, intermediates, and final products.
* Be experienced in polymer, excipient, and material characterisation techniques to provide input into the selection and evaluation of materials for clinical use and for product functionality optimisation.
* Identify new approaches to polymer characterisation that would improve our ability to support the development of new medicines.
* Work as a member of cross-functional teams, with a large degree of independence representing own department or area of expertise.
* Contribute to training and development by acting as coach/mentor, giving immediate feedback, as appropriate. Develop personal performance by actively seeking feedback and support from peers.
* Drive the science of relevant areas of research and contribute as a discussion expert partner during the different development stages.

Essential for the role:

* Educational background at research level (PhD) and/or MSc in a discipline relevant to analytical chemistry and at least five years' experience relevant to the position.
* Advanced technical skills in characterisation of polymers excipients/intermediates/final product functionality and mechanistic understanding of dissolution.
* Scientific leadership evidenced by a publication track record.
* Excellent interpersonal skills and strong ability to engage and collaborate across boundaries with a problem-solving attitude and focus on delivery.
* General knowledge of the characterisation/analytical area such as method development and method validation and work experience from a regulated environment (GLP/GMP) and from a pharmaceutical company would be advantageous.

Desirable for the role:

* Experience of developing SEC-MALS methods and data analysis.
* Experience of rheology, developing methods, evaluate and report results.
* General knowledge of colloidal properties and characterisation, such as Dynamic Light Scattering and Field Flow Fractionation.

Specific skills and capabilities important for the role:

* Knowledge of, and practical skills in, multiple separation science techniques including a broad range of detection principles suitable for characterisation of polymers, additives as well as drug intermediates and product.
* Scientific leadership skills, the ability to deliver robust scientific contributions to projects and demonstration of utilising risk-based and value driven approaches for successful delivery.
* Ability to think and operate across functional boundaries, challenge the status quo, and seek opportunities for business improvement.
* Effective influencing and prioritisation skills to ensure project delivery to deadlines.
* Good communication and stakeholder skills, and the ability to discuss complex ideas in a simple and pedagogic manner.

Why AstraZeneca?

Thrive in a place where the brightest and most curious minds seamlessly come together in our inclusive environment. With more than 2,400 employees from over 50 countries, our vibrant Gothenburg site is a truly inspiring place to work.

So what's next? If you are looking for an exciting career along with great employee benefits as for example competitive salary, extra paid holiday, and access to our Fitness Centre, please don't hesitate to apply!

Welcome with your application no later than November 30th, 2021.

More information: For more information about the position please contact Ingrid Lindberg at +46317064904 or Staffan Schantz at +46703155847.