Sr./Assoc. Principal Scientist - Inhalation Product Development

Would you like to apply your expertise in material science and solid-state characterization of drug substances? Are you inspired to work in a company that follows the science and turns ideas into life changing medicines? Then this role is right for you!

Pharmaceutical Technology and Development (PT&D) 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.

Inhalation Product Development (IPD) in Gothenburg sits within PT&D and is responsible for the development of inhalation products including combinations. Inhalation Product Development delivers the therapies of the future through scientific leadership in drug delivery, formulation and manufacturing the final drug product.

We have two exciting opportunities for you to join us as Senior Scientist or Associate Principal Scientist. Level is dependent on experience for this role.

This role has 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. The role holder will be key at the interfaces of raw materials to drug product process and in vivo performance in the field of inhalation, supporting drug projects in the clinical phases as well as technical and feasibility projects.

What you'll do

You will provide material science expertise in product development while also planning and executing material science and solid-state characterization of drug substances, excipients and inhaled formulations.

In this role, you will 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. Task will include identifying and assessing materials risks, developing understanding of the link between critical material attributes and processing robustness and product performance.

Other tasks include, but are not limited to:

* Clearly communicating plans, experimental data and conclusions to project teams.
* Handling complex scientific problems and provide lean and innovative solutions.
* Developing appropriate methods to support formulation development, and performing phase appropriate validation as required, in accordance with relevant guidelines.
* Acting as Subject Matter Expert and advisor as required across functional projects.
* Giving physical science strategic input to projects related to technical and regulatory matters.
* Collaborating broadly across PT&D with other Material Scientists, giving input to science and innovation projects and future strategic direction.
* Leading small group of development scientists in a matrix style team.
* Coaching and developing colleagues, helping them to achieve their full potential within this field of expertise.

Essential Requirements

* PhD level education (or BSc/MSc with proven industry experience) in material science or a relevant subject area.
* An 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 such as 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 scientific problems in a simple, easy to understand ways cross scientific disciplines, cultures, functions and externally.
* A proven track record of working collaboratively in a team environment to deliver project objectives.
* 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.
* Actively seeks out innovative approaches and new scientific advances in the field, leveraging their internal and external networks.

Desirable Requirements

* Experience in advanced characterization methods related to material science (microstructure and surface topography, chemical composition, tribocharging and surface energy)
* Knowledge of powder flow and bulk powder characterization linked to process design and optimization.
* Knowledge of real-time in-situ rheological assessment of temperature and humidity of powdered products.
* Knowledge and experience of powder flow in hoppers, volumetric and/or gravimetric filling operations, spray drying and micronisation.
* Experience in formulation and/or process engineering of powdered products.
* 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, design of experiments, data visualization and predictive modelling packages such as mathematical and numerical modelling of powders and their rheological properties.
* Experience of technical supervision, coaching and mentoring.



So, what's next? We welcome your application (CV and cover letter with motivation on which level you are applying for) no later than April 16th, 2023.