Senior Scientist – Asymmetric Catalysis and High-Throughput Experimentation
AstraZeneca is a global biopharmaceutical company focused on innovating and delivering life-saving medicines while prioritizing sustainability and minimizing our environmental impact. We foster a collaborative, inclusive culture where colleagues are empowered to share ideas and feel valued and rewarded.
Pharmaceutical Technology & Development (PT&D) transforms cutting-edge science into medicines for millions, working across the value chain to design, develop, and scale up drug products from early research through commercial manufacture.
In Chemical Development, we combine scientific expertise and innovation to create and optimize sustainable, commercially viable processes for active pharmaceutical ingredients. By collaborating widely and embracing new technologies, we continually improve how we deliver medicines.
Catalysis and High-Throughput Experimentation (HTE) facilitate the development of efficient and sustainable processes, allowing innovative routes to API (Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient) molecules that are increasing in complexity. The catalysis and HTE group support the development and manufacture of drug projects across the portfolio, from late-discovery to launch, with key expertise in a range of technologies such as cross-coupling, asymmetric reactions, and the use of gases in synthesis.
Job description:
We are offering an exciting Senior Scientist position in asymmetric catalysis and HTE in our vibrant team, with the successful candidate joining a cutting-edge pharmaceutical lab with access to gloveboxes and state of the art HTE equipment. The responsibilities and requirements of the position are outlined below.
The role is based at the Macclesfield Campus, Cheshire.
Key responsibilities:
Lab based role involving the design and execution of catalytic reactions with the ability to interpret data, analyse results and plan the next steps accordingly.
Has a good understanding of reactions relevant to the pharmaceutical industry and an up-to-date knowledge of the literature in relevant areas of asymmetric catalysis and synthesis.
Seeks out the most appropriate methods for carrying out experimental work to a high standard utilizing high-pressure equipment, high-throughput experimentation and automation where appropriate.
Collaborates with other members of the catalysis team, drug project teams or external academic collaborators to contribute to the development of new medicines.
Essential Requirements:
A PhD aligned to organic synthesis and/or catalysis, or BSc/MSc with relevant industrial experience to an equivalent level.
Experience in high-throughput experimentation (HTE) and running pressure reactions, with a strong understanding of safe laboratory practices and relevant experimental procedures.
An excellent understanding of synthetic reagents and methodologies, reaction mechanisms and modern analytical techniques.
A record of scientific innovation, through publication authorship, patent inventorship, or conference presentation.
The ability to work effectively within a team environment.
Desirable experience and attributes:
Lab-based pharmaceutical industry and/or process development experience with awareness of considerations for design of synthetic routes for scale-up and manufacture of APIs.
The confidence to coach and drive performance and development among your peers.
Excellent communication skills, with the ability to communicate across interfaces of scientific disciplines, culture, and expertise both internally and externally.
Please note applications must include your current CV and a covering letter which presents your key areas of strength and why you should be considered for the role.
Why AstraZeneca?
Make a more meaningful impact to patients’ lives around the globe
With science at its heart, this is where breakthroughs born in the lab become transformative medicines – for the world’s most complex diseases. Answer unmet medical needs by pioneering the next wave of science, focusing on outcomes and shaping the patient ecosystem.
With our ground-breaking pipeline, the outlook is bright. Be proud to be part of a place that has achieved so much, yet is still moving forward as we lead the way for healthcare and society.
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. Always committed to lifelong learning, growth and development
Date Posted
16-set.-2026Closing Date
23-set.-2026Our 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.Skills Required
- PhD aligned to organic synthesis and/or catalysis, or BSc/MSc with equivalent relevant industrial experience
- Experience with high-throughput experimentation and pressure reactions
- Strong understanding of safe laboratory practices and relevant experimental procedures
- Excellent understanding of synthetic reagents, methodologies, reaction mechanisms, and modern analytical techniques
- Record of scientific innovation through publication authorship, patent inventorship, or conference presentation
- Ability to work effectively within a team environment
- Lab-based pharmaceutical industry and/or process development experience
- Awareness of synthetic route design considerations for API scale-up and manufacture
- Ability to coach peers and drive performance and development
- Excellent communication skills across scientific disciplines, cultures, and expertise levels
AstraZeneca Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about AstraZeneca and has not been reviewed or approved by AstraZeneca.
-
Fair & Transparent Compensation — Pay is considered competitive across many roles when total rewards are factored in. Senior scientific and leadership bands are described with high ranges that reinforce competitiveness at upper levels.
-
Strong & Reliable Incentives — Bonuses, equity eligibility in many salaried roles, and solid sales on‑target earnings with upside are emphasized as meaningful parts of compensation. These elements boost overall value even where base pay is not the very highest.
-
Retirement Support — A 401(k) program with a strong company match and immediate vesting is repeatedly cited as a standout. Generous retirement support is viewed as enhancing the total package relative to peers.
AstraZeneca Insights
What We Do
We're transforming the future of healthcare by unlocking the power of what science can do for people, society and the planet.
