Scientist In Process Analytical Technology

ASTRAZENECA UK LIMITED; Telford; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading global pharmaceutical company is seeking a Senior Scientist in Telford to join their Operations team. This role focuses on designing and delivering control methods using Process Analytical Technology (PAT). The ideal candidate will have a strong background in chemistry or engineering, with expertise in data science, chemometrics, and a collaborative mindset. This position offers ample opportunities for career growth and a chance to positively impact people's lives through innovative medicines.

Benefits

Inclusive work environment

Career development opportunities

Qualifications

• Experience in the use of PAT in the Pharmaceutical or Chemical industries.
• Strong understanding of key PAT methods like NIR and Raman spectroscopy.
• Ability to present work concisely.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and deliver high-quality enhanced control methods.
• Collaborate with cross-functional project teams.
• Support digital initiatives for innovative monitoring.

Skills

Process Analytical Technology (PAT)

Chemometrics

Cross-functional collaboration

Data science

Predictive modelling

Artificial Intelligence

Education

BSc, MSc or equivalent in relevant discipline

Tools

SIMCA

Python

MATLAB

Job description

Senior Scientist – Process Analytical Technology (PAT), AstraZeneca

Join our Operations team in Macclesfield as a Senior Scientist and be part of a team where everyone feels a personal connection to the people we impact.

In Pharmaceutical Technology and Development (PT&D), within Operations, 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 early toxicology studies and clinical trials to technology that ensures drugs can be scaled up for commercial manufacture.

We offer an inclusive environment where you can grow your career while making a positive impact on people’s lives. Our team is a multigenerational workforce that thrives on curiosity and problem‑solving. We are committed to sustainability and leading the way in delivering lean processes that drive greater efficiency and speed.

What you’ll do

As a Senior Scientist, you will design, develop, and deliver high‑quality enhanced control methods by applying expertise in Process Analytical Technology (PAT), chemometrics, and advanced process monitoring and control. Hands‑on laboratory work will be a core part of your role. You will collaborate with cross‑functional project teams, contribute to regulatory documentation, and support digital initiatives that implement innovative monitoring and control tools across continuous manufacturing platforms. You will participate in the development, validation and technical transfer of methods and PAT tools to enable robust product control strategies across Operations. You will also champion a future‑focused, innovative mindset, advancing data science, predictive modelling and simulation, and artificial intelligence to drive digitally oriented approaches.

Qualifications

• BSc, MSc or equivalent in a relevant discipline (chemistry, pharmacy, engineering etc.) with experience in the use of PAT in the Pharmaceutical or Chemical industries and/or postgraduate experience in academia with a PAT industrial focus.
• A strong understanding of key PAT (e.g., NIR, Raman and microwave spectroscopy).
• PAT method development experience, implementation and use of multivariate data analysis/chemometrics (MVDA, PCA, PLS) in common software platforms (SIMCA, Python, MATLAB, PLS Toolbox etc.).
• Ability to document and present your work concisely and comprehensibly.
• Strong collaboration, communication, and leadership skills.
• Understanding of the principles and management of Safety, Health & Environment (SHE).

Desirable

• Demonstrated experience of ensuring compliance with operational requirements (GMP, GAMP, Process Safety, Data integrity, Change Control).
• Experience of developing control strategies for pharmaceutical commercial manufacturing processes.
• Basic scripting skills (e.g., Python, Matlab, R).
• Experience with digital tools supporting enhanced control strategies (DCS, PAT management system, APC, multivariate monitoring platform).
• Knowledge of pharmaceutical process equipment/technology for continuous processes.

Are you ready to step up and lead in a fast‑paced environment that rewards commitment and offers diverse career opportunities? Join us at AstraZeneca and be part of our journey towards making people’s lives better!