Senior Material Scientist, Digital & Process Innovation

AstraZeneca; Macclesfield; Hybrid; GBP 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Holiday purchase plan

Pension contributions

Share Save Plans

Performance recognition scheme

Flexible time off

Job summary

AstraZeneca is seeking an Associate Principal Material Scientist to translate material attributes into robust control strategies, linking characterisation, manufacturing science and data-driven insight. The role supports new product introduction, tech transfer and lifecycle management across internal and external networks.

You will lead material science initiatives, mentor teams, and ensure compliance with cGMP while driving continuous improvement and innovation in a global operations context.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or higher in a Science/Engineering field.
• Deep understanding of material science in pharma, including excipients and physicochemical properties.
• Experience with material characterisation and trace analysis (e.g., PSD, imaging, DVS, TGA).
• Significant hands-on pharma industry experience with credibility within the business/industry.
• Understanding of drug development and lifecycle management.

Responsibilities

• Lead material science across the product lifecycle to enable innovative manufacturing platforms.
• Connect material knowledge with control strategy lifecycle management and process intelligence.
• Apply material science to identify risks and improve robustness across sites.
• Build future-ready material science capability through teamwork and digital upskilling.
• Provide external insight on material-related regulations and trends.
• Maintain a technical support model with strong customer service for AZ sites and partners.
• Develop networks across Global Operations and Quality; build partnerships.
• Develop solutions requiring complex judgement and strategic analysis.
• Continuously improve competence, science and innovation.
• Operate in line with Code of Conduct and supporting Policies and Standards.

Skills

Material science

Stakeholder management

Project leadership

Lean deployment

Digital mindset

Education

Science/Engineering degree

Job description

AstraZeneca is seeking an Associate Principal Material Scientist to translate material attributes into robust control strategies, linking characterisation, manufacturing science and data-driven insight. The role supports new product introduction, tech transfer and lifecycle management across internal and external networks.

You will lead material science initiatives, mentor teams, and ensure compliance with cGMP while driving continuous improvement and innovation in a global operations context.