Senior Scientist – Asymmetric Catalysis and High-Throughput Experimentation

AstraZeneca GmbH; Macclesfield; On-site; GBP 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

AstraZeneca in Macclesfield, Cheshire, invites applications for a Senior Scientist in asymmetric catalysis and high-throughput experimentation. The role involves designing and executing catalytic reactions, interpreting data, and planning next steps in a cutting-edge pharmaceutical lab with access to gloveboxes and state-of-the-art HTE equipment.

The ideal candidate holds a PhD in organic synthesis or catalysis (or MSc with relevant industrial experience) and has hands-on experience with HTE,

Qualifications

• PhD aligned to organic synthesis and/or catalysis, or equivalent MSc/BSc with industry experience.
• Experience in HTE and running pressure reactions.
• Strong knowledge of reagents, mechanisms and analytical techniques.
• Proven scientific innovation through publications, patents, or presentations.
• Ability to work effectively within a team.

Responsibilities

• Design and execute catalytic reactions and interpret data to plan next steps.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of asymmetric catalysis literature.
• Apply high-pressure, high-throughput techniques and automation where appropriate.
• Collaborate with catalysis team and external partners to advance drug projects.

Skills

HTE experience

Catalysis knowledge

Teamwork

Analytical techniques

Education

PhD in organic synthesis or catalysis

BSc/MSc with relevant industrial experience

Tools

High-pressure equipment

Automation

Job description

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.

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.

Why AstraZeneca?

Make a more meaningful impacttopatients’ 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 onoutcomesand shaping thepatientecosystem.

With our ground-breaking pipeline, the outlook is bright. Be proud to be part of a place that has achieved somuch, yetis still moving forward as we lead the way for healthcare and society.

At AstraZenecawe’rededicated to being a Great Place to Work. Where you are empowered to push the boundaries of science and unleash your entrepreneurial spirit.There’sno better place to make a differencetomedicine,patientsand society. An inclusive culture that champions diversity and collaboration. Always committed to lifelong learning,growthand development

Date Posted

16-set.-2026

Closing Date

23-set.-2026

Our 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.