Senior Scientist – Asymmetric Catalysis and High-Throughput Experimentation

AstraZeneca; Macclesfield; On-site; GBP 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

AstraZeneca seeks a Senior Scientist in asymmetric catalysis and high-throughput experimentation (HTE) based at the Macclesfield Campus, Cheshire. You will join a cutting-edge pharmaceutical lab with gloveboxes and state-of-the-art HTE equipment to design and optimize processes for active pharmaceutical ingredients.

You will apply expertise in asymmetric catalysis, HTE, and safe lab practices to deliver scalable drug-route candidates, collaborating across teams and external partners.

Qualifications

• 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; strong safety and procedures knowledge.
• Excellent understanding of synthetic reagents, methodologies, reaction mechanisms and modern analytical techniques.
• Track record of scientific innovation via publications, patents or conference presentations.
• Ability to work effectively within a team environment.

Responsibilities

• Lab-based role: design and execute catalytic reactions; interpret data and plan next steps.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of asymmetric catalysis literature relevant to pharmaceuticals.
• Employ high-pressure, high-throughput methods and automation where appropriate.
• Collaborate with Catalysis and Drug Project teams or external partners to support new medicines.

Skills

High-throughput experience

Pressure reactions

Catalysis knowledge

Team collaboration

Publications/Patents

Education

PhD in organic synthesis or catalysis

BSc/MSc with relevant industrial experience

Tools

Gloveboxes

HTE equipment

Analytical instrumentation

Job description

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.

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.-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.