Senior Scientist in Process Analytical Technology (PAT)

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

Job summary

A leading pharmaceutical company is seeking a Senior Scientist in Process Analytical Technology (PAT) located in Macclesfield, UK. The role involves designing and implementing enhanced control methods, collaborating with diverse project teams, and contributing to regulatory documentation. Candidates should have a degree in a relevant discipline and strong skills in PAT methodologies and digital tools. Join us to make a meaningful impact on people's lives through innovative solutions.

Qualifications

• Experience in PAT in the Pharmaceutical or Chemical industries.
• Strong understanding of key PAT technologies like NIR and Raman spectroscopy.
• Experience in multi-variate data analysis / chemometrics.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and deliver enhanced control methods using PAT.
• Collaborate with cross-functional project teams for innovative projects.
• Contribute to regulatory documentation and support digital initiatives.

Skills

Process Analytical Technology (PAT)

Chemometrics

Data science

Collaboration

Communication

Education

BSc, MSc or equivalent in Chemistry, Pharmacy, Engineering

Tools

SIMCA

Python

MATLAB

PLS Toolbox

Job description

We are currently looking for a Senior Scientist for PAT in our Product and Process Control group to strengthen our capabilities in the development and implementation of enhanced control strategies using the newest technologies for our late‑phase portfolio.

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 multi‑variate 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 comprehensively.
• Strong collaboration, communication, and leadership skills.
• An understanding of the principles and management of Safety, Health & Environment (SHE).

Desirable for the role

• Demonstrated experience ensuring compliance with operational requirements (GMP, GAMP, Process Safety, Data Integrity, Change Control).
• Experience 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.

Senior Scientist in Process Analytical Technology (PAT) – Make a Meaningful Impact on People's Lives!