Senior Scientist, Trace Analysis Mass Spectrometry

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

Job summary

AstraZeneca plc in Macclesfield, UK is seeking a Senior Scientist in Trace Analysis Mass Spectrometry to quantify trace impurities using advanced MS methods. You will design separation strategies, troubleshoot complex data and support regulatory submissions with robust, defensible data.

Join a cross-functional team, drive method transfer and external collaborations while adhering to GMP/GLP, data integrity and safety standards.

Qualifications

• A scientific degree or equivalent experience in analytical chemistry.
• Significant practical experience in mass spectrometry.
• Experience with pharmaceutical analysis.
• Ability to interpret complex analytical data.
• Knowledge of GMP, GLP and data integrity.

Responsibilities

• Trace Impurity Quantification: Develop, review and apply mass spectrometry methods to quantify trace-level components in complex matrices, supporting both development projects and marketed products with reliable, sensitive and specific assays.
• Separation Science and Sample Preparation: Design and optimise sample-preparation and chromatographic approaches that resolve challenging low-level analytes, ensuring reproducible outcomes and robust method performance.
• Investigation and Characterisation: Investigate unexpected results and unknown impurities; conduct targeted characterisation and structure confirmation to explain signals and strengthen scientific rationale.
• Data Interpretation and Decision Influence: Translate analytical outputs into clear, defensible conclusions that drive product understanding, impurity control strategies and regulatory documentation.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration and External Oversight: Work closely with project teams and partner functions to deliver on timelines; transfer methods or oversee external laboratories to ensure consistent execution and data integrity.
• Quality, Compliance and Safety: Operate to Safety, Health and Environment expectations and applicable GMP, GLP and data-integrity standards; contribute to inspection-ready documentation and ways of working.
• Capability Building and Continuous Improvement: Share knowledge, mentor colleagues and advance scientific capability, including opportunities to apply automation and digital tools for efficiency and insight.

Skills

Mass spectrometry

Trace impurity quantification

Separation science

Data interpretation

GMP/GLP knowledge

Automation / digital tools

Education

Scientific degree in analytical chemistry

Tools

Mass spectrometry platforms

Job description

AstraZeneca plc in Macclesfield, UK is seeking a Senior Scientist in Trace Analysis Mass Spectrometry to quantify trace impurities using advanced MS methods. You will design separation strategies, troubleshoot complex data and support regulatory submissions with robust, defensible data.

Join a cross-functional team, drive method transfer and external collaborations while adhering to GMP/GLP, data integrity and safety standards.