Process Chemistry Lead (Small Molecule)

AstraZeneca; Dublin; On-site; EUR 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Job summary

AstraZeneca is seeking a Process Chemistry Lead in Dublin to guide small molecule API development through to commercialisation. You will act as the primary scientific authority for process chemistry, partnering with analytical, process engineering, manufacturing, supply chain and quality to deliver technology into APICOM operations.

The role focuses on scientific excellence, process understanding, and operational delivery, shaping the company’s manufacturing strategy for global medicines.

Qualifications

• PhD in Organic Chemistry or equivalent industrial experience.
• Strong understanding of synthetic organic chemistry and reaction mechanisms.
• Experience scaling chemical processes for small molecule API manufacturing.
• Experience translating lab understanding into manufacturing scale.
• Experience in GMP environments.

Responsibilities

• Provide scientific leadership for small molecule API processes from development through commercialisation.
• Lead chemistry strategy across process optimisation, robustness, and lifecycle management.
• Drive data‑driven process understanding and risk‑based development.
• Support implementation of PAT and digital manufacturing approaches.
• Mentor scientists and collaborate across multidisciplinary teams.

Skills

Leadership

Cross-functional

Problem solving

Scientific excellence

Education

PhD in Organic Chemistry

BSc/MSc with industrial experience

Job description

Process Chemistry Lead (Small Molecule)

Location: Dublin College Park, Ireland

Competitive salary and benefits

Opening date: 07/08/2026

Closing date: midnight 23/08/2026

Introduction to role:

We are seeking an experienced Process Chemistry Lead to join our Chemical Development laboratories in Dublin.

This is a highly visible scientific leadership role responsible for providing chemistry leadership across development, industrialisation and commercialisation activities. The Process Chemistry Lead acts as the primary scientific authority for process chemistry within cross-functional project teams and collaborates closely with analytical, process engineering, manufacturing, supply chain and quality colleagues to ensure successful technology delivery into APICOM manufacturing operations.

Unlike traditional development roles that operate through functional handovers, the Chemistry Lead remains accountable throughout the lifecycle of the process, ensuring knowledge continuity, technical rigour and efficient decision-making as projects progress from development through manufacturing and commercial supply.

The successful candidate will be expected to champion scientific excellence, innovation, process understanding and operational delivery whilst helping establish APICOM as a world‑class API commercialisation capability.

The Process Chemistry Lead plays a critical role in delivering APICOM's vision of a seamless development-to-commercialisation pathway for AstraZeneca small molecule medicines. The position directly influences manufacturing readiness, launch success, supply continuity, product quality and process innovation, making a significant contribution to patient delivery, business performance and AstraZeneca's future manufacturing strategy.

Accountabilities:

• Provide scientific leadership for small molecule API manufacturing processes from development through commercialisation.
• Serve as the Chemistry Lead within integrated project teams, ensuring the process remains scientifically robust, scalable and commercially viable.
• Own chemistry strategy across process optimisation, robustness, control strategy development and lifecycle management.
• Drive deep process understanding through data‑driven approaches, mechanistic understanding and risk‑based development.
• Support implementation of advanced manufacturing, process analytical technology (PAT) and digital process understanding tools.
• Provide rapid technical leadership during manufacturing deviations, investigations and process performance assessments.
• Support process validation activities and continued process verification programmes.
• Drive initiatives that improve process capability, sustainability, productivity and supply robustness.
• Work seamlessly across chemistry, analytical sciences, modelling, PAT, manufacturing, engineering, quality and regulatory functions.
• Build strong partnerships with external suppliers, technology providers and academic collaborators where required.
• Mentor and coach scientists within Chemistry and wider APICOM teams.
• Contribute to development of working practices, standards and operating models within the Dublin laboratories.
• Represent AstraZeneca externally through publications, conferences, scientific networks and collaborations where appropriate.

Essential Skills/Experience:

• PhD in Organic Chemistry, Process Chemistry or a related discipline, or BSc/MSc with significant industrial experience.
• Strong understanding of synthetic organic chemistry, reaction mechanisms and process development principles.
• Demonstrated experience developing and scaling chemical processes for small molecule pharmaceutical manufacturing.
• Experience translating laboratory‑scale understanding into manufacturing‑scale operations.
• Strong problem‑solving capability with the ability to balance scientific excellence and business needs.
• Experience working within multidisciplinary project teams.
• Experience working within a GMP technical space

Desirable Skills/Requirements:

• Experience supporting technology transfer and industrialisation of API processes.
• Experience working in late‑stage development, launch preparation or commercial manufacturing support.
• Familiarity with process validation, continued process verification and regulatory submissions.
• Understanding of Process Analytical Technology (PAT), process modelling and digital manufacturing approaches.
• Experience supporting highly potent or complex small molecule products.
• Previous leadership or mentoring experience.

When we put unexpected teams in the same room, we unleash bold thinking with the power to inspire life‑changing medicines. In‑person working gives us the platform we need to connect, work at pace and challenge perceptions. That's why we work, on average, a minimum of three days per week from the office. But that doesn't mean we're not flexible. We balance the expectation of being in the office while respecting individual flexibility. Join us in our unique and ambitious world.

There are so many fantastic employee benefits that AstraZeneca can offer you: a competitive salary, private healthcare, a generous holiday allowance, phenomenal training and development opportunities, and much more.

AstraZeneca we are dedicated to being a Great Place to Work. Where you are empowered to push the boundaries of science and unleash your entrepreneurial spirit. There is 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 07-Aug-2026

Closing Date 22-Aug-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. If you have a need for any adjustments/accommodations, please complete the section in the application form.