Separation Scientist

Separation Scientist

At AstraZeneca, innovation is more than just research. As one of the world's leading pharmaceutical companies, we’re focused on providing innovative, effective medicines that make a real difference in important areas of healthcare. We’re investing in a state-of the-art research centre and corporate headquarters at the Cambridge Biomedical Campus, and we aim to bring together the finest talent in business and academia.

Oncology is a core therapy area and growth platform at AstraZeneca and our vision is to deliver life-changing medicines that improve outcomes for patients most in need. Analytical and structural chemistry plays a significant role in advancing new oncology drug projects to make a positive impact on changing patients’ lives. The Separation Sciences team operates in close collaboration with synthetic chemistry, ensuring that project samples are analysed, purified and characterised before being submitted for biological test. As such we play a key role in the efficient progression of the Oncology project pipeline.

What you'll do:

As Separation Scientist, you will be part of a team of highly motivated scientists contributing to analysis, preparative separation, quality control and physical chemistry profiling of new chemical entities. As a member of this team, you will be closely working with synthetic, medicinal and computational chemists to progress chemistry objectives in projects at various stages of drug discovery.

You will be specifically responsible for ensuring the delivery of automated analytical and preparative chromatography solutions to support synthesis of new chemical entities. You will be working within a small team delivering solutions through hands-on experimentation, ensuring critical compounds are separated, purified and characterised within challenging timelines.

You will be expected to have effective levels of communication and scientific drive, co-ordinating effectively with the other members of the analytical and synthesis teams to drive sample progression.

Experience and technical knowledge of chromatographic separations within a drug discovery environment would be an advantage, however, full training will be provided to the successful candidate.

Responsibilities of the role:

• Provide hands-on separation science support to drug discovery chemistry using state-of-the art chromatographic instrumentation
• Deliver automated analysis and purification of novel compounds using a range of chromatographic techniques (HPLC, UPLC and SFC)
• Ensure reliability, performance and data quality of analytical instrumentation and automation platforms
• Work within the team to suggest novel solutions and process and infrastructure improvements
• Contribute to a vibrant and entrepreneurial organization focused on innovation & project delivery; collaborating closely with scientists across the discovery organization

• Participate in Oncology Chemistry activities such as SHE, training, recruitment etc.

Skills and experience:

• BSc/MSc in Chemistry or Analytical Chemistry
• Good knowledge of analytical and/or preparative chromatographic techniques (HPLC, SFC, HPLC-MS) including method development and instrument troubleshooting
• Detailed understanding of the use of analytical techniques to solve complex scientific questions
• Lab-based experience using analytical chemistry and/or automation techniques
• Knowledge of pharmaceutical drug discovery
• Ability to work in multidisciplinary team / project / function
• Excellent communication skills
• First-rate time management skills, forward planning and delivery focus, leading to good team working and a high level of self and team delivery

Location: This role is based in Cambridge, UK

So, what’s next...

Are you already imagining yourself joining our team? Do you want to be part of building an innovative pipeline and deliver potentially high impact treatments to patients? If this describes you, don't hesitate in submitting an application today, we are looking forward to speaking with you soon

Competitive salary and benefits package on offer.

The successful candidate will have access to a flexible employee benefits fund, including holiday purchase and flexible time off, pension contributions, Share Save Plans, A performance recognition scheme and a competitive, generous remuneration package.

To be considered for this exciting opportunity, please complete the full application on our website at your earliest convenience – it is the only way that our Recruiter and Hiring Manager can know that you feel well qualified for this opportunity. If you know someone who would be a great fit, please share this posting with them.

Date Posted

Closing Date

AstraZeneca embraces diversity and equality of opportunity. We are committed to building an inclusive and diverse team representing all backgrounds, with as wide a range of perspectives as possible, and harnessing industry-leading skills. We believe that the more inclusive we are, the better our work will be. We welcome and consider applications to join our team from all qualified candidates, regardless of their characteristics. We comply with all applicable laws and regulations on non-discrimination in employment (and recruitment), as well as work authorization and employment eligibility verification requirements.