Postdoctoral Fellow - Synthetic Methodology

Postdoctoral Fellow - Synthetic Methodology

The Discovery Centre, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Cambridge, UK

Competitive salary and benefits

Do you have expertise in and passion for organic synthesis? Would you like to be a part of a team that is driving the discovery of first in class therapeutic candidates for difficult drug targets and to apply your knowledge to streamline synthesis of complex molecules? Then join the Global Oncology Chemistry department at AstraZeneca and unlock the power of what science can do.

As a postdoctoral fellow, you’ll research and develop novel chemical reactions applicable to drug discovery programs. This is an exciting opportunity for an outstanding and ambitious synthetic organic chemist with experience in methodology development and total synthesis to join the Early Oncology chemistry team to develop novel reactions that streamline synthesis of complex molecules.

You will be joining the Global Oncology Chemistry department to collaborate with a multinational team of experienced synthetic organic chemists and drug hunters, based in pioneering laboratories at AZs vibrant Discovery Centre (DISC) in Cambridge (UK).

This project will conduct pioneering research in addressing current synthetic challenges that hinder the development of small-molecule drugs. These challenges include access to nitrogen heterocycles existing in the form of a spirocycle/bearing a quaternary centre, and how to improve scope/efficiency of transition-metal catalyzed (e.g. palladium and nickel) processes.

You will be supervised by Dr. John Chu, Senior Research Scientist at AstraZeneca. You will report to Laura Evans, Associate Director at AstraZeneca, and receive academic mentorship and guidance from Dr. Mattia Silvi, Associate Professor at the School of Chemistry, University of Nottingham.

This is a laboratory-based role. Your main duty is to enhance accessible chemical space for drug discovery through novel reaction development. You will also evaluate the applicability of recently published reactions to the synthesis of complex molecules relevant to medicinal chemistry.

Key Duties & Responsibilities:

• Solving complex synthetic chemistry problems

• Discovery and optimization of novel reactions

• Sharing research with the chemistry community both internally and externally through presentations at meetings and conferences, and publication.

Essential Skills/Experience:

• PhD in organic synthesis

• Extensive knowledge of contemporary synthetic organic chemistry

• Ability to independently drive project work towards goals

• Track record of delivering novel solutions to solve complex synthetic problems

Our Postdoc program is aimed at individuals with a strong publication record who are either:

• Within 4 years of obtaining their doctoral degree (PhD) - PhD already awarded, or

• PhD students, soon to obtain doctoral degrees (the PhD must be awarded within 6 months of joining AstraZeneca).

Desirable Skills/Experience:

• Experience in transition metal catalysis (e.g. palladium and nickel), photochemistry and/or electrochemistry is an advantage but not vital.

At 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, and always committed to lifelong learning, growth, and development. We are on an exciting journey to pioneer the future of healthcare.

As a respected specialist, we will empower you to take appropriate risks, lead the project and “run with it”, along with providing you with all the support you need.

Date Posted

30-Jan-2026

Closing Date

27-Feb-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.

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 authorisation and employment eligibility verification requirements.