Principal Scientist, Process Analytical Technology Industrialisation
Principal Scientist in Process Analytical TechnologyIndustrialisation, Global Product Development - Make a Meaningful Impact on People's Lives!
Are you ready to take your career to the next level and make a meaningful impact on people's lives with life-changing medicines? Join our Operations team in Durham, NC, as a Principal Scientist and be part of a team where everyone feels a personal connection to the people we impact.
At AstraZeneca, our Operations team has a big ambition: to deliver more medicines to patients, quicker and more affordably. We are driven by our commitment to deliver accelerated growth for AstraZeneca and to make people's lives better.
In Pharmaceutical Technology and Development (PT&D), within Operations, we are the bridge between brilliant science and innovative medicines that help millions of people. We work across the entire value chain, designing and delivering active ingredients, formulations and devices required to support new medicines – from supplies for use in early toxicology studies and clinical trials to developing the technology to ensure drugs can be scaled up for commercial manufacture.
We are currently looking for a Principal Scientist in Process Analytical Technology in our Product and Process Control function to strengthen our capabilities in the development and implementation of enhanced control strategies in commercial manufacturing settings. We believe that you have significant scientific and drug project experience and want to strengthen our team by joining us in PT&D.
You will have the chance to set clear directions for the organization in “cutting edge” areas of analytical sciences like in process analytical technology (PAT), support the development and implementation of enhanced control strategies on projects, advise others at a high level, be at the forefront of external interactions andstrengthen our presence at commercial manufacturing sites.
What you’ll do
As a Principal Scientist, you will play a crucial role in driving our strategy in the design, development, and validation of high-quality enhanced control strategies by applying your expert knowledge in the areas of PAT, Chemometrics, advanced process monitoring and control tools, quality systems and global regulations. You will collaborate with cross-functional teams, contribute to regulatory documentation, and lead projects implementing innovative monitoring and control tools to our commercial manufacturing platforms globally, with a strong focus on continuous manufacturing. You will drive standardsand apply Lean in the validation and technical transfer of models and/ or PAT tools supporting product control strategies across Operations.You will also bring a future focussed, innovative mindset to deliver further digitally oriented approaches, data science, predictive modelling and simulation, and artificial intelligence.
Essential for the role:
- Master's degree
- Minimum of 10 years industrial experience (Analytical Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or Engineering).
Demonstrated delivery in PAT, advanced process control or model predictive control in late phase/ early commercial pharmaceutical manufacturing including technology transfer.
Well versed in ICH guidelines (Q2, Q8, Q9, Q10, Q13 and Q14), Quality by Design principles, development and implementation of enhanced approaches for project/product specific control strategies.
Experience in authoring relevant sections of NDA/MAA and defence, support of PPQ/CPV, and PAI.
Expert knowledge of pharmaceutical process equipment/technology for continuous processes
Demonstrated experience of ensuring compliance with operational requirements (GMP, GAMP, Process Safety, Data integrity, Change Control)
An understanding of the principles and management of Safety, Health & Environment (SHE)
Desirable for the role:
- PhD Degree
- Experience of working with contract manufacturing organisations to deliver effective PAT solutions.
- Track record of scientific excellence and externally recognized expertise in PAT with a strong and sustained publication record in this area, for example publications, patents, conference presentations.
- Demonstrated leadership with direct or matrix management of highly skilled scientists.
- Experience in the deployment of PAT in manufacturing technologies for multiple formulation deliveries (e.g. oral, inhaled or injectables).
- Knowledge of PAT application in development or manufacturing of combination products is highly desirable.
Why AstraZeneca?
We offer an inclusive environment where you can grow your career while making a positive impact on people's lives. Our team is a multigenerational workforce that thrives on curiosity and problem-solving. We are committed to sustainability and leading the way in delivering Lean processes that drive greater efficiency and speed.
Are you ready to step up and lead in a fast-paced environment that rewards commitment and offers diverse career opportunities? Join us at AstraZeneca and be part of our journey towards making people's lives better!
AstraZeneca is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment that accommodates all individuals. If you require accommodations during the application process, please let us know.
So, what’s next?
Don't miss this opportunity to make a meaningful impact on people's lives – apply now!
Date Posted
05-Nov-2025Closing Date
03-Dec-2025Our mission is to build an inclusive environment where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants and employees. In furtherance of that mission, we welcome and consider applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of their protected characteristics. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please complete the corresponding 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.
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