Do you have a passion for Science? Would you like to apply your expertise to impact a company that follows the science and turns ideas into life changing medicines? Then AstraZeneca might be the one for you!

At AstraZeneca, we put patients first and strive to meet their unmet needs worldwide. Working here means being entrepreneurial, thinking big and working together to make the impossible a reality. If you are swift to action, confident to lead, willing to collaborate, and curious about what science can do, then you’re our kind of person.

About AstraZeneca in Gaithersburg, MD:

Our Gaithersburg, Maryland facility creates life-changing medicines for people around the world. This campus employs more than 3,500 experts in our field and is only a short drive from Washington, DC. This modern and vibrant scientific campus is the home of R&D and Oncology in the US. Here, we play host to some of the most cutting-edge technology and lab spaces, all designed to inspire collaboration and cross-functional science. We believe employees benefit from being challenged and inspired at work. We are dedicated to creating a culture of inclusion and collaboration.

The Gaithersburg site offers a variety of amenities to help boost productivity and help keep our employees happy and healthy. This includes a fitness center, employee healthcare clinic, electric vehicle charging stations, dry cleaning, full-service cafeteria and copy center. This is where you’ll find newly-designed, activity-based work spaces to suit a variety of working styles while increasing collaboration between teams.

Summary of the group

In Analytical Sciences in Gaithersburg, MD you’ll play a pivotal role in channeling our scientific capabilities to make a positive impact on changing patients’ lives. We’re constantly pushing the boundaries of science to deliver life-changing medicines to patients, with a passion for discovery and a pipeline to show for it. We’re pioneering innovative research and exploring novel pathways across key therapeutic areas including oncology, respiratory, inflammation and autoimmunity, cardiovascular and metabolic disease, and infection and vaccines. And we’re industry-leading in immunology, protein engineering and translational science. We offer a unique and strong collaborative network as part of the AstraZeneca family, as together we explore synergies between small and large molecules.

Main Duties & Responsibilities

In this role, the Scientist will support physicochemical analysis of biopharmaceutical products such as novel therapeutic proteins, monoclonal antibodies, antibody-drug conjugates, bispecific antibodies, vaccine products etc. The scientist will be involved in Chemistry, Manufacturing, and Controls (CMC) efforts, including analytical method development, method qualification/transfer, unknown peak identification and structure elucidation, degradation pathway analysis via stress studies, critical quality attributes (CQA) analysis, reference standard qualification, specification setting, comparability studies, release and stability testing. The candidate will also serve as a subject matter expert for analytical separation methods. In addition, the Scientist will:

• Conduct studies in-house experiments and studies to increase the understanding of candidate molecules, and will work with formulation, cell culture, purification, and device development groups, and support the process development activities.
• Prepare and review platform SOPs, protocols, and reports related to product release, stability study, method validation, etc.
• Conduct development studies and collaborate with research colleagues on progressing new molecules to CMC development.
• Author/review CMC sections related to analytical procedures, method validation, specifications, reference standard and stability in regulatory submissions.
• Publish/present relevant work in high quality journals and conferences

Education & Experience Requirements:

• Bachelor’s in biology, chemistry, or related field with 5 years of experience
•  Master’s degree in biology, chemistry, or related field with 2 years of experience

Required Skills

• In-depth knowledge in biochemical and biophysical analysis of proteins
• Strong background in chromatographic techniques such as SEC, RP-HPLC, HILIC, IEX, and HIC. Proficient with performing electrophoretic techniques such as SDS-PAGE, CE-SDS, CZE and iCE.
• Extensive knowledge of Openlab and Empower CDS Software
• Must be able to understand and apply moderately complex or advanced chemical concepts in a laboratory setting, and should have high aptitude for maintaining and troubleshooting lab instrumentation.
• Ability to work in a highly matrixed structure and to interface and share ownership of projects with different groups within research and development
• Experience with analytical method transfer and validation.
• Experience with Labware Laboratory Information System (LIMS)

Desired Skills

• Must have high technical proficiency, scientific creativity, collaboration with others, and independent thought.
• Ability to independently determine methods and procedures on new assignments, and to mentor associate scientists.
• Ability to conduct research project activities with minimal supervision.
• Ability to plan project activities and meet timelines.
• Must have strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Familiarity with LC-MS analysis of proteins, glycans and oligonucleotides is an added benefit.

Why AstraZeneca?

At AstraZeneca when we see an opportunity for change, we seize it and make it happen, because any opportunity no matter how small, can be the start of something big. Delivering life-changing medicines is about being entrepreneurial - finding those moments and recognizing their potential. Join us on our journey of building a new kind of organization to reset expectations of what a bio-pharmaceutical company can be. This means we’re opening new ways to work, pioneering cutting edge methods and bringing unexpected teams together. Interested? Come and join our journey.

So, what’s next!

Are you ready to bring new ideas and fresh thinking to the table? Brilliant! We have one seat available and we hope it’s yours.

Where can I find out more?

Our Social Media, Follow AstraZeneca on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/1603/

Follow AstraZeneca on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/astrazenecacareers/

Follow AstraZeneca on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/astrazeneca_careers/?hl=en

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.