We're passionate about delivering cutting edge science to develop and deliver medicines that make a difference to patient's lives. Welcome to career opportunities in our Pharmaceutical and Analytical R&D function (Pharmaceutical Sciences)
The core purpose of our PAR&D (Pharmaceutical and Analytical R&D) function is to contribute to the development of AstraZeneca's new product portfolio through delivery of:
- Advice on candidate drug nominations
- Materials for toxicology and clinical studies
- Formulations/primary packs/delivery devices and manufacturing processes
- Analytical methods and specifications
- Regulatory CMC documentation
- Intellectual property to provide exclusivity
- Technology transfer and support to the Operations function
Based in Charnwood (Leicestershire) ,Macclesfield and Alderley Park (Cheshire) we are on a journey to build the most competitive function in our field for the benefit of our people, our projects and patients; a team that is recognised within AstraZeneca and by industry peers as the best and where talented people aspire to work and build a career.
Our PAR&D team consists of a number of departments, each with its own clear sense of purpose but with a common pride in the function's success.
Early Development:
We are the interface with Discovery to influence and recommend in selecting investigational compounds with appropriate pharmaceutical properties. Technical skills such as biopharmaceutics and solid state are core during this phase. We are also responsible for all pharmaceutical & analytical activities to deliver early clinical studies. Early Development interacts with many other departments in the AZ world (e.g. Synthetic Chemistry, Safety Assessment, Clinical, Regulatory).
Analytical Development:
We utilise a diverse range of analytical technologies to characterise, understand and control the quality and stability of our novel drug substances and formulated products. From the first-in-man clinical studies through to commercial launch we apply our scientific expertise and novel experimental approaches to solve the complex technical challenges that arise during the development of our products and processes. Working in multi-disciplinary project teams with formulation scientists, synthetic chemists, and regulatory experts we also play a key role in developing the pharmaceutical strategy for the projects, transfer of analytical methods to our worldwide manufacturing sites, writing regulatory dossiers and responding to questions from regulatory.
Product Development:
The Product Development team occupies a core scientific role within our function. We focus on the overall formulation and delivery system design, manufacturing process development and the subsequent transfer to commercial production. Our work covers the full spectrum, from the end of Phase 1 trials to commercialisation and includes both small molecules and emerging portfolio of larger biopharmaceutical molecules.
Investigational Products:
The Investigational Products team is a critical department which provides Supply Chain Management support for drug development from Phase I to Phase IV. This entails interfacing with Clinical teams to assess clinical trial requirements and translate these requirements into an executable operational plan. Clinical materials are then packaged and distributed around the world using the latest technologies to ensure the highest quality of service.
Quality Assurance:
The Quality Assurance team are responsible for ensuring that 'fit for purpose' quality systems are in place versus the development of drug substances/products, thereby ensuring patients are supplied with safe products that have been manufactured in accordance with relevant legislation. It releases components for manufacture and clinical supplies as well as approving compliance documentation. In addition it manages product complaints, performs quality audits and manages site inspections by worldwide drug regulating authorities.
Business Support:
Our Business Support team enables the departments in PAR&D to concentrate on their scientific roles by managing the administrative tasks that, whilst essential for the effective operation of the function, can distract from their scientific and project responsibilities. It proactively seeks ways to improve services in for example Travel, IS Support, Facilities Management etc. provided by our business partners.
So what next? Take it further:
Now is truly an exciting time to join our team as the next few years will see a new era of growth, change and opportunity right across the business. We're focused on building a vibrant, continuously improving, high performance culture that focuses on customers and projects. So, if you're curious about exploring a career with us and taking things to the next step, here's what you need to do:
Please review any current vacancies | student placements and apply on-line for suitable roles. You might also like to visit our 'how to apply' sections for hints and tips on your application and our selection process.
If you don't see anything that's suitable, or perhaps you're not quite ready to make a career move, you may like to register on our exclusive 'Talent Search' site for future opportunities.
Useful links:
Hear from Chris Doherty - V.P. PARD
Why join AstraZeneca?
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Take a Charnwood site virtual tour
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