MSAT Scientist, Purification

Are you ready to turn rigorous lab science into reliable, high‑yield commercial purification that gets medicines to people faster? This role sits at the heart of how we scale, stabilize, and continually improve biologics manufacturing, linking deep technical work with real‑world impact for patients with severe, underserved conditions.

You will join a team that moves with urgency and purpose, tackling complex challenges from process robustness to cost‑of‑goods improvement. From lab benches to the manufacturing floor, you will own studies that strengthen process understanding, de‑risk new product introductions, and drive measurable performance gains. How will you use DOE, scale‑up studies, and on‑the‑floor execution to increase yield and reliability across the product lifecycle?

Accountabilities:

The MSAT Scientist (Purification) will be a key member of the new MSAT Labs at College Park

You will work on the following areas

• Plan, design and execute small-scale Purification studies using qualified small-scale models to support commercial manufacturing.
• Lead and execute technology transfer and model qualification of lab models transferred from Process Development to MSAT Labs.
• Assess new technology and advancements to gain better understanding of our products and processes 
• Lead, design and execute lab studies to support the robustness, process optimization, and characterization of the manufacturing processes, while assessing continual improvements, new material and technology introductions, feasibility assessments that support yield/process improvement initiatives and cost of goods improvement projects that can be replicated robustly at commercial scale, in line with regulatory and commercial manufacturing requirements, including industry best practices. 
• Support large-scale manufacturing scale-up activities and New Product Introductions including leading, designing and executing studies such as dropout studies from large scale engineering and technical batches, increasing process knowledge, providing recommendations, and problem solving to increase probabilities of technical success, while minimising technical risks.
• Provide technical expertise and troubleshooting for manufacturing processes. Design and execute experiments which support process investigations, and resolution of Purification process deviations, root cause analysis, and CAPAs to support commercial operations, and studies in support of regulatory changes.
• The candidate must possess critical thinking skills, being entrepreneurial, with an ability to integrate data and information to solve complex problems to maintain robust and improved manufacturing processes.  Effectively communicate complex ideas to audiences with varying degrees of knowledge
• Collaborate cross-functionally to align on study goals, timelines, and project. planning to ensure efficient and strategic execution of MSAT Lab activities.
• Analyse complex datasets, interpret results, and prepare detailed technical reports and presentations to cross-functional teams.
• Generate documentation protocols and lead the execution of plant supporting studies and technical studies on the manufacturing floor at commercial scale.
• Apply statistical tools such as Design of Experiments (DOE) using software such as jmp to drive robust experiments and data-driven technical assessments.
• Analyse complex datasets, interpret results, and prepare detailed technical reports and presentations to cross-functional teams.
• Maintain knowledge and history of the products and process throughout the entire commercial lifecycle, inclusive of development history.
• May be required to present/defend technical and scientific approaches in both written and verbal form, including during regulatory agency inspections or information requests.
• Ensure compliance with site EHS policy, cGMP and other business regulations and participate in risk assessments, audits, and incident investigations.
• May be required to work periodically out of normal business hours or participate in weekend rota to support ongoing lab studies.

Essential Skills/Experience:

• A degree in Life sciences or engineering subject area with experience in (bio)pharmaceutical manufacturing/development/process engineering:
  • PhD preferred or M.Sc with > 3 years of experience
• Technical knowledge of protein purification/filtration in either research or biopharmaceutical manufacturing roles in Technical, R&D, or Process Development/Optimisation.
• Technical understanding of column chromatography, sub-micron filtration, UF/DF, buffer/solution preparation and associated systems.
• Working knowledge of cGMP requirements and implement best practices to ensure technical excellence.
• Ability to work in a complex, dynamic, global environment, thinking strategically and balancing both long and short-term priorities.
• Strong technical writing skills and statistical analysis.
• Ability to develop, build, present and defend technical and scientific approaches in both written and verbal form.
• Ability to effectively partner with and influence stakeholders without direct solid line authority. Drives technical decisions balancing product quality and operational requirements.
• Ability to commit to results independently and adapt to rapidly changing priorities.
• Excellent communication skills, and able to effectively influence across all levels of the organization both internal and external to Alexion.
• Excellent organizational skills with strategic thinking and vision for the group.
• Self-driven, able to prioritize, and to orchestrate multiple activities at once.
• Consistently demonstrate sound business judgment when making decisions.
• Ability to deal with ambiguity and changing priorities.
• Ability to travel up to 10%.
• The duties of this role are generally conducted in a lab environment.  As is typical of a lab-based role, employees must be able, with or without an accommodation to: lift/carry items in accordance with manual handling principles; work comfortably in a controlled environment with and around biological, infectious, and hazardous materials; gown/degown PPE; use a computer; engage in communications via phone, video, and electronic messaging; engage in problem solving and non-linear thought, analysis, and dialogue; collaborate with others; maintain general availability during standard business hours.

Desirable Skills/Experience:

• Experience with statistical analysis and DoE.
• Experience with Process Analytical Technology (PAT) tools and implementation is beneficial.
• Familiarity with emerging technologies in bioprocessing, such as automation, digital lab solutions, and advanced data analytics, is advantageous.

Why AstraZeneca:
Here, science meets urgency to change the trajectory of rare and devastating diseases. You will feel the energy of a nimble biotech backed by the scale and stability of a global biopharma—unexpected teams in the same room unleashing bold thinking, rapid iteration, and decisive execution. We stay close to patients and to one another, so your lab studies and on‑the‑floor work translate quickly into outcomes that matter. Expect autonomy with support, tailored development that grows both your technical depth and your judgment, and a culture that values kindness alongside ambition as we turn difficult problems into meaningful progress.

Call to Action:
Step into this MSAT role and transform smart experiments into dependable commercial purification that speeds life‑changing medicines to patients—make your move today!

Date Posted

03-Feb-2026

Closing Date

13-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.