Post-Doctoral Research Associate (PDRA) in membrane technologies – 24 month FTC

Post-Doctoral Research Associate (PDRA) in membrane technologies – 24 month FTC

Location: UK (Macclesfield)

Competitive salary and benefits

We are currently looking to recruit a Post-Doctoral Researcher in Early Chemical Development (ECD) to work on the development and application of membrane technology for manufacture of our medicines. This is a fixed term 24-month contract as part of a major UK grant working towards the sustainable manufacture of pharmaceuticals. You will join our team in ECD, Pharmaceutical Sciences (PS) on our Macclesfield Campus, UK.

 As a dedicated BioPharmaceutical Research & Development organisation, we accelerate promising early-stage assets and lifecycle management programmes. From discovery to late-stage development, we always follow the science.

Pharmaceutical Sciences is a function within the AstraZeneca Biopharmaceuticals R&D unit that creates innovative, efficient solutions by transforming molecules into investigative medicines meeting unmet needs of future patients. The function has four departments: Early Chemical Development, Advanced Drug Delivery, Early Product Development and Predictive Science, Digital and Automation. Our wide-ranging portfolio of projects includes traditional small molecules, nucleotide-based therapies and nano medicines across AstraZeneca’s therapy areas.

Early Chemical Development (ECD) is a world class CMC department with responsibility for early phase process development and scale up of new chemical entities (NCEs). The department’s responsibilities span from early engagement with Discovery Chemistry groups through to manufacture of Phase II Clinical material, and our key skill areas include Analytical Chemistry, Crystallisation, Isotope Chemistry, Large-Scale Laboratory (Kilo-Lab) Manufacturing, Process Chemistry, Process Design, Process Engineering, Route Design and Separation Science.

What you’ll do

To deliver on AZ’s ambitions in sustainability we’re looking for a hardworking, creative and experienced membrane specialist to join the team and develop the use of membrane processes to support the manufacture of molecules. Membrane technology is recognised as a low energy, efficient process that could provide the opportunity to lower solvent use and reduce energy usage compared to more traditional, batch separation techniques (e.g. liquid-liquid extraction). You’ll work to discover and develop new applications of membranes in the pharmaceutical industry. As part of the Sustainable Future Factory SMMIP consortium project, you will represent AZ and collaborate with a range of academic and industrial partners. You’ll join a vibrant community of over 100 industrial Post Docs working in AstraZeneca on exciting science projects.

The individual will have process engineering experience in membrane research and will utilise this to develop approaches to: Solvent swaps to replace distillations; Product recovery from waste streams; Recovery and reuse of solvent. A passion for working in new scientific areas and developing solutions to technical and project challenges is a key requirement for the role. By driving innovation, helping to secure intellectual property, and contributing to presentations and publications you will develop your own profile and improve AstraZeneca’s scientific reputation.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

• Investigate the use of membranes for:  Contribute to the development of membrane-based separation technologies across small- and large‑molecule process development. Scope, design, and evaluate membrane solutions for process intensification and sustainability, including purification, and solvent recovery and reuse

• Develop ways of working and best practice for applying organic solvent nanofiltration membranes for a given process

• Develop membrane applications into processes, considering the effects on the environmental footprint and potential regulatory impact.

• Consider the wider impact of membranes on AstraZeneca sustainability targets.

• Contribute to development and implementation of a strategy to deliver membrane processes within Early Chemical Development.

• Work as a member of cross-functional teams, with a large degree of independence representing own department or area of expertise

• Enhance AZ’s scientific reputation by publishing high calibre research, engaging with our external SMMIP partners and building professional networks

Essential criteria

• Minimum requirement of Bachelor’s degree with a science or engineering background and will hold a PhD/DPhil with a membrane separation focus or have equivalent experience.

• Experience of membrane separation processes including organic solvent nanofiltration applications.

• A passion for chemical engineering and for applying new technologies.

• Practical lab skills, including analytical techniques to support impurity and solvent tracking.

• Ability to use literature databases e.g. SciFinder, Reaxys

• Sound understanding of the early drug development process.

• Experience of leading own work.

• Either experience relevant to synthetic development of drug delivery systems or a strong interest in developing knowledge and experience in this area

Desirable criteria

• Awareness of wider application of membranes in the pharmaceutical industry.

• Good collaboration skills.

• Excellent communication skills across interfaces of subject area, culture, and expertise both internally and externally.

• Ability to develop and analyse multiple solutions to problems

• Ability to use modelling packages e.g. MatLab, Aspen

• Lab-based pharmaceutical industry and/or process development experience, using a broad range of practical techniques

• Strong self-development focus, with an interest in learning about new scientific areas

Why AstraZeneca

At AstraZeneca we’re dedicated to being a Great Place to Work. Where you are empowered to push the boundaries of science and unleash your entrepreneurial spirit. There’s no better place to make a difference to medicine, patients and society. An inclusive culture that champions diversity and collaboration. Always committed to lifelong learning, growth and development.

Date Posted

09-Apr-2026

Closing Date

23-Apr-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.