Director - Chemical Development, Small Molecule API APICOM

Job Description

Job Title: Director - Chemical Development, Small Molecule API

Location: Dublin

Competitive salary and benefits

Introduction to role

Are you ready to lead the charge in revolutionizing pharmaceutical manufacturing? AstraZeneca is seeking a dynamic Director of Chemical Development, Small Molecules to spearhead our next-generation active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) facility near Dublin, Ireland. This cutting-edge facility will leverage advanced process technology and digital innovations to accelerate the development and launch of life-saving medicines. Join us in transforming API manufacturing with a digital smart and paperless factory, delivering medicines faster, cheaper, and more sustainably. As we expand our Global Chemical Development organization, you'll lead a multidisciplinary team to implement late-stage development, ensure successful validation, and drive process improvements. Be part of a great opportunity to internalize small molecule manufacture for launch!

Accountabilities

• Lead and manage the personal development, performance, and delivery of a multidisciplinary team of chemists, analysts, and chemical engineers developing drug substance manufacturing processes.
• Provide scientific leadership for late-stage development, optimization of new processes, and support of technology transfer.
• Deliver right first-time processes with an understanding of receiving site capabilities, focusing on critical process attributes.
• Offer first-line support for manufacturing issues, leveraging process-specific insight and the wider chemical development network expertise.
• Ensure optimal knowledge management of process developments and performance in manufacturing.
• Lead startup and ongoing activities in chemical development laboratories, ensuring compliance with SHE regulations.
• Implement and champion digital tools to enhance and accelerate process development and tech transfer.
• Build influential connections with the wider chemical development organization, driving manufacturability expertise into process development workflows.
• Define, prioritize, and support the introduction of new technologies into the facility.
• Represent the chemical development function at the APICOM leadership team.

Essential Skills/Experience

• Minimum degree or equivalent experience in relevant scientific field (e.g., Organic Chemistry, Chemical Engineering).
• Significant experience in pharmaceutical drug substance development and manufacture.
• Proven track record in process design, new product introduction, and process optimization.
• Strong leadership skills, with track record of building high performing teams and developing team effectiveness.
• Proven experience of technical guidance, training, and supervision of teams, with acknowledged coaching and mentoring skills.
• Experience in managing technical laboratories with a focus on drug substance processes.
• Excellent communicator with the ability to influence and share strategic messages across functional boundaries, challenge the status quo, and seek novel work practices.
• Thorough understanding of regulatory submissions, SHE, and cGMP.
• Proven problem solver with in-depth technical skills and a drive for continuous learning and development.

Desirable Skills/Experience

• Strong understanding of digital tools for enhancing tech transfer.
• Experience supporting external collaborations in developing new technologies, including upskilling students and guiding science to ensure collaborations deliver full potential.
• Established track record of enhancing business reputation through scientific publications as contributor or author in peer-reviewed journals, patents, external talks, and presentations.
• Awareness of Lean thinking and tools to drive productivity.

Check out our new API Facility!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4AU8RWvVQg0

AstraZeneca offers an environment where innovation thrives. We empower our teams to pioneer new approaches across our sites, fostering a Lean mindset and sustainable practices. With cross-functional collaboration, we ensure everyone's voice is heard, building trust and respect. Our adaptable teams draw on diverse expertise to overcome obstacles. We champion ideas from all levels, inspiring ambition and initiative. Join us in managing sites that deliver life-saving medicines to patients in need.

If you are ready to make an impact, apply now to join AstraZeneca's journey in transforming pharmaceutical manufacturing.

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.

Date Posted

17-Jul-2025

Closing Date

06-Aug-2025Our 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.