Director of Process Modelling

Introduction to role:

Join us as a Director of Process Modelling, a key leadership role in our digital science initiatives. You will be responsible for leading a dynamic team of process modelling and physical organic chemistry experts. This is an exciting opportunity to be part of our Operations team, where technology is a key lever in delivering more medicines to patients quickly, affordably, and sustainably.

Your Business Area

In Chemical Development we believe that nothing is impossible, and we are determined to push the boundaries of science to deliver medicines to our patients. We combine people’s technical knowledge and understanding with their talent and drive to design, develop and optimise synthetic routes that deliver the active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) of our medicines in a sustainable, commercially viable way. We believe in innovation and continuous improvement, working closely with colleagues in academia and across industry, to ensure that we apply the latest technologies and principles in the processes we develop. Our ambition is to establish a strong data driven, prediction, modelling, and simulation culture within the department to carry out our research and experimental work in the most efficient way and maximise learning from data generated. To achieve our bold ambition, we have an open position for a Director of Process Modelling.

Accountabilities:

As a Director, you will establish digital strategies across the development portfolio, leading to effective utilization of modelling & simulation during process design, optimisation and characterisation. You and your team will collaborate with drug projects teams to integrate modelling/simulation into drug development workflows. Your leadership will foster effective communication and collaboration between different departments to achieve common objectives.

Essential Skills/Experience:

• PhD or equivalent experience in chemical engineering or similar subject area

• Excellent knowledge of the science behind process models and broad modelling experience across API pharmaceutical manufacturing platforms and unit operations

• Experience in leading teams to deliver successful outcomes through the use of process modelling and/or physical organic methodologies  

• Track record in delivering Process Modelling directly into CMC development projects

• Proficiency in developing mechanistic, empirical and hybrid models, as well as developing digital twins for continuous manufacturing processes

• Expertise in relevant modelling and programming software, e.g. gPROMS, Aspen, Matlab, Python or similar

• Strong leadership skills expressed through strategic thinking, change management and people development

• Excellent interpersonal skills with a proven ability to engage and collaborate across boundaries

• Multiscale modelling expertise, including DEM and CFD

• Experience in diverse companies/institutions/environments

• Leadership experience of promoting, motivating and empowering diverse and inclusive culture

• Strong understanding of lean principles and demonstrated ability to drive continuous improvements

When we put unexpected teams in the same room, we unleash bold thinking with the power to inspire life-changing medicines. In-person working gives us the platform we need to connect, work at pace and challenge perceptions. That's why we work, on average, a minimum of three days per week from the office. But that doesn't mean we're not flexible. We balance the expectation of being in the office while respecting individual flexibility. Join us in our unique and ambitious world.

At AstraZeneca, we are driven by our commitment to deliver accelerated growth and to make people's lives better. We thrive in our often intense and ambiguous environment, seeking out new challenges and working towards new solutions. We are part of an inclusive and giving community, supporting each other on our journeys. We are intellectually stimulated by constant learning. There's potential for multiple, global careers and great rewards, for those who embrace the diverse opportunities.

Join us in shaping the future of at AstraZeneca! Apply today!