Principal Scientist – Biopharmaceutics Strategy

Job Title: Principal Scientist – Biopharmaceutics Strategy 

Location: Gothenburg, Sweden

Hybrid working: 3 days onsite

At AstraZeneca, we unlock the power of what science can do. Delivering our ambitious pipeline requires not only deep expertise, but senior scientific leaders who can set direction, manage risk, and influence outcomes across a sophisticated global organisation!

Join us as a Principal Scientist and become the driving force behind groundbreaking Biopharmaceutics innovation on a global scale. In this pivotal leadership role within our Global Product Development team, you'll shape the scientific vision and strategic direction of our Biopharmaceutics group, directly influencing how life-changing medicines reach patients worldwide.

This is your chance to define a transformative impact across our entire portfolio—from steering critical project decisions that determine the future of our pipeline, to building world-class capabilities that set new industry standards. You'll not only lead pioneering scientific initiatives but also elevate AstraZeneca's external scientific reputation, positioning us at the forefront of biopharmaceutics excellence. 

Ready to lead the science that changes lives?

Global Product Development (GPD), part of PT&D, is accountable for transforming discovery science into robust, approvable and commercially viable medicines across oral, parenteral and pulmonary delivery routes. The Biopharmaceutics group is a critical decision‑enabling capability in this environment—supporting formulation design, product development, bioequivalence strategies, regulatory interactions, lifecycle management and digital transformation objectives across PT&D and Operations, with a focus on maximising robust product performance in our patients.

The Principal Scientist operates at enterprise level, shaping how Biopharmaceutics insight is generated, communicated and applied across projects, sites and modalities.

Role Overview

As a Principal Scientist, you will be recognised internally and externally as a scientific authority in Biopharmaceutics, with strong digital competence, and a proven track record of impactful, science based influencing.

Accountable for setting scientific direction and standards for the discipline, influencing high‑impact development and portfolio decisions and building sustainable capability and strategic leadership across GPD and PT&D.

Offering a global remit, working across therapeutic areas, development phases and sites, this role is based out of our Gothenburg (Sweden) location.

Key Accountabilities

Enterprise Scientific Leadership

Define and evolve the Biopharmaceutics scientific strategy for GPD in alignment with PT&D and enterprise priorities.

Provide authoritative scientific judgement on complex, high‑risk development questions spanning multiple products or platforms.

Lead governance discussions, decision forums and cross‑functional risk assessments.

Portfolio & Cross‑Product Impact

Supervise and guide the application of PBBM, modelling, advanced in-vitro and regulatory approaches across the portfolio, ensuring consistency, quality and credibility

Identify cross‑product opportunities, risks and capability gaps, and drive aligned solutions.

Influence bridging strategies, control strategies and lifecycle plans with downstream commercial and regulatory impact.

Capability, Network & Talent Leadership

Lead discipline‑level initiatives, networks or communities of practice within GPD/PT&D.

Coach and mentor technical experts across career levels, strengthening scientific depth and succession.

Collaborate with line leaders to grow the group’s capability and talent, ensuring the challenges of the future portfolio are fully met and our people flourish.

Establish and maintain standards, procedures and knowledge frameworks for Biopharmaceutics science.

External Scientific Leadership

Act as an external ambassador for AstraZeneca in Biopharmaceutics.

Build and sustain strategic external partnerships (academia, industry, consortia, vendors).

Drive innovation, publications and intellectual property that enhance AstraZeneca’s scientific reputation.

Skills, Experience & Leadership Profile

• PhD (or equivalent experience) in Biopharmaceutics, Pharmaceutical Sciences or a closely related field.
• Demonstrated track record of applying Biopharmaceutics science (e.g. risk acceptance, strategy and regulatory positioning) to shape development plans and influence outcomes across multiple drug products through authoritative scientific judgement.
• Proven effectiveness at shaping development plan decisions, e.g. progression, risk acceptance, Biopharmaceutics strategy, regulatory positioning, through authoritative scientific judgement.
• Skilled in digital Biopharmaceutics, with experience applying, shaping or critically evaluating modelling, simulation and/or AI enabled approaches to inform scientific judgement and development strategy.
• Clear evidence of leading a scientific discipline through influencing, establishing best practice, building capability beyond own team and developing other senior experts.
• Collaborative leadership capability, working effectively across functions, sites, modalities and seniority levels.
• Established external scientific credibility, evidenced by recognised contributions through publications, invited speaking, strategic collaborations, consortia leadership, IP or regulatory‑facing engagement.

This role is a senior scientific leadership position with enterprise‑level scope and accountability, intended for scientists who have demonstrated impact beyond individual projects, operating at portfolio, platform or discipline level.

What makes this role unique?

This is a rare opportunity to take on a global scientific leadership role—shaping how biopharmaceutics insight influences medicines that reach patients worldwide.

At AstraZeneca, you will work in an environment that values scientific authority, critical thinking, and inclusive leadership. We offer flexible ways of working and demonstrate dedication to development and innovation.

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.

If this role matches your experience and ambitions, apply now to help shape how Biopharmaceutics drives the next generation of medicines!

**Please note: we operate a rolling recruitment process and may close this vacancy early if a strong candidate is identified. Early applications are strongly encouraged.

Competitive salary and benefits package on offer.

The successful candidate will have access to a flexible employee benefits fund, including holiday purchase and flexible time off, pension contributions, Share Save Plans, a performance recognition scheme and a competitive, generous remuneration package

Date Posted

27-Apr-2026

Closing Date

15-May-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.