Director of Formulation and Process Design

Company: AstraZeneca
Location: Durham
Posted on: February 20, 2026

Job Description:

We have an open position within in our Pharmaceutical Technology and Development (PT&D) department. PT&D is the bridge, which turns brilliant science into actual medicines that help millions of people. We work across the entire value chain, designing and delivering active ingredients, formulations, and devices required to support new medicines – from supplies for use in early toxicology studies and clinical trials to developing the technology to ensure drugs can be scaled up for commercial manufacture. Make a positive impact, in a team where it means more. In Operations, we have a big ambition. to deliver more medicines to patients, quicker and more affordable. Backed by investment, leadership, and a clear plan to get there, we bring personal dedication and out-of-the-box thinking. Summary: We are currently recruiting for Director of Formulation and Process Design. This position will be accountable for the performance and results within formulation and process design oral/inhaled team - oral solid dosage form experience is required for this position. Key Responsibilities: Leads a team of formulation scientists, setting clear goals, technical direction, and development priorities to align with organizational and portfolio objectives. Responsible for planning and executing formulation development strategies, optimizing drug product processes, and ensuring robust, scalable, and regulatory-compliant solutions across all stages of development from early-phase through commercial readiness. Acts as a key interface with other GPD functions to accelerate project timelines and reduce development risk. Drives continuous improvement, talent development, and innovation within the team to support the companys scientific leadership in oral and inhaled delivery platforms Specific Responsibilities: Leads a team of up to 10 scientists across local and global sites to drive inhaled and oral drug product portfolio Coaches and develops direct reports to drive high performance, team engagement, and individual growth. Drives local implementation of PT&D strategy and associated change initiatives, championing transformation and innovation. Embeds new ways of working that enhance agility, flexibility, efficiency, and delivery, serving as a role model for lean leadership. Shapes and delivers forward-thinking, digital-enabled approaches to product design and development, leveraging data science, predictive modeling, AI, and strategic workforce planning to meet evolving portfolio needs. Builds and sustains a high-performing, innovative team culture focused on scientific excellence, new modalities, and continuous improvement. Ensures full compliance with SHE and cGMP standards, aligning with AZ and external regulatory requirements. Operates confidently within a global matrix organization, fostering integration and readiness for future challenges. Ensures capability building to support the diverse and emerging portfolio of modalities. Collaborates with the Project Leadership Group to define and execute portfolio delivery strategies within the unit’s remit. Solves complex scientific and organizational challenges through strategic insight, conceptual thinking, and informed judgment. Influences internal and external stakeholders, shaping the reputation and impact of the FPD department. Demonstrates strong communication and leadership skills to set clear direction, inspire teams, and foster alignment across functions. Education, Qualifications, Skills and Experience Essential BSc/PhD level education in a relevant Engineering field (Packaging Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Materials Engineering, Chemical Engineering), or in Pharmaceutical Sciences with related experience in the device and biopharmaceutical industry is essential. Minimum 5 years relevant experience Significant experience in the design and development of inhaled and oral products Proven experiences in leading and managing direct reports Leadership experience promoting, motivating and empowering diverse and inclusive culture to support accomplishment of individual, team and organisational objectives Significant understanding of the overall drug development and commercialisation process from development and launch, through life cycle management Strong Networking skills across complex, multi-national PT&D organization LEAN leadership mindset Desirable Ability to lead cross functional working groups and teams Expert reputation within the business and industry Extensive knowledge of the latest technical and regulatory developments Excellent knowledge of AstraZeneca policies, procedures and guidelines 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 doesnt 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. Why AstraZeneca: Be part of shaping the future of Operations here at AstraZeneca. Be part of shaping the next phase of Operations journey towards the 2025 strategy. Build on our foundations of high performance through agility, responsiveness, reliability, and efficiency to deliver our new modalities and complex pipeline to market at speed. Backed by a supportive team, be part of accelerating our operational excellence with innovations in cutting-edge science, Lean ways of working, and fast-changing digital technologies. The annual base pay for this position ranges from $175,572 to $263,358 Annual USD. Base pay offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, including market location, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. In addition, our positions offer a short-term incentive bonus opportunity; eligibility to participate in our equity-based long-term incentive program (salaried roles), to receive a retirement contribution (hourly roles), and commission payment eligibility (sales roles). Benefits offered included a qualified retirement program [401(k) plan]; paid vacation and holidays; paid leaves; and, health benefits including medical, prescription drug, dental, and vision coverage in accordance with the terms and conditions of the applicable plans. Additional details of participation in these benefit plans will be provided if an employee receives an offer of employment. If hired, employee will be in an “at-will position” and the Company reserves the right to modify base salary (as well as any other discretionary payment or compensation program) at any time, including for reasons related to individual performance, Company or individual department/team performance, and market factors.

Keywords: AstraZeneca, Lynchburg , Director of Formulation and Process Design, Engineering , Durham, Virginia