Senior Scientist, Next-Generation Oncology Target Discovery

Position description

At AstraZeneca we work together across global boundaries to make an impact and find answers to challenges. We do this with the upmost integrity even in the most difficult situations because we are committed to doing the right thing. We continuously forge partnerships that help pursue world-class medicines in new ways, combining our people’s exceptional skills with those of people from all over the globe. As a Senior Scientist in Oncology R&D in Gaithersburg, MD, you’ll play a pivotal role in channeling our scientific capabilities to make a positive impact on changing patients’ lives.

The Department of Biologics Engineering and Targeted Delivery is seeking a talented and highly motivated scientist to develop and implement a novel target discovery engine for oncology therapeutics.  The successful candidate will contribute to new technology development that leverages our proprietary microfluidic libraries to perform phenotypic screens. A strong background in molecular and cell biology is required for the construction of novel antibody libraries from immunized sources.  The applicant will operate independently and in collaboration with team members and scientists across Research and Development to develop these next generation platforms and deploy them to support our pipeline. The selected individual will be a well-organized and productive bench scientist that can quickly learn new procedures, design and execute experiments efficiently, as well as analyze, interpret and present data to project teams.

Education/Experience Requirements:

PhD degree with 0-3 years postdoctoral or industry experience, or Master’s degree in Molecular Biology or other related fields with 3+ years of relevant experience in industry (preferred) or academia.

Position Requirements:

To be considered, successful applicants will need to have the following background:

• Experience in in-vitro display platforms, including library construction, panning/sorting and characterization

• Experience in molecular cloning

• Evidence of creativity in building and implementing new technologies, from concept to proof-of-concept, is highly desired

• Experience with cell culture, including primary and immortalized cell lines

• Experience in flow-cytometry operation and analysis

Preferred Skills:

• Mass-spectrometry experience is a plus

• Experience with automation for high-throughput screening of biologics

• The candidate should have demonstrated the ability to learn and embrace new technologies quickly, work independently on multiple projects simultaneously and communicate well with the team

About AstraZeneca

AstraZeneca is a global, science-led, patient-focused biopharmaceutical company that focuses on the discovery, development, and commercialisation of prescription medicines for some of the world’s most serious diseases. But we’re more than one of the world’s leading pharmaceutical companies.

At AZ, we’re proud to have an exceptional workplace culture that encourages innovation and collaboration. Here, employees are empowered to express diverse perspectives – and made to feel valued, energized and rewarded for their ideas and creativity. AZ is a place where passionate people can immerse themselves in their work and make significant contributions to scientific excellence and medicines – does this describe a place where you would like to work?

Our Gaithersburg, Maryland facility creates life-changing medicines for people around the world. This campus employs more than 3,500 experts in our field and is only a short drive from Washington, DC. This modern and vibrant scientific campus is the home of R&D and Oncology in the US. Here, we play host to some of the most cutting-edge technology and lab spaces, all designed to inspire collaboration and cross-functional science. We believe employees benefit from being challenged and inspired at work. We are dedicated to creating a culture of inclusion and collaboration.

The Gaithersburg site offers a variety of amenities to help boost productivity and help keep our employees happy and healthy. This includes a fitness center, employee healthcare clinic, electric vehicle charging stations, dry cleaning, full-service cafeteria and copy center. This is where you’ll find newly-designed, activity-based work spaces to suit a variety of working styles while increasing collaboration between teams.

“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 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.”

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 authorization and employment eligibility verification requirements.