Cell Biologist Scientist

Darwin Building, Cambridge Science Park

Competitive salary and benefits

Make a more significant impact to patients’ lives around the globe

Here you’ll have the opportunity to make a substantial difference to patients’ lives. With science at its heart, this is the place where breakthroughs born in the lab become transformative medicines – for the world’s most complex diseases. Answer unmet medical needs by pioneering the next wave of science, focusing on outcomes and shaping the patient ecosystem.

We’re investing to enhance our predictive safety capabilities to help develop the next generation of Oncology therapeutics.

We are seeking a highly motivated scientist with cell and molecular laboratory experience to join the AstraZeneca Oncology Safety Sciences team in Cambridge, UK. You will perform in vitro investigative studies to seek an understanding of potential toxicities of novel biopharmaceutical oncology medicines, a critical component of the drug discovery and development process. You will work closely with a team of scientists to apply ground-breaking technologies and push the boundaries of predictive safety science with our vision in mind: to deliver innovative safety science to help restore oncology patient's lives and eliminate cancer as a cause of death.

What you will be doing

In this laboratory based role, you will work with a team of scientists developing micro physiological systems (MPS), or ‘organs on chips’ to help drive our predictive safety capabilities. You will collaborate with scientists and specialists across the Oncology Safety organization to design and execute in vitro experiments to assess and mitigate potential clinical toxicities of novel biopharmaceuticals when administered as monotherapies or in combination. The experimental data you will generate will lead the teams to take informed decisions regarding safety risks and will contribute to development and selection of suitable drug candidates.

Micro physiological systems models are transforming drug discovery because they mimic the microenvironment cells are exposed to, thus encouraging them to behave and respond in a physiological manner.  This role offers a unique opportunity to develop and apply novel MPS systems for in vitro safety evaluation of molecules across the AstraZeneca portfolio and apply them to safety risk assessment for a key target organ of toxicity, the bone marrow.  Furthermore, you will have the opportunity to develop your expertise in Oncology Safety Science areas through training with experts in those fields. In the Oncology Safety Sciences team, we place a strong emphasis on talent development. You will be able to develop your scientific skills by working with leaders in drug discovery, cell biology and safety science.

The following skills are essential for this position:

• An MSc in Biology, Pharmacology, Toxicology or related discipline (applicants with BSc and relevant experience will also be considered)

• Experience in mammalian cell culture  

• Experience in the design and execution of molecular, biochemical and/or cellular experiments to determine the effects of therapeutics on biological systems

• Strong laboratory-based skills in molecular biology and/or in vitro cell-based models

• Knowledge of drug discovery and development

• Good working relationships with others

• Excellent written and communication skills

• Ability to operate as part of a team as well as self-driven and proactive for independent development 

• Desire to contribute to an open, positive, collaborative working climate, and an enthusiasm to drive personal growth.

Additional desirable skills:

• Appreciation and understanding of techniques and technologies relevant to in vitro systems, including cell-based assays utilising cell lines and/or primary cells (examples could include high content screening, -omics technologies, gene editing, microphysiological systems, immunofluorescence, flow cytometry).

• Practical experience and scientific knowledge of in vitro models of hematopoiesis

• Knowledge of drug safety

This role will initially be based at the Darwin building on the Cambridge Science Park but late in 2022 will be based in the Global Headquarters site on the Cambridge Biomedical Campus.

At AstraZeneca, we 're dedicated to being a Great Place to Work. Where you are empowered to push the boundaries of science and unleash your entrepreneurial spirit. There’s no better place to make a difference to medicine, patients and society. An inclusive culture that champions diversity and collaboration. Always committed to lifelong learning, growth and development.

So, what’s next?

Submit your application online between the 17th August 2022 and before the closing date of the 7th September 2022.

Date Posted

Closing Date

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.