Scientist - Cellular Assay Development

Cambridge, UK

Competitive Salary & Benefits

Are you a curious scientist ready to lead and encourage a team of world class assay development specialists? Would you like to play a pivotal role in the Oncology drug discovery chain? Join us to work with curious minds in an inclusive culture!

At AstraZeneca, we push the boundaries of science to deliver life changing medicines. Our Cellular Assay Development team, within the Discovery Biology department of Discovery Sciences, is responsible for the generation of novel assays to support projects in all phases of the drug discovery pipeline.

We currently have an exciting opportunity for a passionate drug discoverer in the Cellular Assay Development team within Discovery Biology UK.

Here you’ll have the opportunity to make a meaningful 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.

With our ground-breaking pipeline, the outlook is bright. Be proud to be part of a place that has achieved so much, yet is still moving forward. There’s no better time to join our global, growing enterprise as we lead the way for healthcare and society.

What you will do

We are seeking a highly motivated, talented and scientifically curious cell scientist who are early in their career, to join the cell assay development team. You will have the opportunity to apply and develop your scientific capabilities to enable Oncology  drug discovery programs in a highly collaborative environment. If you’re inspired by the possibilities of science to make a difference and are ready to discover what you can do – join us.

If successful, you will drive your science within a high-performing team working at the heart of drug discovery projects, delivering the foundation to drive cell based drug discovery. You will use a wide

range of technologies to design and develop high throughput cell assays that will drive projects across the AstraZeneca oncology portfolio. You will be an experienced lab-based scientist, interact across a broad range of oncology projects and impact global initiatives within Discovery Sciences.

Key Accountabilities

• To be a lab-based scientist, delivering miniaturised cell assays to characterise pathway and target activity, engagement and phenotypic readouts to make a significant contribution to the practical delivery of Oncology projects in accordance with AZ guidelines.
• Proactively collaborate and liaise with key internal stakeholders to ensure solutions are aligned with AZ strategy and stakeholder requirements.
• Represent the Department and achieve scientific visibility through project contributions and presentations at internal meetings, as well as external collaborations, conference presentations and peer-reviewed publications.

Essential Criteria

• Ph.D. or equivalent (industry experience) in Biology, Pharmacology or a related discipline.
• Expertise and enthusiasm for the development of cell based assays using imaging technologies including epi-fluorescence and confocal microscopy Excellent problem-solving skills, not limited to own area of expertise
• Expertise in imaging data analysis and interpretation
• Ability to collaborate within multidisciplinary teams to achieve shared objectives
• Strong communications skills, demonstrated through internal and external presentation opportunities

Desirable Criteria

• An understanding of the contribution of cellular assays to drug discovery
• Background in cancer cell biology
• Experience with miniaturising cell assays to 96, 384 well format
• Experience with handling of primary and complex (including 3D) cell models

Why AstraZeneca?

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

At AstraZeneca we are 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?

Complete your application before the below closing date.

This role is open from the 4th of August 2021 and welcome with your application no later than the 11th of August 2021.

Where can I find out more?

Follow AstraZeneca on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/1603/

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AstraZeneca is an equal opportunity employer. AstraZeneca will consider all qualified applicants for employment without discrimination on grounds of disability, sex or sexual orientation, pregnancy or maternity leave status, race or national or ethnic origin, age, religion or belief, gender identity or re-assignment, marital or civil partnership status, protected veteran status (if applicable) or any other characteristic protected by law.

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.