Senior Scientist, In vitro, Oncology Research

Permanent Opportunity

Location: Cambridge, UK

Do you have expertise in, and a passion for immune-Oncology? Would you like to apply your expertise to impact the lives of patient’s living with cancer in a company that follows the science and turns ideas into life changing medicines? Then AstraZeneca might be the company for you!

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.

A place built on courage, curiosity and collaboration – we make bold decisions driven by patient outcomes. Empowered to lead at every level, free to ask questions and take smart risks that write the next chapter for our pipeline and Oncology team.

At AstraZeneca, we're proud to have a unique workplace culture that inspires innovation and collaboration. Here, employees are empowered to express diverse perspectives - and are made to feel valued, energised and rewarded for their ideas and creativity.

At AstraZeneca, we’re not afraid to do things differently. We’re building a new kind of organisation to reset expectations of what a bio-pharmaceutical company can be. This means we’re opening up new ways to work, exploring state of the art methods and bringing unexpected teams together. AstraZeneca wants to redefine the cancer-treatment paradigm, and we seek to bring six new cancer medicines to patients by 2020.

Our Oncology core drug development expertise is at the heart of our three dynamic scientific centres in Cambridge (UK), Boston (US) and Gaithersburg (US). AstraZeneca's broad pipeline of next-generation oncology medicines is focused principally on four disease areas – breast, ovarian, lung and haematological cancers.

Are you inspired to work on one of the most exciting pipelines in the Oncology industry?

Site Description

Welcome to Granta Park Cambridge, one of over 400 sites here at AstraZeneca!

Providing a collaborative environment where everyone feels comfortable and able to be themselves is at the core of AstraZeneca’s priorities, it’s important to us that you bring your full self to work every day.

This role will transition to the Cambridge Biomedical Campus in Central Cambridge during 2022. Both sites provide access to on-site restaurant facilities and a bright and spacious environment, while utilising the most advanced technology.

Cambridge Biomedical Campus combines world-class biomedical research, patient care and education on a single site location in the heart of Cambridge. This new purpose-built site will bring together the company’s research and development activity in a state-of-the-art strategic R&D centre and global corporate headquarters. The building has been designed with the open architecture reflecting AstraZeneca’s collaborative approach to research. Open laboratories and transparent glass walls will enable new ways of working across disciplines, whilst a central courtyard will put science on full display.

Business area

In the Oncology Business Unit we relentlessly follow the science, challenging the status quo to deliver more effective treatments to patients in need. Our dedication means we purposefully push back the limits of knowledge to change the practice of medicine. To ensure no patient is left behind, no matter what stage of disease.

Fast-paced and ever-changing, it takes agility and responsiveness to stay committed in our pursuit of excellence. We work with focus and a sense of urgency to seek the unanswered questions – innovating, challenging accepted norms, quick decision-making and taking smart risks. A place of trust, it’s an opportunity to take accountability, be brave, speak up, step up and disrupt to change the game for Oncology, now and in the future. Be a part of improving lives. This is the time to join the team who is confident that cures for cancer are within our grasp.

AstraZeneca’s vision in Oncology is to push the boundaries of science to change the practice of medicine, transform the lives of patients living with cancer, and to ultimately eliminate cancer as a cause of death. A broad pipeline of next-generation medicines is focused principally on four disease areas - breast, ovarian, lung and haematological cancers.

We are seeking a highly motivated Senior Scientist in Immuno-Oncology with deep scientific and technical expertise in adaptive immune cell biology specifically focusing on T cell immunology, with a track record of scientific excellence to join our team in Cambridge, UK. As a Senior Scientist you will be a key member of a team focussed on supporting immune-oncology projects through the drug discovery process. You will bring your theoretical and practical expertise in immunology to establish assay systems and deliver datasets that will have direct impact on immune-oncology research projects.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

Working in this laboratory-based position within the Immuno-Oncology Research group you will develop, design, conduct and analyse in vitro experiments to assess the function of our candidate drugs and help to dissect the mechanism of action of novel therapeutics targeting the immune system for cancer therapy. You will also review emerging literature and internal data to help in identifying new potential targets and contribute to target validation activities.

A strong foundation in immunology / immuno-oncology, and depth of expertise in techniques for the analysis of immune function and phenotype is essential for this role. As a highly organised, self-motivated individual with a strong lab/practical background you will stay up to date with relevant technical and intellectual scientific expertise in tumour immunology and have a genuine passion for this field of research.

Essential Requirements

• A PhD, or equivalent experience, in immunology and/or immuno-oncology.
• Deep expertise working with immune cells in in vitro / ex vivo complex co-cultures
• Experience of a range of in vitro skills for the analysis of human immune cell function e.g. cytotoxicity assays, multiparameter flow cytometry, ELISA, primary immune cell co-cultures, molecular biology skills including transcriptomics, assessment of intracellular signaling and generation of engineered cell lines
• Strong interpersonal, influencing, negotiating and collaboration skills together with evidence of having used these to support problem solving and delivery in a team-oriented, collaborative environment.
• Depth of understanding and enthusiasm for immunology and immuno-oncology
• Proven track record of success in your research
• Data processing, statistical analysis and interpretation.
• Experience preparing written scientific reports (e.g. manuscripts) and oral presentations (e.g. slides, posters).

Desirable Requirements

• We would encourage applications from candidates who have experience in the evaluation of immune function and in the application of complex immunological assays.
• Expertise working with T cell engagers
• Experience with visualizing/quantitating high content multi-parameter flow data and evaluation of transcriptomic datasets
• Experience working with patient-derived tumours/TILs an advantage
• Knowledge of the drug discovery process

• Publications in top tier scientific journals

Why AstraZeneca?

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, and always committed to lifelong learning, growth and development. We’re on an exciting journey to pioneer the future of healthcare.

So, what’s next?

• Are you already imagining yourself joining our team? Good, because we can’t wait to hear from you.

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.

Closing date: 2nd September 2021

Where can I find out more?

Connect with our recruiter – Sam Hunter at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samhunter1/

Our Social Media, Follow AstraZeneca on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/1603/

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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.