Translational Biomarker Scientist

Cambridge, UK

Competitive Salary and Benefits

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

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.

If your passion is science and you want to be part of a team that makes a bigger impact on patients’ lives, then there’s no better place to be.

Typical Accountabilities

• We are seeking candidates with a Ph.D. with a proven track record in applying established and innovative methodologies to discover and develop biomarkers for target engagement and patient selection. The successful candidate will play a key role in translating preclinical biomarkers to impact early clinical development of novel molecules to treat chronic pain and neurodegenerative diseases
• Strong laboratory-based scientific, planning and organization skills and a good understanding of the drug discovery and development process, from target evaluation through clinical trials
• The successful candidate is expected to work productively in a matrix team environment, as well as take ownership of multiple biomarker projects. The individual will support projects within Neuroscience and will serve as the Translational Medicine subject matter expert on biomarker science
• Hands-on laboratory research to identify and qualify translational biomarkers for target engagement from early Discovery to early Clinical Development.
• Conduct laboratory biomarker analysis to deliver data for preclinical and clinical projects
• As appropriate, coordinate methods transfer to external collaborators and Contract Research Organizations (CROs) and monitor assay performance at CROs
• Working closely with Biology and Clinical, select the most appropriate biomarker methodology for project decision making, whether single biomarkers or multi-omics approaches to identify biomarker signatures
• Work closely with bioinformaticians in Data Science and AI / Quantitative Biology to extract knowledge from large omics datasets
• Working closely with DMPK and Clinical Pharmacology groups, apply biomarkers to support quantitative PK/PD methods to enable translation from preclinical research to clinical development, including dose selection in clinical trials
• Provide input on biological sampling and biomarker assays in pre-clinical and clinical protocols, Investigator’s Brochure and regulatory documents.

Education, Qualifications, Skills and Experience
 

• Education:  Ph.D. in pharmacology, biochemistry, immunology, pharmaceutical science or biological sciences
• Experience:  post-doctoral/industry experience in biomarker research and development.  Publication record demonstrating excellent scientific credentials
• Excellent hands-on laboratory skills and experience in the development of biomarker assays for research or clinical use
• Good knowledge of regulatory guidelines on biomarkers and bioanalytical assays
• Track record of successful implementation of immunoassays,  multi-omics (e.g. proteomics, transcriptomics) and cell-based assays (e.g. flow cytometry) for biomarker discovery using nonclinical or clinical samples
• Strong expertise in immunoassay development and qualification
• Experience with working in cross-functional teams
• Organisational skills with attention to detail and demonstrated ability to write technical reports, biomarker protocols, perform quantitative analyses and present data
• Excellent inter-personal, collaboration and communication skills (written and verbal)

Desirable(s) 

• Neuroscience training and experience in academia or industry, particularly in chronic pain or neurodegeneration
• Bioinformatics skills including application of biological pathways analysis for biomarker identification

Job Complexity

• Complex experimental design, data interpretation and formal presentations. Multiple concurrent projects/tasks are expected and the ability to prioritize projects and time to meet project timelines is essential. Effective in working with cross-functional teams

Supervision

• Individual must be able to work independently. Reports to Head of Translational Medicine for Neuroscience. Accountable to Project Leaders for the delivery of team objectives

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?

Complete your application before the below closing date.

This role is open from 27th July 2021 and welcome with your application no later than 26th August 2021

Where can I find out more?

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.