Job Description

About AstraZeneca

AstraZeneca is a global, innovation-driven biopharmaceutical business that focuses on the discovery, development, and commercialization of prescription medicines for some of the world\xe2\x80\x99s most serious diseases. But we\'re more than one of the world\'s leading pharmaceutical companies. At AstraZeneca, we\'re proud to have a unique workplace culture that inspires innovation and collaboration.

About Our Cambridge UK Oncology Hub

The role will be transitioning the Cambridge Biomedical Campus at the end of 2023; combining 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\xe2\x80\x99s research and development activity in a state-of-the-art strategic R&D center and global corporate headquarters. The building has been designed with the open architecture reflecting AstraZeneca\xe2\x80\x99s 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.

Main Responsibilities

The role is anchored within the Early Oncology, Clinical Immuno-Oncology (IO) Discovery group at AstraZeneca, Cambridge. We are seeking a highly motivated, lab-based in vitro scientist with a background in cancer immunology.

As a scientist you will be a key member of a team focused on supporting innovative bioscience research to advance IO agents already being tested in clinical trials. The responsibilities of this position include developing and executing immune cell assays to address mechanisms of action of novel T cell engagers and drug combination strategies.

Key responsibilities include:

This is a laboratory-based position. You will be responsible for executing in vitro experiments to address key questions arising from clinical trials and/or affiliated with IO candidate drugs currently being evaluated in clinical trials. Collaborative working with other colleagues in Early Oncology is, therefore, essential.

Conduct hands-on primary human immune cell culturing and immune functional assays, including but not limited to T cell/ PBMC co-culture with tumour cell lines and antigen-presenting cells, isolation and/or culture of tumour-infiltrating lymphocytes or patient-derived tumour explants, cell killing and proliferation assays, deep immune-phenotyping by flow cytometry and analysis of secreted factors in cell culture supernatants.

Write up and present pertinent findings in a timely manner.

Problem solve and establish innovative approaches to fuel understanding of candidate drug activities & potential combination partners.

Contribute to scientific publications (posters & manuscripts) for external communication in addition to supporting documents associated with regulatory submissions.

Ability to be agile in thought and research development and demonstrate strength in independent research while having the ability to work effectively in a collaborative setting.

Support other laboratory-based colleagues in the Clinical Immuno-Oncology (IO) Discovery group to ensure a safe, well organized and effective laboratory environment.

Essential Requirements:

Bachelor\xe2\x80\x99s Degree with 3+ years of experience or Master\xe2\x80\x99s degree in Cancer Immunology, Cancer Biology, Immunology, Cell Biology or a related field.

Strong cell biology experience in aspetic cell culture, isolation and culture of primary human immune cells and cell-based assays.

Multi-colour flow cytometry and multiplex ELISA experience.

Experience with cell-based phenotypic assays, tumour cell line culture and drug treatment, cell survival, proliferation and/or apoptosis.

Ability to make detailed observations, analyse data, and interpret results independently.

Preparation of precise technical summaries, protocols, quantitative analyses, and maintenance of appropriate documentation.

Team player who is well organized with strong interpersonal skills and excellent oral and written communication skills.

Ability to work in a high paced team environment, plan and meet timelines.

Proven track record of success in immunology-focused laboratory activities, and experience preparing written scientific reports and oral presentations.

Desired Qualifications:

Previous experience with Immuno-Oncology is strongly preferred.

Experience working with T-cell engagers, immune checkpoint therapies and/or antibody-drug conjugates.

Experience with ex vivo patient-derived tumour models

Experience with spectral flow cytometry

Industry experience

Location: Cambridge, UK

So, what\xe2\x80\x99s next?

Are you already imagining yourself joining our team? Good, because we can\xe2\x80\x99t wait to hear from you!

Employer of Choice

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.

Date Posted 25-Aug-2023

Closing Date 01-Sept-2023

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.

AstraZeneca