Senior Scientist, In Vitro, Immune Engagers group, Oncology

Do you feel passionate about the possibilities of science to change lives? Do you have a background in T cell immunology? If so, this may be the role for you.

We are seeking a highly motivated Senior Scientist to join the T cell immune engagers team with deep scientific and technical expertise in adaptive immune cell biology specifically focusing on T cell immunology, with a track record of scientific excellence.

AstraZeneca

At AstraZeneca, we turn ideas into life changing medicines. Working here means being entrepreneurial, thinking big and working together to make the impossible a reality. We’re passionate about the potential of science to address the unmet needs of patients around the world. We commit to those areas where we believe we can really change the course of medicine and bring big new ideas to life.

Business Area

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.

What You’ll Do

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 in immune-oncology particularly around T cell signaling, costimulation (e.g. signal 2 and 3), and immune synapses, plus broad understanding and enthusiasm for translating basic science into novel cancer therapies

• Deep expertise working with immune cells and in vitro / ex vivo co-cultures to determine immune function

• Experience of a range of in vitro skills for the analysis of human immune cell function e.g. multiparameter flow cytometry and analysis using dimensionality reduction, ELISA, molecular biology skills including transcriptomics, single cell sequencing, 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

• • Experience with TCR biology

• • Experience with impact of cytokines on T cell function, differentiation

• Expertise in field of T cell exhaustion

• • Experience with visualizing/quantitating high content multi-parameter flow data and evaluation of transcriptomic datasets

• • Experience working with patient-derived tumours/organoids/TILs an advantage

• • Knowledge of the drug discovery process

• Publications in top tier scientific journals

Locations: Cambridge UK

Salary: Competitive + Excellent Benefits

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.

• Are you ready to bring new ideas and fresh thinking to the table? Brilliant! We have one seat available and we hope it’s yours.

As part of the application process for some roles at AstraZeneca, candidates may be asked to complete a series of online games, created by pymetrics, to assess certain candidate qualities to help evaluate potential match for the position. If the pymetrics process applies to this role, you will receive an email invitation with additional information following application. Once completed AZ will automatically receive your results - pymetrics will not be used solely in our decision-making process but will help us gather additional insight.

Where can I find out more?

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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.