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.

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 Associate Principal Scientist with substantial experience performing preclinical tumour models in rodents to manage the operational and logistical aspects of in vivo work for a large team of in vivo scientists at our site in Cambridge, UK. As an experienced in vivo scientist within the IO Bioscience team, you will have a passion for scientific and operational excellence, a drive to achieve process improvements, and an excellent understanding of the regulatory and compliance aspects of in vivo work. In this role you will play a pivotal role in identifying the next generation of innovative IO therapies, and in deepening our understanding of cancer immunology.

The team delivers key in vivo data to oncology projects across all phases of drug discovery and early development and works with different modalities such as monoclonal and multi-specific antibodies, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, antibody drug conjugates, modified RNA, small molecules, PROTACs, and cell-based therapies. The role will be based at our vibrant R&D site in Cambridge (UK) within AstraZeneca’s state-of-the-art laboratories. At AstraZeneca Early Oncology, we are driven by innovation and our commitment to make a real-life difference in patients’ lives. That difference starts with you.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

Working in this scientific leadership role you will apply your technical and scientific experience to the discovery of innovative immunotherapy approaches for cancer. You will be expected to demonstrate visible leadership as a key point of contact for the in vivo team, through active participation in vivarium-based operations and oversight of in vivo delivery. You will lead operational discussions with stakeholders, and implement systems and processes for the management of in vivo workflows. You will support our complex oncology drug discovery portfolio by driving operational excellence and upholding high welfare standards to enable delivery of preclinical data to the Early Oncology drug discovery pipeline by a team of in vivo scientists. You will be expected to act as deputy to the project license holder, to manage data systems, and to provide regular progress reports to department leaders.

You will stay up to date with the latest discoveries in tumour immunology and in vivo modelling, and share your expertise both within and beyond the group. You will work in a matrix environment, providing expert advice and mentorship. You will cultivate and maintain strong working relationships with a wide range of internal and external partners. You will apply your influencing, coaching and mentoring skills to ensure effective cross-functional working within teams. You may also directly line manage team members, helping to set goals and objectives and coordinating their professional development. Some out-of-hours work on weekends and holidays may be expected.

Essential Requirements

• PhD (or equivalent) in a biological science with 5-10+ years of post-Ph.D research experience in industry or academia. Industry experience is preferred but exceptional candidates with substantial & relevant academic experience will be considered.

• At least 5 years’ experience of running and overseeing in vivo models of cancer or immune mediated diseases in support of a broad portfolio of research programs.

• Significant experience managing operations and logistics aspects of in vivo studies for large and diverse teams. Relevant experience managing in other complex, highly-regulated environments may also be considered.

• A passion for operational excellence, scientific integrity, data management, and animal welfare.

• Demonstrable ability to implement new processes and systems for the management of in vivo study workflows.

• Outstanding team working skills and a proven track record of working collaboratively to ensure scientific quality and rapid progression of projects.

• Expertise in immuno-oncology, plus broad understanding and enthusiasm for translating basic science into novel cancer therapies.

• An excellent understanding of the regulatory and compliance aspects of in vivo work

• Currently holds or has recently held a PIL

• Direct experience with outsourcing in vivo studies to CROs

• Excellent scientific communication skills including both ability to write reports (e.g. regulatory documents, project licences, and manuscripts) and give oral presentations to broad and diverse audiences.

General knowledge of biologics drug development.

• The ability to work closely with key leaders in partner functions to ensure that project goals and timelines are adhered to.

• Excellent organisational skills.

Desirable Requirements

• Experience working in the field of IO drug discovery

• Expertise in data science

• Project management skills

• Experience in a regulatory or compliance role related to in vivo work

• Experience working with successful cross-functional scientific project teams

• Authorship of patents, grants and/or publications in top-tier scientific journals

Location: Cambridge, UK

Competitive salary and benefits

So, what’s next?

Are you already imagining yourself joining our team? Good, because we can’t 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

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.