We currently having an exciting opportunity for a Scientist to join the Clinical Immuno-Oncology, Early Oncology team.

Follow the Science to Pioneer New Frontiers

Be part of the team that follows the science to transform the lives of cancer patients. As part of Early Oncology Research and Development, you will be a member of a team of professionals who are pioneering new frontiers by identifying and treating patients earlier while working toward the aim of eliminating cancer.

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’s 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 is transitioning in 2022 to the Cambridge Biomedical Campus; 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’s 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’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.

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/ PBMCs co-culture with tumour cell lines, 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 supernatant analyses.

• 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’s Degree with 3+ years of experience or Master’s Degree in Cancer Immunology, Cancer Biology, Immunology, Cell Biology or related field.

• Strong cell biology experience in sterile cell culture techniques, 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.

• Excellent organizational and 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, On-site

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.