Senior Scientist, Protein Science & Analytics, Biologics Engineering

We currently have an opportunity for a Senior Scientist who will be responsible for providing mass spectrometric expertise to support biologics drug discovery and technology development projects across therapeutic areas. In this role you will be involved in mass spec assay development, characterisation of biologics molecules and will work as part of a multi-disciplinary team in a primarily lab-based role.

About AstraZeneca

AstraZeneca is a global, science-led, patient-focused biopharmaceutical company that focuses on the discovery, development and commercialisation 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.

Site description

The role is based in our new pioneering Discovery Centre (DISC) located on the Cambridge Biomedical Campus. This newly purpose-built building that will bring together the company’s research and development activity in a pioneering strategic R&D centre and global corporate headquarters. The building has been designed with the open architecture reflecting AstraZeneca’s approach to research. Open laboratories and glass walls will enable new ways of working across teams, whilst a central courtyard will put science on full display.

Business area

Biologics Engineering are responsible for the discovery and optimisation of biological candidate drugs to support all therapy area drug discovery pipelines and for the development of in-house biologics discovery platforms and novel drug modalities to support future drug discovery efforts.

What you’ll do

• Design, development and execution of mass spectrometry experiments for biologic drug discovery or technology development projects including intact mass analysis, peptide mapping analysis and native MS. Knowledge of antibody post-translational modification is expected for this role.

• Background in additional biophysical characterisation techniques including chromatography techniques (HPLC, UPLC, Ion-Exchange & Reverse-Phase methods) and SEC-MALS.

• Hands-on experience in Hydrogen Deuterium eXchange -MS (HDX-MS), with expertise in some of its applications: protein folding, protein dynamics, protein interactions or conformational characterisation studies.

• Knowledge and experience in the operation and maintenance of mass spectrometry instrumentation.

• Ability to analyse assay data, making detailed observations and interpretation of results and understands the implications of the data in relation to the drug discovery process.

• Ability to work in a multi-disciplinary team.

• Understands and applies principles, theories and techniques used in mass spectrometry assay development of protein biologics, to support drug and technology projects, providing solutions to a variety of assay related problems.

• Pro-actively contribute to development of new or improved mass spectrometry characterisation techniques or processes.

• Prepares appropriate documentation such as electronic laboratory notebooks, contributions to patents and IND reports and conducts work according to current codes of practice (health and safety legislation, etc.) and all other relevant internal AstraZeneca standards and external regulations.

• Presents clear and concise findings at internal (intra- and inter-departmental) project team and community of practice meetings.

• Demonstrates strong interpersonal communications by establishing and using existing working relationships with BE department members, Discovery Sciences and BPD within the company.

• Provides training for students or members of department in mass spectrometry analysis and biophysical characterisation techniques.

Essential for the role

• PhD in life sciences, with postdoctoral experience (or equivalent working experience) with lab-based experience in mass spectrometry techniques.

• Experience in devising and running mass spectrometry experiments; analysing data using software packages and interpretation of results.

• Experience in troubleshooting assays.

• Track record of contributions to technology and process improvements.

• Strong communicator, capable of developing good working relationships with individuals across organisational boundaries.

• Experience in working within multi-disciplinary teams.

• Has scientific curiosity and proactively develops knowledge.

• Acts with integrity and does the right thing.

• Attention to detail.

Desirable for the role

• Experience in other biophysical or structural biology techniques (i.e SPR, NMR, cryoEM, or others).

• Industry experience working on early stages of drug discovery with antibodies, antibody formats or other novel modalities (i.e multi specific mAbs).

• Experience with Genedata Biologics.

• Experience on bioinformatics and data analysis for integrated data systems (such as Spotfire).

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.

So, what’s next?

• Are you already considering joining the team? Good, because we can’t wait to hear from you.

Competitive salary package and benefits

Close Date: 27/11/2023

Where can I find out more?

Our Social Media,

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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.