Senior Scientist - Oncology Safety Science & Discovery, Clinical Pharmacology and Safety Sciences

At AstraZeneca, it is our bold ambition is to eliminate cancer as a cause of death. This is underpinned by our rich pipeline striven to deliver innovative treatment options for patients. Oncology Safety colleagues contribute to this ambition by accelerating innovative and expert non-clinical safety science.

We are looking to recruit a Senior Scientist, Oncology Safety Science & Discovery to contribute to the discovery of novel targeted oncology medicines, including Antibody Drug Conjugates. In collaboration with scientists across our Oncology R&D organization, this role will contribute to investigative toxicology studies to address drug target- and modality-related safety risks. Will also lead characterization and validation of new models to drive progression of drug discovery programs.. This is primarily a lab-based position with a great opportunity to grow into discovery safety scientist supporting oncology discovery projects working collaboratively with cross functional team.

Within AstraZeneca we place a strong emphasis on talent development. You will be able to develop your knowledge and skills by working together with experts and leaders in Oncology R&D, safety science, pharmacology, toxicology, drug discovery and development, imaging, pathology, and translational science.

Job responsibilities include:

• Design and conduct investigative toxicology studies (in vitro, ex vivo and in vivo) to predict, assess and mitigate target- and modality-related safety risks in discovery programs, with a focus on Antibody-Drug Conjugates (ADCs) and Radioimmunoconjugates (RICs).

• Lead characterization and validation of new models (including 3D MPS and other human relevant advanced in vitro complex models) to investigate and quantitatively predict clinically relevant safety liabilities for investigative new drugs/modalities.

• Apply novel and emerging imaging and genomic technologies to investigate potential mechanisms of target-independent toxicity of ADCs and RICs.

• Adopt and apply in vitro models to inform the design and selection of novel payloads and drive progression of drug discovery programs.

• Work collaboratively with cross functional team of scientists within clinical pharmacology and safety sciences department and adapt/implement screening strategies to advance drug discovery programs.

• Represent AstraZeneca in external scientific consortium/meetings. Publish in high quality, peer-reviewed journals, present at internal scientific meetings and external conferences.

Skills and qualifications:

• Excellent scientist with a PhD (or equivalent) in Molecular & Cellular Biology, Bioengineering, Toxicology, Pharmacology, Oncology, Immunology or related field, a strong scientific track record, and a willingness to challenge conventional thinking.

• Expertise in core molecular and cellular biology techniques (ex. DNA/RNA extraction, PCRs, ELISA, plate-based assays, WB/IP, multi-channel flow cytometry etc) and ability to conduct data analysis with relevant software.

• Strong background on building and characterization of complex in vitro models (primary cell isolation, 3D models, MPS models, immune-competent in vitro co-culture models)

• Practical experience (either postdoctoral research training/Industry experience) with design and execution of investigative in vitro and/or in vivo experiments to determine the effects of therapeutics on biological systems.

• Experience in building, characterizing and evaluating in vitro models in mechanistic understating of disease biology and or safety issues.

• Experience in Oncology and targeted therapeutics, including understanding of drug safety aspects of ADCs and/or radioimmunoconjugates is a plus.

• The ability to build an understanding of biology around novel drug targets and pathways, develop testable hypotheses, drive scientific learning, and complete experiments with the results/conclusions.

• The ability to learn novel techniques/skills and flourish in a highly matrixed and multidisciplinary organization.

• A collaborative, team-oriented approach, able to solve problems in a goal-focused fashion with capacity to coordinate tasks across multiple projects.

• Good team member with strong communication and presentation skills with a strong desire to drive personal development.

When we put unexpected teams in the same room, we ignite ambitious thinking with the power to inspire life-changing medicines. In-person working gives us the platform we need to connect, work at pace and challenge perceptions. That's why we work, on average, a minimum of three days per week from the office. But that doesn't mean we're not flexible. We balance the expectation of being in the office while respecting individual flexibility. Join us in our unique and ambitious world.

Why AstraZeneca?

We follow the science to explore and innovate, working towards treating, preventing, modifying and even curing some of the world's most complex diseases. We are committed to making a difference by fusing data and technology with the latest scientific innovations to achieve the next wave of breakthroughs. Here you will work with curious minds in an inclusive culture where all doors are open, every voice is heard, and we are forever expanding our horizons.

Ready to make an impact on patients' lives? Join us at AstraZeneca where we are pushing the boundaries of science to deliver life-changing medicines. Apply now!