Senior Scientist, Personalized TCR Discovery: Screen-based TCR Identification and Characterization

At AstraZeneca's Oncology R&D division, we follow the science to explore and innovate. We are working towards treating, preventing, modifying, and even curing some of the world's most complex diseases. Thus we have the potential to grow our pipeline and positively impact the lives of billions of patients around the world. We are committed to making a difference and have built our business around our passion for science. Now we are fusing data and technology with the latest scientific innovations to achieve the next wave of breakthroughs.

Position Summary

AstraZeneca / Neogene is looking for you to join our personalized (neo)antigen-specific T cell receptor (TCR) discovery research team as a SeniorScientist cellular immunology. You will assume responsibilities for designing, conducting and supervising experimental work aiming to develop and improve TCR discovery technology. The position is based in Amsterdam, The Netherlands, and you will report to the TCR discovery technology team lead.

Please submit a motivation letter with your resume when applying.

Responsibilities

• Design and perform cell-based TCR discovery and characterization studies. Involved techniques include magnetic bead- and flow cytometry-based isolation of human immune cell lines (T cells, B cells, and others), phenotypic and functional evaluation of immune cells by flow cytometry and microplate-based readouts, genetic modification of immune cells and cell lines using self-designed retro-/lenti-viruses and gene editing tools (e.g. CRISPR-Cas9).
• Design and drive assay development to evolve the TCR discovery pipeline, paving the way for next generation T cell therapies.
• Keep track of relevant technology developments in literature and integrate those in existing assays.
• Document experimental results in electronic laboratory journal and databases.
• Present obtained results in internal work discussions.
• Complete tasks related to laboratory operations as required by the Lab-manager.
• Perform other responsibilities and special projects as assigned.

Education and Experience

• PhD in (cancer) immunology or a related field.
• Knowledge on mammalian cell culture and flow cytometry is required.
• Additional training in B and T cell culture and co-culture, genetic manipulation of cells using retrovirus, lentivirus or gene editing tools, molecular biology (plasmid design/construction)..
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
• Excellent organizational skills, a strong sense of urgency and responsibility with regards to work duties and the ability to deliver results based on challenging timelines.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills in English and the ability to communicate results to a diverse cross-functional audience.
• Comfortable in a fast-paced company environment and able to adjust work planning based upon changing priorities.
• We are looking for a person who is a self-motivated team player with strong interpersonal skills and who will lead by example.
• Authorization to work with genetically modified organisms (GMOs) is preferred.
• You must be authorized to work in The Netherlands.

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.