Senior Scientist, Study Director

Job Title: Senior Scientist, Study Director  (Animal Science & Technologies)

Location: Cambridge, UK

Salary: Competitive + Excellent Employee Benefits!

Applications Deadline: July 22

At AstraZeneca, your work directly impacts patients by turning scientific breakthroughs into life-changing medicines for complex diseases. Here, you’ll help shape the next generation of treatments, address unmet medical needs, and focus on real patient outcomes.Join our vibrant international Cambridge site, where you’ll find tremendous opportunities to grow your expertise and advance your career.

The Animal Sciences & Technologies (AST) Department drives in vivo studies to evaluate the efficacy, safety, and pharmacokinetics of new drugs—powering our mission to push science further and deliver for patients everywhere.

Introduction to the role

As a Senior Research Scientist, Study Director, working within the AST team you will apply your scientific and technical expertise to design and deliver investigative safety in-vivo studies within our Safety Science focused team to support the discovery and development of novel potential medicines across AstraZeneca’s core therapeutic areas including Oncology, Respiratory and Immunology, and Cardiovascular Renal and Metabolism enabling the progression of an expanding drug project portfolio.

This is a hands-on vivarium-based -based role conducting preclinical research to generate data for a wide variety of study types. The role requires someone who is fully competent in a range of in vivoprocedures, who can initiate, direct, troubleshoot and perform research experiments in laboratory animals and is capable of being responsible for leading a specialty area within the department. Working independently without direct supervision you will be expected to train less experienced scientists and prioritise your own workload whilst working as part of a cross-functional multidisciplinary team.

The ideal candidate is a highly motivated self-starter with a strong drive to deliver impactful results. They will possess exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, demonstrated leadership qualities, and a proven ability to thrive in dynamic, fast-paced, and cross-functional environments. Success in this role requires the ability to work independently and collaboratively within matrixed organizational structures.

Accountabilities and Responsibilities:

• As a Senior Scientist responsible for planning, designing and executing experiments in laboratory animals, creating complete data sets, with integrity and emphasis on animal welfare

• Leading as a specialist a specific area of research e.g. an animal science which is applied to imaging, surgical models or advanced tumour/humanised models

• Applies technical knowledge and expertise to achieve project targets in a timely fashion and to agreed quality standards.

• Integration and interpretation of scientific data in close collaboration with preclinical representatives.

• Effectively communicates scientific findings across cross-functional project teams and key stakeholders. Prepares and delivers presentations to facilitate discussion, influence decision-making, and contribute to scientific and strategic alignment across departments and external collaborators.

• Develops and validatesappropriate testmethodology and specifications to achieve project aims.

• Aspires to independently assess and report data with a clear understanding of its reliability, interprets findings and draws authoritative conclusions.

• Mentors junior scientists on technical and functional processes.

• Incorporates new and innovative techniques and methodologies, including training of others.Reports relevant findings and conclusions.

• Contributes to the objectives of the department through active participation in department and cross functional project teams.Provides leadership by supporting company and departmental change. May be expected to lead scientific and operational department objectives at the local and global level.

• Liaises with colleagues from other disciplines with the purpose of discussing project-related matters, sharing experiences and reporting progress.

• May contribute to the management of external collaborations, e.g. consultants, academic and contract research organisations.

• Ensures that work is performed in accordance withappropriate Safety, Health & Environment (SHE), quality and compliance standards, e.g. Good Laboratory Standards (GLS).

• Is required to work flexibly across different areas and participate in provision of weekend, Bank Holiday and out of hours support

Minimum Education Requirements:
BSc with relevant experience within the discipline or equivalent industry experience.

Essential Criteria

• Experience as Study Director/project planner for in vivo studies.

• Extensive in vivo skills and proficient with working with a range of rodent animal models.

• Current or past Home Office personal licence holder (modules A, B, C) or equivalent qualification.

• Understanding of range of scientific disciplines within R&D.

• Problem-solving skills related to in vivo research and data analysis.

• Fully conversant with all aspects of the Animal (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986, Directive 2010/63/EU, associated Home Office guidelines and their implications.

• Understanding of current principles and concepts in own area of work.

• Fluent in verbal and written English language.

• Highly motivated, independent scientist be able to work effectively as part of a team and develop ideas by incorporating the views of others.
  

Desirable Criteria

• Experience as Study Director for Toxicology Studies.

• Experience of model development either independently or part of a team.

• Experience in the pharmaceutical industry.

• Imaging, surgical or advanced tumour/humanised model experience.

• Post-graduate degree in the relevant sciences, or a consistent track record of in vivo work in a relevant subject area.

• Understanding of regulations and relevant compliance systems related to own area of work.

Why AstraZeneca?

At AstraZeneca, we stand at the forefront of scientific innovation, passionately merging cutting-edge technology with groundbreaking research to redefine the boundaries of drug discovery and personalized healthcare. We cultivate an environment where curiosity and courage propel us to tackle the biology of complex diseases without fear of failure, driving bold decisions and ambitious breakthroughs.

Our team thrives in a supportive atmosphere, equipped with state-of-the-art resources that empower professionals to celebrate both their triumphs and setbacks. With us, you will not only impact the future of medicine but also enjoy competitive compensation, benefits, and robust career development opportunities. Join us on this exciting journey to make a meaningful impact in the world.

So, what’s next?

• Are you already imagining yourself joining our team? Good, because we can’t wait to hear from you.

• We encourage you to apply online before July 22.

Where can I find out more?

Our Social Media, Follow AstraZeneca on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/1603/

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