Scientist, Oncology Targeted Discovery-Drug Conjugates

Scientist, Oncology Targeted Discovery-Drug Conjugates

Follow the science and pioneer new frontiers. Join the team dedicated to Oncology, with an ambition to eliminate cancer as a cause of death. This is the vision that unites and inspires us.

Accountabilities

As a Scientist in Oncology Targeted Discovery – Drug Conjugates, you will be a key member of a team supporting oncology projects through the drug discovery process. You will bring your experimental and analytical expertise in cancer biology to establish assays and deliver datasets that will directly impact future targeted cancer therapeutics, including antibody drug conjugates. You’ll be joining a growing and dynamic team in our state-of-the-art facility in Gaithersburg, MD. If you want a chance to have a direct impact on the next generation of cancer therapies, this is the role for you.

You will work as part of a team of laboratory-based scientists who design, conduct and analyze in vitro experiments to evaluate candidate drug targets and assess the function of discovery-stage oncology drugs. This will include identifying and onboarding the relevant disease models and target engagement and efficacy assays and executing these assays to help evaluate the pharmacologic effects of compounds of interest in vitro. You will also have opportunities to review emerging literature and internal data to identify new targets and contribute to target nomination, evaluation, and validation activities within Oncology Targeted Discovery group.

Essential Skills/Experience
•    BS with 5+ years of full-time research experience in Cell/Molecular Biology, Cancer Biology, In vitro Pharmacology or related scientific area. Industry experience strongly preferred.
•    OR MS with 2+ years of full-time research experience in Cell/Molecular Biology, Cancer Biology, In vitro Pharmacology or related scientific area. Industry experience strongly preferred.
•    Experience executing in vitro studies for the analysis of human tumor cell function (e.g. cell culture, cell signaling bioassays, high-content imaging, cell death measurement, live-cell reporters, and mRNA/protein expression assays in primary or cell line cultures).
•    Expertise in experimental design and analysis, including identification of proper positive and negative controls, evaluating data using QC metrics, and presenting the results of your experiments to relevant project teams.
•    Strong knowledge of cancer biology, cell biology, genetics, cell signaling, and molecular biology.
•    Deep understanding of cancer models, particularly cell culture.
•    Demonstrated ability to work well independently and to collaborate with teams with diverse background and expertise, to execute assigned tasks in a manner consistent with project goals.
•    Ability to report and communicate data in a clear and concise manner, with a comprehensive understanding of its implications within the overall context of drug discovery.
•    Creative problem-solving skills, with independent initiative to address complex scientific questions, contributes novel ideas, both technical and strategic, to help advance assigned projects and aid in the success of team members and colleagues whenever possible.
•    A passion for learning, mentorship, and personal and professional growth. A drive to advance cutting edge science and develop your skills, knowledge, and career.
•    An innate curiosity to learn more about cancer biology and cutting-edge cancer therapeutic modalities.

Desirable Skills/Experience
•    Experience in industry drug discovery is strongly preferred.
•    Hands-on experience designing and developing quantitative, mechanistic, cell-based assays for evaluating compounds for target engagement.
•    Experience working with antibody drug conjugates is preferred.
•    Cell and Molecular Biology skills including assessment of intracellular signaling, generation of engineered cell lines (CRISPR knock-out/knock-in), generation of cell-based reporter assays, and generation and/or analysis of transcriptomic data.
•    Experience with microscopy, flow cytometry, and plate-based medium- to high-throughput assays.

At AstraZeneca, we are driven by our curiosity, passion, and determination to change the practice of medicine in Oncology. We push the boundaries of science to transform patient outcomes and improve lives. Our collaborative environment fosters innovation and empowers our team members to take smart risks and challenge the norm. With one of the broadest Oncology pipelines in the industry, we offer numerous opportunities to work with novel drugs and make significant contributions to the field.

Join us on this exciting journey by applying today!

The annual base pay for this position ranges from $87,200.00 - 130,800.00. Hourly and salaried non-exempt employees will also be paid overtime pay when working qualifying overtime hours. Base pay offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, including market location, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience.  In addition, our positions offer a short-term incentive bonus opportunity; eligibility to participate in our equity-based long-term incentive program (salaried roles), to receive a retirement contribution (hourly roles), and commission payment eligibility (sales roles). Benefits offered included a qualified retirement program [401(k) plan]; paid vacation and holidays; paid leaves; and, health benefits including medical, prescription drug, dental, and vision coverage in accordance with the terms and conditions of the applicable plans. Additional details of participation in these benefit plans will be provided if an employee receives an offer of employment. If hired, employee will be in an “at-will position” and the Company reserves the right to modify base pay (as well as any other discretionary payment or compensation program) at any time, including for reasons related to individual performance, Company or individual department/team performance, and market factors. 

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.