Senior Assay Scientist

Senior Assay Scientist

Join us at AstraZeneca, where we turn ideas into life-changing medicines. We are looking for a Senior Assay Scientist to join our Biologics Engineering (BE) team based in Gaithersburg, Maryland US. The Assay hub at Gaithersburg is a newly established group within BE that is responsible for the development of high throughput, robust and innovative assay platforms for the characterization of novel biologics. This is your chance to work on the next generation new drug modalities and experience more than traditional molecules. Embrace working on our expanding toolkit of drug modalities, combining science and the molecular machinery of cells. Stay at the forefront with our advancements in biotechnology!

Accountabilities:

In this role, you will be responsible for providing critical biochemical and cell assay expertise to deliver biologics drug discovery and technology development projects. This includes characterizing multi-specific antibodies and other complex biologics, implementing end-to-end automation and liquid handling for HT assay workflows, designing assays for functional screening of T-cell engagers, ADCs and cytokine-fusions among other complex modalities. You will also be expected to maintain a well-developed understanding of assay approaches to drug discovery and apply it to biologics discovery.

What you’ll do:

• Work in cross functional teams to characterize bi- or multi-specific antibodies across various therapeutic areas.
• Implement end-to-end automation and liquid handling for HT assay workflows.
• Design assays for functional screening of T-cell engagers, ADCs and cytokine-fusions among other complex modalities.
• Develop assays using primary immune cells and apply imaging, ELISA and flow-based methods for profiling and characterization.
• Support the development of ELISA, SPR/BLI, HTRF, IP-WB as well as cell-based FACS, live-cell and high content imaging assays for the characterization of novel biologics and for the mechanistic understanding of complex drug-target interactions.
• Work closely with automation experts and IT, and to establish HTP (96/384 well) assay platforms for screening different modalities.
• Apply antibody & protein engineering expertise to design & develop novel drug discovery screening platform.
• Will be responsible for providing assay expertise to shape biologics discovery projects.
• Maintain a well-developed understanding of assay approaches to drug discovery and apply to biologics discovery.
• Identify creative solutions to sophisticated assay, technology or drug discovery project problems
• Lead and contribute to peer reviewed publications, patents and participate at international conferences
• Provide technical training and supervise members of the team where required
• Ensure own work, and work of peers, follow Good Laboratory Practice, Safety, Health and Environment standards and all other relevant internal AstraZeneca standards and external regulations

Essential Skills/Experience:

- Master’s Degree in Cell biology, Biochemistry or similar with at least 5 years of relevant experience in industry or academia OR

- PhD in Biochemistry, Cell Biology or similar with 2 years’ experience in industry or academia.

- Experience with FACS and live imaging, as well as handling of primary cells and cell lines.

- Experience in protein biochemistry and protein-protein interactions through BLI/SPR methods.

- Experience and in-depth technical knowledge of assay development with a dedication to quality and scientific rigor

- Strong teammate with good communication skills and experience of working in multi-disciplinary teams.

- Ability to tackle challenges creatively and contribute and improve assay technologies and processes

Desirable Skills/Experience:

- Ph. D. with industry experience.

- Biochemical assay expertise

- Experience in antibody design and characterization in an industry setting.

- Experience working in industry within matrix teams

When we put unexpected teams in the same room, we unleash bold 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?

As part of our Oncology R&D team, you'll be pushing the boundaries of science to change the practice of medicine and transform the lives of patients living with cancer. We are a science-based, leading and decisive Oncology enterprise united in our vision to eliminate cancer as a cause of death. With one of the broadest and deepest Oncology pipelines in the industry, there are many opportunities to work with new and novel drugs and help discover what's next. We foster a mindset of courage, where everyone is empowered to step up, innovate and work at pace. Our pipeline is a testament to our growth, both now and in the future.

Ready to make a difference? Apply today and join us in our mission to eliminate cancer as a cause of death!

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.