Associate Principal Assay Scientist

Associate Principal Scientist

Location: Waltham, MA USA

Work with diverse minds, all united by a shared passion to learn, grow and discover.

At AstraZeneca, we turn ideas into life changing medicines. Working here means being results oriented, thinking big and working together to make the impossible a reality.

We are looking for an Assay Scientist to join our Biologics Engineering (BE) team based in Waltham MA, with a planned move to Cambridge, MA in 2026.   

Summary of the Group

The Assay hub at Gaithersburg is a newly established group within Biologics Engineering (BE) that is responsible for the development of high throughput, robust and innovative assay platforms for the characterization of novel biologics in collaboration with AstraZeneca’s therapeutic area functions, providing cutting edge drug discovery capabilities to support our expanding portfolio. We are now expanding our team to provide local support to biologics discovery activities at our new site in Waltham, MA.

BE is responsible for the discovery and optimization of biological candidate drugs across all AZ therapy areas such as oncology, respiratory and inflammation, cardiovascular, renal and metabolic diseases. We are constantly pushing the boundaries of science to deliver life-changing medicines to patients, with a passion for the development of in-house biologics discovery platforms and novel drug modalities to address unmet medical needs.

In this role you will be responsible for providing critical biochemical and cell assay expertise to support AZ’s expanding complex biologics and ADC portfolio. This is a lab-based role involving independent design, execution and interpretation of scientific experiments, and effective communication of findings and recommendations as part of a multi-disciplinary project team.

What you'll do

• Work in cross functional teams to develop HT biochemical and functional assays and triage leads following antibody discovery campaigns.
• Work collaboratively with our core facility to run flow and imaging-based assays to measure antibody binding, internalization and potency.
• Work closely with automation experts and IT, and to establish HTP (96/384 well) assay platforms for screening different modalities.
• 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.
• 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

Required Qualifications:

• PhD in Immunology, Biochemistry, Cell Biology or similar with 4 years’ experience in industry or academia
• Experience with HT flow cytometry (iQue or Attune), SPR/BLI, and handling of primary cells and cell lines.
• Background in drug discovery in the pharmaceutical industry
• Experience and in-depth technical knowledge of assay development, screening and use of automation, 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

Desired Qualifications:

• Ph. D. with industry experience.
• Experience in antibody design and characterization
• Project leadership experience
• Experience working in industry within matrix teams

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.