Biotransformation Senior Scientist (Early Oncology R&D)

Job Role: Biotransformation Senior Scientist (Early Oncology R&D)

Location: Waltham

The Oncology Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics (DMPK) department 

Do you have a passion for Biotransformation and DMPK science, applied to Cancer biology?

Would you like to apply your expertise to impact the lives of patients in a company that follows science and turns ideas into life changing medicines? Then AstraZeneca is the organization where you can make that happen!

About AstraZeneca

AstraZeneca is a global, science-led, patient-focused biopharmaceutical company that focuses on the discovery, development and commercialization of prescription medicines for some of the world’s most serious diseases. But we’re more than one of the world’s leading pharmaceutical companies.

A place built on courage, curiosity and collaboration – we make bold decisions driven by patient outcomes. Empowered to lead at every level, free to ask questions and take calculated risks that write the next chapter for our pipeline and Oncology team.

Oncology R&D is a major focus area and growth platform at AstraZeneca. Our vision is to be at the forefront of developing the new generation of cancer therapies. We work together across all boundaries to have a positive impact in the world by solving complicated problems.

Business Area

Be part of fulfilling our ambition to be world leaders in Oncology. We are already the fastest growing team within AstraZeneca and across the industry, and there are countless new indications and targets in our innovative pipeline. We deliver this value through launch excellence, commercial effectiveness and maximizing the lifecycle. By leveraging our commercializedportfolio, we are confident we can change the practice of medicine and redefine cancer treatment.

The Oncology Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics (DMPK) department provides ADME/DMPK, as well as translational PKPD Modeling & Simulation support to our portfolio. We are looking for an individual who has a passion for Biotransformation and DMPK science, applied to Cancer biology.

The Biotransformation senior scientist reports to the Director of the DMPK ADME Group in Boston. In this role, the Biotransformation specialist determines major metabolic pathways by interpretation of mass spectra in biological matrices, reports data to project teams and other customers,determines the structures of metabolites using high resolution accuratemass spectrometry, identifies potentially genotoxic, reactive or active or metabolites, and highlights them to customers. The Biotransformation specialist contributes via the DMPK design leader (DDL) to the design of compounds with better properties (metabolic stability/metabolism pathways) via a detailed understanding of the mechanism responsible on a molecular level and is responsible for planning and suggestion of in vivo metabolism studies. This role is also responsible for elucidating the biotransformation pathways in humans and animals for compounds in development, including contributing to the regulatory documentation.

The role holder will contribute to Oncology DMPK by:

• Designing and executing biotransformation studies to assess metabolic pathways, soft-spot identification, structural elucidation and bioactivation potential of drug candidates.

• Delivering high quality pre-clinical and clinical in vitro/in vivo biotransformation data to support regulatory submissions and MIST.

• Providing support for radio-labeled metabolite profiling studies from in vitro and in vivo samples (pre-clinical and clinical mass balance studies).

• Developing pioneering methodologies to support this core function.

• Maintaining accurate records of the study data.

• Preparing clear technical reports, peer-reviewed publications, and oral presentations.

Minimum Requirements:

• PhD in Chemistry/Biochemistry/Biology/Pharmacology or related area and 0-4 years of experience of Biotransformation work in Pharmaceutical Industry or equivalent or Master’s degree with 5+ years of equivalent experience.

• Has the technical skills to operate and perform incubations and sample preparation, regular maintenance and elementary trouble shooting on high resolution accurate mass spectrometers.

• Extensive experience of structural elucidation of small molecules through the generation and interpretation of high-resolution mass spectra, ideally with a focus on metabolite identification.

• A strong understanding of how metabolite identification studies are carried out in drug development e.g. MIST and hADME studies.

• Work with clinical teams and external partners to ensure excellent study design and timely reporting of high-quality biotransformation data.

• Strong experience with strategic drug development, handling submission and regulatory documents.

As a specialist in determining the structures of metabolites (for biotransformation), including measuring levels of radioactivity and be a speaking partner to the NMR specialists.

Has a track record of productivity in biotransformation work in discovery and/or development, with a delivery focus and ability to meet timelines.

• Should be able to interpret confounding data, explain results, capable of suggesting follow up experiments based on data generated

• Experience of working with high-resolutionmass spectrometers such asThermo Q-Exactive or Orbitrap fusion 

Does this describe it to you? Do you want to be part of something ground-breaking? If so, don't hesitate in submitting that application today by clicking on the link below...alternatively, if you know of someone whose skills would suit this position, please alert them of this fantastic opportunity.

Why AstraZeneca?

At AstraZeneca, we 're dedicated to being a Great Place to Work. Where you are empowered to push the boundaries of science and unleash your entrepreneurial spirit. There’s no better place to make a difference to medicine, patients and society. An inclusive culture that champions diversity and collaboration, and always committed to lifelong learning, growth and development. We’re on an exciting journey to pioneer the future of healthcare.

So, what’s next?

If you are already imagining yourself joining our team. Good, because we can’t wait to hear from you!

Competitive salary and benefits package on offer.

The successful candidate will have access to a flexible employee benefits fund, including holiday purchase and flexible time off, pension contributions, Share Save Plans, A performance recognition scheme and a competitive, generous remuneration package

Where can I find out more?OurSocial Media, Follow AstraZeneca on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/1603/