Scientist, Bioscience

Scientist, Bioscience

Introduction to role

Do you have expertise in, and a passion for, cell biology? Would you like to apply your expertise to impact drug discovery in a company that follows the science and turns ideas into life-changing medicines? Then join us at AstraZeneca in Discovery Sciences’ Global Cell Bank (GCB) team and make a difference for millions of patients. AstraZeneca is one of the world's leading pharmaceutical companies, and we’re passionate about providing medicines that make a real difference in patient care. AstraZeneca is a place with an ambitious and collaborative culture, where you’ll feel valued, energized, and rewarded for your ideas and contributions.

Discovery Sciences applies deep technical expertise in specialist technologies to support the delivery of targets and molecules to the early AstraZeneca pipeline. Targets are identified through our human genomics and functional genomics efforts, employing the latest technologies in genome editing and advanced cell model development. Once identified and validated, we work with therapy area project teams to identify novel small molecule effectors of these targets using our integrated sample management and platform screening groups. As the new range of targeted therapeutics moves towards the clinic, we are placing an increased emphasis on understanding the links between the chosen molecular target, disease type/stage, and drug responses.

Key to this is the provision of high-quality cellular models for research. The GCB team is critical for delivering these cellular models and developing methods to prepare primary cell lines for projects aligned with our strategic objective of increasing the translatability of the cell models used in research. We are now offering an exciting opportunity for a dedicated and highly motivated individual to join us in the role of Scientist, GCB.

Accountabilities

• Expansion and banking of a variety of immortalized cell lines using best practice aseptic techniques.

• Ensuring the highest quality is maintained through knowledge or performance in cell line quality control methods such as mycoplasma testing, STR fingerprinting, and sterility testing.

• Retrieval of cell lines from cryogenic storage.

• Data management of cell line information.

• Maintaining an awareness of current developments in the literature and contributing to the continuous improvement process.

• Shipment of cryopreserved cell lines both nationally and internationally.

• Assessing and reporting data, with little or no guidance, in a clear and concise manner, with a clear understanding of its implications within the overall context of drug discovery.

• Communicating and sharing information between distinct projects within the bioscience function and across other functions.

• Ensuring own work, and work of peers, is compliant with Good Laboratory Practice, Safety, Health and Environment standards, and all other relevant internal AstraZeneca standards and external regulations.

Essential Skills/Experience

• Associate degree or BS in Biology, Biotechnology or other relevant area of scientific training with 1-2 years relevant work experience consistent with the responsibilities detailed above, preferably in an industrial setting

• Significant experience with culturing immortalized cell lines and/or primary cells models.

• Follow Standard Operating Procedures and adhere to all safety and compliance policies.

• Excellent team working, communication, and networking skills.

• Experience of interacting optimally across disciplines, cultures, and expertise.

Desirable Skills/Experience

• Hands-on experience of cell banking.

• Experience with cell line QC techniques.

• Accurate and reliable record keeping including database management, batch records, notebooks, and all pertinent documentation

• Excellent attention to detail.

• Experience of carrying out activities in a timely manner and to the highest standards.

• Proven willingness to work flexibly in a team with minimal direct supervision.

• Good knowledge and understanding of standard IT software packages (Outlook, Word, Excel etc.). Understanding of tracking databases would be beneficial.

• Applicant must be willing and able to work reliably on a Monday – Friday work schedule, ONSITE

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.

At AstraZeneca, we thrive on tackling unknowns and embracing change. Our dynamic environment fosters resilience and innovation, making every achievement even more rewarding. We are dedicated to improving patients' lives through groundbreaking research and collaboration across all our Therapy Areas. Here, your contributions are valued, visible, and impactful.

Ready to make a difference? Apply now to join our team!

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.