Scientists, ADC/RC Target Biology

Do you have expertise in, and passion for oncology research? Would you like to apply your expertise to impact the development of Antibody Drug Conjugates (ADCs) and radioconjugates (RCs) in a company that follows the science and turns ideas into life changing medicines? If so, this may be the role for you!

We are currently seeking a highly motivated Scientist (non-PhD) with strong scientific excellence and technical expertise in oncology research to join our ADC Biology and Development team at Waltham, MA USA, within the Oncology Targeted Discovery (OTD) group.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

• As a Scientist, you will be a key member of a team focused on supporting target discovery for various targeted therapeutic projects.

• You will work in a laboratory, with minimal supervision, designing, conducting, troubleshooting, and analyzing in vitro experiments to rationalize target selection, in order to match target biology with payload biology and disease indications.

• You will work collaboratively with cross-functional teams to identify, validate, and prioritize targets based on their biology, and contribute to generation of project packages for milestone transitions in early ADC and RC portfolio.

• You may also support project teams upon request of assay development to deepen our understanding of target biology for later portfolio projects to refine patient selection and potential combination strategies.

• Your role may also involve reviewing emerging literature and internal data to improve our understanding of novel target biology and facilitate in-house assay development.

Essential Requirements

• Bachelors with 3-5 years' experience (academia and/or industry), or Masters with 1+ year experience (academia and/or industry) in Biology, Oncology, Biochemistry, Pharmacology, Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, or a related field.

• Understanding of solid tumor biology and signaling pathways (cell death/ survival, proliferation, invasion, metastasis, etc) and relevant in vitro model system (2D, 3D, organoid, etc)

• Experience with a range of cellular and molecular biology techniques to characterize human tumor cell function and signaling pathways (e.g. cell culture, cell signaling bioassays, multi-color flow cytometry, incucyte, Western blot, ELISA, qPCR, MSD/Luminex, immunoprecipitation, cell death measurement in primary and cell line cultures, generating and/or analyzing transcriptomic data)

• Experience with genetic tools for cell line engineering (si/shRNA, CRISPR, transfection, transduction)

• Works equally well independently and in collaboration to execute assigned in a manner consistent with project goals. Reports data in a clear and concise manner, with a comprehensive understanding of its implications within the overall context of drug discovery.

• Ensures your work is compliant with Good Laboratory Practice, Safety, Health, and Environment standards and all other relevant internal AstraZeneca standards and external regulations.

Desirable Requirements

• Prior experience in the biopharmaceutical/biotech industry, and/or familiarity with antibody drug conjugates or other targeted delivery modalities (radioconjugates, degraders, bispecifics, etc) is preferred but not required.

• Familiarity with receptor internalization and recycling biology, and lysosomal biology is preferred.

• Familiarity with biology of DNA damage responses (DDR), immunogenic cell death (ICD), and tumor microenvironment (TME) is preferred.

About AstraZeneca

At AstraZeneca, we are committed to follow the science. We are a science-based, leading and decisive Oncology enterprise united in our vision to eliminate cancer as a cause of death. We are pioneers, making bold moves that transform the way cancer is treated and truly improve patient outcomes. 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 believe in growing together and providing a place where everyone can have a voice. We are ambitious and collaborative, optimistic in our ability to be resilient and committed to our science-driven approach, with a sharp focus on outcomes. We transform the way cancer is treated to make a meaningful difference to people and patients.

About Waltham/Boston R&D site

Our Waltham, Massachusetts facility develops life changing small-molecule research in North America, with innovative laboratories at the Gatehouse Park Bio Hub, just west of the city center. Our BioHub facility, is a bold new R&D initiative, which fosters life science discoveries and the exchange of ideas. Here, we play host to some of the most cutting-edge technology and lab spaces, all designed to inspire collaboration and cross-functional science. We believe employees benefit from being challenged and inspired at work. We are dedicated to creating a culture of inclusion and collaboration. With a shuttle bus to and from Alewife station, the location provides you the ability to work in the heart of one of the world’s most vibrant research centers.

Our Waltham site offers a variety of amenities help keep our employees happy and engaged. This includes a fitness center, employee healthcare clinic, electric vehicle charging stations, full-service cafeteria and copy center. This is where you’ll find newly designed, activity-based workspaces to suit a variety of working styles while increasing collaboration between teams and the greater research community.

As AstraZeneca continues to put patients at the forefront of our mission, we are excited for our move to Kendall Square/Cambridge in 2026. Find out more information here: Kendall Square Press Release

“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 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.”


Our mission is to build an inclusive and equitable environment. We want people to feel they belong at AstraZeneca and Alexion, starting with our recruitment process. We welcome and consider applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of characteristics. We offer reasonable adjustments/ accommodations to help all candidates to perform at their best. If you have a need for any adjustments/accommodations, please complete the section in the application form.

AstraZeneca requires all US employees to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 but will consider requests for reasonable accommodations as required by applicable law.

Are you 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.