Scientist, Oncology Research

Job Description

Scientist Oncology Research

Location: Gaithersburg, MD

At AstraZeneca, we turn ideas into life changing medicines. Working here means being entrepreneurial, thinking big and working together to make the impossible a reality. We’re passionate about the potential of science to address the unmet needs of patients around the world. We commit to those areas where we believe we can really change the course of medicine and bring big new ideas to life.

Oncology R&D

AstraZeneca’s vision in Oncology is to push the boundaries of science to change the practice of medicine, transform the lives of patients living with cancer, and to ultimately eliminate cancer as a cause of death. A broad pipeline of next-generation medicines is focused principally on four disease areas - breast, ovarian, lung and hematological cancers.

Site Information

The Gaithersburg site offers a variety of amenities to help boost productivity and help keep our employees happy and healthy. This includes a fitness center, employee healthcare clinic, electric vehicle charging stations, dry cleaning, 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.

Ideal Candidate

We are seeking a motivated scientist in Immuno-Oncology with technical expertise in innate and adaptive immune cell biology to join our team in Gaithersburg, US. As a scientist you will be a key member of a team focussed on supporting immuno-oncology projects through the drug discovery process. You will bring your expertise in immunology to establish assay systems and deliver datasets that will have direct impact on immuno-oncology research projects.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

Working in this laboratory-based position within the Immuno-Oncology Research group you will develop, design, conduct and analyze in vitro experiments to assess the function of our candidate drugs and help to dissect the mechanism of action of novel therapeutics targeting the immune system for cancer therapy. You will also review emerging literature and internal data to help in identifying new techniques and ideas that can contribute to the development of new medicines.

A solid foundation in immunology and/or oncology, and experience in techniques for the analysis of immune cell function is crucial for this role. As a highly organized, self-motivated individual with a strong lab/practical background you will stay up to date with relevant techniques and have a genuine passion for this field of research. The position requires strong interest in bench work and ability to work in a fast-paced matrix structured work environment.

Essential Requirements

• B.S, in Biology, Immunology or related scientific discipline with 3-6 yrs. scientific experience or M.S. with 0-5 yrs.
• Has a good understanding of immunology and tumor biology
• Experience with a range of in vitro skills in basic biochemical and immunological methods including multi-color flow cytometry (FACS), ELISA/multiplex assays, ELISPOT, western blotting, immunoprecipitation, cell killing and tumor cell phagocytosis assay.
• Ability to independently design and execute research plans for one or more programs, and to review, analyze, and interpret experimental results
• Team player who is well organized with interpersonal skills in both oral and written and oral communication
• Ability to record protocols and experiments in a timely manner and maintain an excellent laboratory notebook

Desirable Requirements

• Strong organization and team working skills
• We would encourage applications from candidates who have experience in the evaluation of immune function and in the application of complex immunological assays
• Experience working with patient-derived tumors and/or tumor infiltrating T cells and macrophage is an advantage
• Hands-on experience with in vivo work preferred but not required
• Biotechnology or pharmaceutical industry experience preferred

Call to Action

Next Steps – Apply today!!

Competitive Salary and Benefits Apply.

To be considered for this exciting opportunity, please complete the full application on our website at your earliest convenience – it is the only way that our Recruiter and Hiring Manager can know that you feel well qualified for this opportunity. If you know someone who would be a great fit, please share this posting with them.

AstraZeneca is an equal opportunity employer. AstraZeneca will consider all qualified applicants for employment without discrimination on grounds of disability, sex or sexual orientation, pregnancy or maternity leave status, race or national or ethnic origin, age, religion or belief, gender identity or re-assignment, marital or civil partnership status, protected veteran status (if applicable) or any other characteristic protected by law. AstraZeneca only employs individuals with the right to work in the country/ies where the role is advertised. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform crucial job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.