Molecular Imaging Scientist

Job Description

Molecular Imaging Scientist

Do you have expertise in tissue imaging and want to be a part of an Imaging & AI team who has direct impact on drug development? Join us at AstraZeneca in Cambridge (UK), as our new Molecular Imaging Scientist and play a vital role in discovering new medicines for our patients.

AstraZeneca is a biopharmaceutical company with a mission to bring a difference to health through medicines that benefit patients in need and add value to society. We discover, develop, manufacture and market prescription medicines for areas of healthcare, which include some of the world's most serious illnesses: cancer, cardiovascular disease, respiratory, inflammation, and autoimmune diseases. We are driven to make a positive change in the lives of patients with these diseases.

At AstraZeneca, we believe in the potential of our people and you will develop beyond what you thought possible. We make the most of your skills and passion, by actively supporting you to see what you can achieve no matter where you start with us. Working at AstraZeneca means being entrepreneurial, thinking big and working together to make the impossible a reality.

Our Clinical Pharmacology and Safety Sciences (CPSS) function is changing the way imaging technologies are combined to offer unprecedented insight and impact. Our imaging hubs combine data from histology, digital pathology, multiplex assays, mass spectrometry imaging and other advanced molecular imaging techniques (including mass spectrometry imaging) and a full suite of in vivo imaging technologies. As a Molecular Imaging Scientist, you will play a pivotal role in delivering high quality imaging data, primarily employing mass spectrometry imaging technology but also developing integrated imaging solutions combining with histological and advanced molecular techniques, such as mIF, Imaging Mass Cytometry, RNAscope, Spatial transcriptomics,... You will be involved in the delivery of the imaging components of both early investigative in vivo safety and efficacy studies, as well as increasing imaging support for clinical trials

The role:

As a Molecular Imaging Scientist you will;

• Work in partnership with project teams across AZ therapy areas to understand project issues, analyse and report the data you produce, with little or no guidance, in a clear and concise manner, to colleagues and stakeholders
• Lead design of tissue/molecular imaging endpoints supporting safety and efficacy studies and provide general and hypothesis-driven scientific advice on specific topics to the team
• Have a strong understanding of the practices, principles and concepts associated with a variety of study types using tissue/molecular imaging techniques and other imaging technologies within the group
• Maintain a knowledge internally and externally of new trends in tissue imaging technology, experimental techniques/equipment and introduce new methods and instrumentation as required and agreed with the Imaging & AI Leadership Team. Bring a fresh perspective into the group and the enthusiasm to tackle new challenges and learn new skills.
• Manage portfolio support to ensure delivery to agreed timelines and quality standards
• Contribute to the objectives of the department through active participation in department and cross-functional project teams/meetings, ensuring that work is performed in accordance with appropriate Safety, Health & Environment (SHE), quality and compliance standards.
• Provide disciplinary scientific leadership and mentorship for less experienced scientists. Manage scientists from student and Post Doc programmes.
• Carry out collaborative research aligned to CPSS objectives with academic or cross-pharma pre-competitive groups and publishing research papers and reviews in internationally recognized journals
• Support the department's leadership team in both the strategic vision for the department and in the efficient and progressive running of the department.

Essential Requirements:

• PhD in Chemistry, Biology, Physical Sciences, or related discipline with 2+ years of related imaging experience
• Expert knowledge in at least one of the following:
  • Mass spectrometry-based metabolomics and/or lipidomics data acquisition and statistical analysis.
  • High-plex immunostaining techniques including IMC and mIF with an experience in analysing highly multi-parametric data.
  • Spatial gene expression technologies such as NanoString or Visium and corresponding data analysis
• Good understanding of bioanalytical method development and the Implementation/validation of new technologies
• Knowledge of histomorphology of mammalian tissue/tissues
• Independent experimental design, critical data analysis (including statistics) and reporting; problem-solving skills related to molecular imaging data analysis
• Excellent communication skills and proven interpersonal skills that deliver successful collaborative working relationships and support for colleagues
• Strong leadership capabilities, results driven and a focus on timely delivery
• Can-do attitude with a desire to learn and develop is essential; ability to thrive on complex problems and challenges

Desirable Requirements:

• Background in and understanding of pharmaceutical discovery and development processes (from preclinical to clinical stages).
• Background in advanced image analysis, machine learning and bioinformatics
• Knowledge of handling clinical samples and or 3D cell cultures models
• Knowledge and/or experience in other imaging technologies, in-vivo (PET, MRI, CT)
• Good publication record

So, what’s next?

Are you already imagining yourself joining our team? Good, because we can’t wait to hear from you! Welcome with your application (CV and cover letter) no later than 10th of August 2021.

For more information about the position please contact hiring manager Stewart Jones - [email protected]

We will review the applications continuously so please apply as soon as possible.

Opportunity: Molecular Imaging Scientist

Locations: Cambridge, UK

Salary: Competitive, with excellent benefits