In-Vivo Scientist, Clinical Immuno-Oncology Discovery, Early Oncology

Position: In-Vivo Scientist, Clinical Immuno-Oncology Discovery, Early Oncology
Location: Cambridge, UK
Competitive Salary & Excellent Company Benefits

Follow the Science to Pioneer New Frontiers

Be part of the team that follows the science to transform the lives of cancer patients.  As part of Early Oncology Research and Development, you will be a member of a team of professionals who are pioneering new frontiers by identifying and treating patients earlier while working toward the aim of eliminating cancer.  We are driven by curiosity and backed by billions of investment pounds, we are empowered at every level to follow the science in pioneering new frontiers, exploring the most complex Oncology challenges to deliver new molecular entities over and over again.  AstraZeneca’s pipeline is one of the broadest and deepest in the industry.  Why don’t you consider joining an unrivalled scientific community filled with the brightest, curious and diverse minds? 

About AstraZeneca

AstraZeneca is a global, innovation-driven biopharmaceutical business 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. At AstraZeneca, we're proud to have a unique workplace culture that inspires innovation and collaboration.

About Our Cambridge UK Oncology Hub

The role will be based at the Cambridge Biomedical Campus; combining world-class biomedical research, patient care and education on a single site location in the heart of Cambridge. This new purpose-built site will bring together the company’s research and development activity in a state-of-the-art strategic R&D center and global corporate headquarters. The building has been designed with the open architecture reflecting AstraZeneca’s collaborative approach to research. Open laboratories and transparent glass walls will enable new ways of working across disciplines, whilst a central courtyard will put science on full display. 

Innovate and Push the Boundaries of Science in Oncology R&D

Join a dedicated Oncology team that’s growing fast and building a strong track record of success. Our pioneering approach is identifying and treating patients earlier, focusing on early stage cancer trials and listening and evolving based on their needs. As a team we are deeply committed to transforming the lives of patients living with cancer – with the ultimate aim of eliminating cancer as a cause of death. There’s no better place to make an impact – here we are uniquely placed with the funding, the ambition and the bravery to make it happen.

Main Responsibilities

The role is anchored within the Early Oncology, Clinical Immuno-Oncology (IO) Discovery group at AstraZeneca, Cambridge.  Within this dynamic team setting, you will apply your passion and expertise in immunology assays to further elucidate the mechanism of action of IO agents already being tested in clinical trials. This position will provide the opportunity to dissect and explore novel preclinical biology, to liaise with cross functional teams, to see your ideas influence clinical strategies and to present your findings at conferences and in high quality/high impact peer reviewed journals. Role is vivarium based and will entail day-today responsibility for hands-on delivery of in vivo experiments and data recording / record keeping and analysis.   The successful candidate will work with the discipline team leader and have input into experimental designs and operational aspects of the in vivo experiments.

Key responsibilities include:

• This is a full-time laboratory-based position. You will be responsible for executing in vivo experiments to address key questions arising from clinical trials and/or affiliated with IO candidate drugs currently being evaluated in clinical trials.  Collaborative working with other colleagues in Early Oncology is, therefore, essential. 
• Write up and present pertinent findings in a timely manner.
• Problem solve and establish innovative approaches to fuel understanding of candidate drug activities & potential combination partners.
• Contribute to scientific publications (posters & manuscripts) for external communication in addition to supporting documents associated with regulatory submissions.
• Ability to be agile in thought and research development, and demonstrate strength in independent research while having the ability to work effectively in a collaborative setting.  
• Support other laboratory based colleagues in the Clinical Immuno-Oncology (IO) Discovery group to ensure a safe, well organized and effective laboratory environment. 
• Full compliance with UK Home Office regulations concerning in vivo experimentation. 

Essential Requirements

This laboratory based position within the AstraZeneca organization requires an experienced graduate scientist whose qualities and experience include the following:

• A BSc, or equivalent experience, in immunology, cancer biology, cell biology or mammalian biology. 
• Expertise and knowledge concerning in vivo experimentation allied to cancer research / drug development
• Willingness to undertake hands-on in vivo work in a predominantly laboratory-based role. 
• Ability to design and independently run and analyse in vivo experiments; including statistical analyses
• Strong attention to detail, communication skills and record keeping. 
• Utmost integrity and ethical standards associated with animal experimentation. 
• Excellent organizational and communication skills
• Strong interpersonal, influencing and collaboration skills
• Ability to work in a high paced team environment, plan and meet timelines

• Experience of preparing written scientific reports  and oral presentations.
• Willingness to work flexibly; including weekends if necessary. 

Desirable Requirements

• Drive and enthusiasm for researching approaches to the therapeutic manipulation of the immune system in oncology settings
• Expertise in techniques for the analysis of immune function and phenotype (e.g. flow cytometry, proliferation, cytokine/chemokine release [e.g. MSD, ELISA], target cell killing assays).
• Experience with in vivo imaging methods
• Experience with humanized mouse models / genetically engineered mouse models of cancer

So, what’s next?

Are you already imagining yourself joining our team? Good, because we can’t wait to hear from you!

Closing date for applications: 18th October 2024

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 authorisation and employment eligibility verification requirements.