Senior Scientist - Medicinal Chemistry, Oncology Targeted Discovery

Senior Scientist, Medicinal Chemistry, Oncology Targeted Discovery 

Location: Waltham, MA, US 

Do you want to be at the cutting edge of innovation that will lead to state-of-the-art therapies for cancer? At AstraZeneca, we turn ideas into life changing medicines. Our pioneering oncology pipeline enabled by transformative technologies drives us forward. Working here means being ambitious, thinking big and working together to make the impossible a reality for the patients.    

AstraZeneca is a global, innovation-driven, integrated biopharmaceutical company. Our mission is to make a meaningful difference to patient health through great medicines that bring benefit for patients and add new value for society. We discover, develop, manufacture and market prescription medicines for important areas of healthcare, which include some of the world’s most serious illnesses: cancer, cardiovascular disease, respiratory, inflammation, and autoimmune diseases. We are driven by a shared goal to make a positive impact on the lives of patients with these serious diseases. Oncology is a core therapy area and growth platform at AstraZeneca and our vision is to deliver life-changing medicines that improve outcomes for patients most in need. 

This Opportunity

As a Senior Scientist, you will actively contribute to programs in the Oncology Targeted Discovery (OTD) chemistry group. This role is part of our strategy to deliver highly specific state-of-the-art therapeutics including, but not limited to, small molecules, peptides and antibody drug conjugates to treat cancer. The successful candidate will deploy expert-level synthetic organic chemistry skills in designing and building complex molecules, both small and non-small, in the laboratory to drive innovation. Working together with various disciplines, you will have the opportunity to acquire world-class medicinal chemistry skills and contribute to a thriving portfolio of future cancer medicines covering a wide range of modalities. There will also be a chance to support development and adoption of machine-learning/AI tools and emerging technologies. This job posting is for our group at the Waltham, MA location (with expectation to move to our new Kendall Square, Cambridge, MA site in Q3 2026).   

Core Accountabilities:

• Design and execute multi-step modular routes compatible for rapid access to small molecule targets (strong organic synthesis background is required) 

• Routinely separate, purify and analyze chemical matter, both small and non-small, using validated techniques and protocols  

• Employ quantitative and hypothesis-driven approaches to experimentation, including ability to interpret SAR  

• Learn to conduct research by deploying machine-learning/AI tools in seamlessly interactive manner 

• Demonstrate a collaborative team player mindset and enthusiasm for multidisciplinary research in a fast-paced environment across various internal/external partners     

• Participate in writing and submission of patent applications, peer-reviewed articles, and abstracts for scientific conferences        

• Ensure that appropriate safety, health & environment (SHE) practices are followed 

Essential Requirements:

• Doctoral degree (Ph.D.) or equivalent focused in synthetic organic or medicinal chemistry with 0+ years of experience in the academia, biotech and/or pharmaceutical industry

• Strong record of peer-reviewed publications and of problem solving to drive scientific innovation  

• Expert-level synthetic chemist with intuition for chemical reactivity and awareness of latest scientific literature 

• Strong work ethic and adherence to safe practices in the laboratory  

 Additional Value-Add Skillset:

• Prior exposure to basic AI/ML tools, computational design and emerging modalities such as bioconjugation is preferred

Site Location

The Waltham R&D site is home to our small-molecule oncology research in North America. It is situated within a biopharma cluster of academic research institutions, medical centers, pharmaceutical companies and biotech start-ups. The Boston region is consistently ranked #1 globally for biotech research, investment, talent recruitment and lab space. 

The campus, also known as the Boston BioHub, is one of the largest and most dynamic life-science research hubs in the region. It is home to more than 800 scientists and experts working in nine different pharmaceutical and biotech companies. Plenty of free covered/uncovered parking is available along with charging stations for electric vehicles. Additionally, shuttle service to local transportation hubs is also available.   

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

Why AstraZeneca?

 At AstraZeneca, we are dedicated to being a Great Place to Work. A place where employees are empowered to push the boundaries of science and unleash their entrepreneurial spirit. There is no better place to make a difference to medicine, patients, and society. An inclusive culture that champions diversity and collaboration. Always committed to lifelong learning, growth, and development. 

So, what is next?

 A place built on courage, curiosity, and collaboration – we make bold decisions driven by patient outcomes. Empowered to lead at every level, free to ask questions and take calculated risks that write the next chapter for our pipeline. If you are swift to action, confident to lead, willing to collaborate, and passionate about the possibilities, then we are keen to hear from you! 

The annual base pay for this position ranges from $118,870 to $178,306. Our positions offer eligibility for various incentives—an opportunity to receive short-term incentive bonuses, equity-based awards for salaried roles and commissions for sales roles. Benefits offered include qualified retirement programs, paid time off (i.e., vacation, holiday, and leaves), as well as health, dental, and vision coverage in accordance with the terms of the applicable plans.

Date Posted

26-Feb-2026

Closing Date

05-Mar-2026

Our mission is to build an inclusive environment where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants and employees. In furtherance of that mission, we welcome and consider applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of their protected characteristics. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please complete the corresponding section in the application form.

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.