Scientist - Early Oncology, Oncology Targeted Discovery

Scientist - Early Oncology, Oncology Targeted Discovery

Introduction to role:

Are you ready to make a significant impact in the fight against cancer? We are looking for a driven and independent Scientist with expertise in cancer biology to join our antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) Platform team in Gaithersburg, MD. As a Scientist, you will play a crucial role in advancing pharmacology support, utilizing your theoretical and practical knowledge to establish assay systems and deliver impactful datasets that drive our drug discovery process forward.

Accountabilities:

In this laboratory-based position within the Early Oncology ADC Platform Team, you will design, conduct, and analyze in vitro experiments to develop next-generation ADC therapeutics. Your work will focus on optimizing the therapeutic index of ADCs by evaluating modifications to antibodies, linkers, and payloads. Additionally, you will delve into the biology of validated payloads to understand sensitivity and resistance, guiding potential clinical applications. Collaborating with cross-functional teams and project managers, you will ensure timely data generation and dissemination. Your passion for research and strong background in laboratory science will keep you at the forefront of ADC field advancements, tumor biology, and cancer modeling. Depending on your interest and experience, you may also conduct ex vivo analyses of ADCs.

Essential Skills/Experience:

• Master’s degree with 3+ years of research experience in cancer/cell biology or a Bachelor’s degree with 5+ years of research experience in cancer/cell biology.

• Experience with routine cell culture, particularly culture of tumor cells.

• Experience assessing in vitro activity of therapeutic compounds via assays to determine binding and internalization (e.g. flow cytometry or ligand-binding assays), cytotoxicity (e.g. CellTiterGlo assays), and mechanism of action (e.g. Western Blot analysis).

• Works independently with minimal supervision to conduct experiments.

• Excellent communication and presentation skills to report data in a clear and concise manner, with a clear understanding of its implications within the overall context of drug discovery.

• Strong interpersonal and collaboration skills together with evidence of delivery in a team-oriented, collaborative environment.

• A proven track record of productivity; contributions to scientific publications in peer-reviewed journals preferred.

Desirable Skills/Experience:

• Prior experience in the biopharmaceutical industry preferable.

• Experience in evaluation of ADCs.

• Experience running combination screening assays.

• Experience with high throughput screening (e.g. use of equipment such as the ECHO acoustic liquid handler).

• Experience with flow cytometry and relevant analysis software (e.g. FlowJo).

• Experience with immunofluorescence staining and analysis.

• Experience with Seahorse analyzer.

• Knowledge of the industrial drug discovery process.

AstraZeneca offers an environment where courage, curiosity, and collaboration thrive. Our pioneering approach combines cutting-edge science with the latest technology to achieve breakthroughs in oncology. With a commitment to transforming patient lives, we are empowered to lead at every level, making bold decisions driven by patient outcomes. Join us as we unite academia and industry, working seamlessly to expedite research in some of the hardest-to-treat cancers.

Ready to take on this exciting challenge? Apply now and be part of a team dedicated to eliminating cancer as a cause of death!

The annual base pay (or hourly rate of compensation) for this position ranges from $87,200 to $130,800. Hourly and salaried non-exempt employees will also be paid overtime pay when working qualifying overtime hours. Base pay offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, including market location, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. In addition, our positions offer a short-term incentive bonus opportunity; eligibility to participate in our equity-based long-term incentive program (salaried roles), to receive a retirement contribution (hourly roles), and commission payment eligibility (sales roles). Benefits offered included a qualified retirement program [401(k) plan]; paid vacation and holidays; paid leaves; and, health benefits including medical, prescription drug, dental, and vision coverage in accordance with the terms and conditions of the applicable plans. Additional details of participation in these benefit plans will be provided if an employee receives an offer of employment. If hired, employee will be in an “at-will position” and the Company reserves the right to modify base pay (as well as any other discretionary payment or compensation program) at any time, including for reasons related to individual performance, Company or individual department/team performance, and market factors.

Date Posted

22-Jul-2025

Closing Date

27-Jul-2025Our 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 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.