Scientist- Molecular Biology, Antibody Discovery Innovation

Summary of the group

The Biologics Engineering (BE) department at AstraZeneca is constantly pushing the boundaries of science to deliver life-changing medicines to patients, with a passion for discovery and a pipeline to show for it. We’re using our expertise in biologics engineering to enable novel therapeutic approaches to Oncology, Respiratory, Inflammatory, Cardiovascular and Infectious disease. We offer a unique and strong collaborative network as part of the AstraZeneca family, as together we explore new and exciting technologies.

This opportunity

The Discovery Innovation group within BE in Gaithersburg, MD is seeking a talented and highly motivated Scientist to support antibody discovery using a novel microfluidics-based antibody discovery engine. The candidate will operate with a diverse group of scientists to deliver the pipeline and develop the platform for improved speed, potency and robustness. We are seeking a candidate with expertise in antibody library generation and high-throughput screening that is excited by research at the interface between technology and biology. The selected individual will be a well-organized and a highly productive bench scientist that can design and execute experiments efficiently, as well as analyze, interpret and present data to multidisciplinary project teams.

Required Education/Experience

B.S. in molecular biology or other related discipline with 5+ years’ experience, preferably in industry

OR

M.S. in molecular biology or other related discipline with 2+ years’ experience, preferably in industry

This position is not suitable for PhDs, MDs , or equivalent degree-holders

Main Job Responsibilities

• Generate high quality antibody libraries for phage, yeast or mammalian display.

• Design and implement high-throughput automated screening assays for antibody characterization (e.g. iQue screener, ELISA, DELFIA,or HTRF).

• Interface with the automation team to implement and optimize processes (e.g. colony picking, cherry-picking, and sequencing).

• Perform Molecular Biology techniques for antibody cloning and production.

Required skills

• Demonstrated and extensive experience in building highly complex antibody libraries used to isolate candidate binders with automation.

• Demonstrated experience with NGS based antibody discovery platforms, including the use of advanced PCR techniques (e.g., multiplex, ddPCR, emulsion PCR) applied to dozens of samples.

• Expertise in high-throughput (96-well) assays for antibody characterization and quantification, such as ELISA, BLI, and multiplex flow cytometry assays

• Proven experience to troubleshoot, optimize and execute experiments independently.

Desired skills

• Experience with high-throughput mammalian cell DNA transfection

• Experience with cell staining and sorting (FACS)

• Ability to run high throughput (96 well) quantification and QC assays for RNA, cDNA, proteins (e.g., using Unchained Labs, LabChip, Tapestation etc.)

Special Skills / Abilities / Knowledge / Behavioral Competencies

Strong communication skills are highly desirable. The individual should also be self-motivated, embrace new technologies and have demonstrated an ability to work in teams.

Our Gaithersburg, Maryland facility creates life-changing medicines for people around the world. This campus employs more than 3,500 experts in our field and is only a short drive from Washington, DC. This modern and vibrant scientific campus is the home of R&D and Oncology in the US. Here, we play host to some of the most cutting-edge technology and lab spaces, all designed to inspire collaboration and cross-functional science. We believe employees benefit from being challenged and inspired at work. We are dedicated to creating a culture of inclusion and collaboration.

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 work spaces to suit a variety of working styles while increasing collaboration between teams.

“ When we put unexpected teams in the same room, we unleash bold thinking with the power to inspire life-changing medicines. In-person working gives us the platform to connect, work at pace and challenge perceptions. That’s why we work, on average, a minimum of three days per week from the office. But that doesn’t mean we’re not flexible. We balance the expectation of being in the office while respecting individual flexibility. Join us in our unique and ambitious world .”

Date Posted

25-Apr-2024

Closing Date

24-May-2024Our 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 requires all US employees to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 but will consider requests for reasonable accommodations as required by applicable law.