Senior Scientist, Translational Research – Haematology R&D

Location: Waltham, MA

AstraZeneca is a global, science-led, patient-focused biopharmaceutical company that focuses on the discovery, development and commercialization of prescription medicines for some of the world’s most serious diseases. We are more than one of the world’s leading pharmaceutical companies.

AstraZeneca has a multifaceted environment that cultivates collaboration and innovation. We attract top minds, and we nurture and build talent.

Within Hematology R&D, we are committed to advancing the science to deliver life-changing medicines to patients most in need. With a combination-focused pipeline that exploits the power of six scientific platforms (Immuno-Oncology, Tumor Drivers and Resistance, DNA Damage Response, Antibody-drug Conjugates, Cell Therapy and Epigenetics) to help address unmet clinical needs in a host of hematological cancers, we are motivated by a dedication to the scientific discovery and collaboration that will one day help eliminate cancer as a cause of death. This unit has responsibility for the value chain from discovery through to late-stage development, enabling rapid acceleration of promising early-stage assets and life-cycle management programs

The Translational Medicine function exists within Haematology R&D to ensure effective and strategic biomarker studies for Haematology & Oncology project teams. Closely interacting with the pre-clinical Discovery, Early Clinical Development, and Precision Medicine & Biosamples diagnostics functions, Haematology Translational Medicine team is the single point of accountability for delivery of robust, scientifically-driven biomarkers to all Haematology project teams, providing feasibility assessments, technical validation, centralized biomarker analysis capability for clinical samples, delivery of translational science research and early clinical phase engagement.

Key Responsibilities and Accountabilities

The Senior Scientist plays an integral role in the development and hands-on execution of critical projects that support the Heme Translational Medicine Department’s aims in translational science, clinical trial support, and pre-clinical drug development. The Senior Scientist will have a special focus on our developing programs in blood cancer precursor conditions.

• Designs, executes, and interprets studies for the translation of new targets and therapeutic agents in Haematology

• Involved in advancing innovative ex-vivo drug testing strategies through the development of novel models and assays.

• Participates in integrated translational science and drug development by engaging with internal and external experts in different disciplines.

• Contributes experimental, intellectual, and strategic input across multiple scientific programs, as part of a team.

• Utilizes literature reviews, protocols, networking and prior laboratory experience to advance clinical and pre-clinical aims of the Haematology Translational Medicine group.

• Maintains accurate and well-organized laboratory records, including worksheets, lab notebooks, inventories, and databases.

• Analyzes experimental data, organizes results, verifies data integrity, performs statistical analysis, and visualizes data using appropriate software.

• Writes research papers, abstracts, technical reports, regulatory documents and SOPs.

• Effectively presents and communicates research findings to internal and external collaborators, including upper management, regulatory agencies, and at research conferences.

• Performs all duties in compliance with internal SOPs and external regulations.

• Maintains highest quality standards, always adhering to safety and environmental precautions.

• This is a mostly lab-based position

Minimum Qualifications:

• A PHD degree in immunology, molecular biology or related discipline with 0+ years of scientific experience in Oncology / Hematology

• Strong background in oncology, cell biology, immunology, and small molecule drug discovery Doctorate degree in immunology, molecular biology or related discipline with experience in haematology-oncology

• Experience in lymphoid and plasma cell malignancies is a plus.

• Strong hands-on experience with translational lab methodologies (ex. cell-based techniques, ex-vivo drug testing and models, PK/PD assays)

• Exposed to interfacing with clinical teams and working with clinical trial samples including for e.g. peripheral blood and bone marrow

• Demonstrated ability to critically evaluate and contribute to multiple scientific programs

• Excellent interpersonal skills, ability to work as an integral member of a team, and aptitude in training and supervising direct reports

• Strong written and oral communication skills

• Excellent track record of scientific achievement, as evidenced by a strong publication record

Working at AstraZeneca

Here you’ll have the chance to create a substantial difference to patients’ lives! With science at its heart, this is the place where breakthroughs born in the lab become transformative medicines – for the world’s most complex diseases. Answer unmet medical needs by pioneering the next wave of science, focusing on outcomes and crafting the patient ecosystem.

“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.”

Our Waltham, Massachusetts facility develops life changing small-molecule research in North America, with innovative laboratories at the Gatehouse Park Bio Hub, just west of the city center. Our BioHub facility, is a bold new R&D initiative, which fosters life science discoveries and the exchange of ideas. 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. With a shuttle bus to and from Alewife station, the location provides you the ability to work in the heart of one of the world’s most vibrant research centers.

Our Waltham site offers a variety of amenities help keep our employees happy and engaged. This includes a fitness center, employee healthcare clinic, electric vehicle charging stations, 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 and the greater research community.

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

Next Steps? Apply now!

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 authorization and employment eligibility verification requirements.

Date Posted

24-Apr-2024

Closing Date

01-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.