In Vivo Associate Principal Scientist, Oncology Research
Location: Gaithersburg, MD; Permanent
Job Description
At AstraZeneca, we turn ideas into life changing medicines. Working here means being entrepreneurial, thinking big and working together to make the impossible a reality. We’re passionate about the potential of science to address the unmet needs of patients around the world. We commit to those areas where we believe we can really change the course of medicine and bring big new ideas to life. If you are swift to action, confident to lead, willing to collaborate, and curious about what science can do, then you’re our kind of person.
AstraZeneca’s vision in Oncology is to push the boundaries of science to change the practice of medicine, transform the lives of patients living with cancer, and to ultimately eliminate cancer as a cause of death. A broad pipeline of next-generation medicines is focused principally on four disease areas - breast, ovarian, lung and haematological cancers.
We are seeking a highly motivated and independent Associate Principal Scientist (APS) with experience in cancer biology and a track record of scientific excellence to join our In Vivo Pharmacology Team in Gaithersburg, MD USA. As an In Vivo Pharmacology APS, you will be leading research to evaluate the efficacy and mechanisms of action of antibody drug conjugates (ADCs), therapeutic antibodies, and nanomedicines. You will utilize your cancer biology experience and practical expertise to generate robust datasets that will have a direct impact on the oncology drug discovery process and drug pipeline.
Key Duties and Responsibilities
Working in this laboratory-based position within the Early Oncology In Vivo Pharmacology Team, you will develop, design, conduct and analyze both in vivo and in vitro experiments to assess the function of our candidate oncology drugs and dissect the mechanism of action of novel cancer therapeutics. You will be expected to collaborate with cross-functional teams including representatives from Translational Medicine, DMPK, and Safety to help understand the translatability of in vivo research to the clinic. You will work collaboratively with project leaders to ensure the timely generation, and dissemination of critical program data, and contribute to scientific publication goals. As a highly organized, self-motivated individual with a strong background in laboratory science you will stay up to date with relevant technical and intellectual scientific expertise in tumor biology, pharmacology and cancer modeling and have a genuine passion for this field of research.
Essential Requirements
Ph.D. with >5 years of research experience in cancer biology or pharmacology.Biotechnology or pharmaceutical industry experience preferred but not essential.Experience developing and working with complex in vivo models, such as xenograft, patient derived xenograft (PDX), syngeneic and autochthonous mouse models.Experience delivering in vivo pharmacology studies in mouse tumor models, including dose-finding tolerability studies, PK/PD and efficacy studies.Experience with a range of in vitro skills, e.g. cell culture, molecular biology, immunoblotting, flow cytometry and ELISA.Works independently, assesses, and reports data in a clear and concise manner, with a clear understanding of its implications within the overall context of drug discovery.Maintains a well-developed understanding of approaches to drug discovery and applies a broader functional knowledge of the procedures used by diverse project groups to support the department where needed.Ability to drive, manage, execute and deliver results for complex multi-functional projects.Proven ability to manage, motivate, and develop direct reports.Strong interpersonal and collaboration skills together with evidence of delivery in a team-oriented, collaborative environment.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.A proven track record of high productivity and scientific publications in peer reviewed journals. Desirable Requirements
Experience with orthotopic xenograft and humanized models of cancer.Experience conducting in vivo research using biologics including, peptides, antibodies, antibody-drug conjugates and oncolytic viruses.Experience designing, conducting and analyzing multi-spectral flow cytometry immune-phenotyping studies.Experience in drug development in pharmaceutical or biotech industriesExperience with ADC projectsExperience in managing external collaborations
AstraZeneca has taken critical steps to protecting colleagues, loved ones, and patients from COVID-19 and its variants. COVID-19 vaccination is required for all US employees, and weekly PCR COVID-19 testing is required for those who are unvaccinated or have an approved accommodation.