Global Biotransformation Leader (Associate Director / Director ~ DMPK Oncology R&D)
Permanent Opportunity
Location: Cambridge, UK / Waltham, US
Do you have expertise in Met-ID and biotransformation science applied to drug discovery and development projects?
Would you like to apply your expertise to impact the lives of patients in a company that follows the science and turns ideas into life changing medicines? Then AstraZeneca might offer your next career move!
ABOUT ASTRAZENECA
AstraZeneca is a global, science-led, patient-focused biopharmaceutical company that focuses on the discovery, development and commercialisation of prescription medicines for some of the world’s most serious diseases. But we’re more than one of the world’s leading pharmaceutical companies.
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 smart risks that write the next chapter for our pipeline.
Site Description
The position can offer the flexibility to be located in Waltham US or Cambridge UK.
Cambridge
Welcome to Cambridge, one of over 400 sites here at AstraZeneca, providing a collaborative environment where everyone feels comfortable and able to be themselves is at the core of AstraZeneca’s priorities, it’s important to us that you bring your full self to work every day. To help you maintain your best self, here’s a sneak peek into some of the things this site provides for you…
Where life meets Science…Chesterford Research Park offers advanced laboratory and office space set within 250 acres of idyllic parkland near Cambridge – modern, dynamic, flexible facilities perfectly appointed for biotechnology, pharmaceutical and R&D companies. You will have access to a stylish, fully air conditioned health and fitness centre, an onsite restaurant, Lunch & Learn development activities, all within a spacious environment while utilising the most advanced technology.
This role will then relocate to the Cambridge Biomedical Campus, this site combines world-class biomedical research, patient care and education on a single site location in the heart of Cambridge. This new purpose-built site will bring together the company’s research and development activity in a state-of-the-art strategic R&D centre and global corporate headquarters. The building has been designed with the open architecture reflecting AstraZeneca’s collaborative approach to research. Open laboratories and transparent glass walls will enable new ways of working across disciplines, whilst a central courtyard will put science on full display.
Waltham
The Waltham R&D site is home to our small-molecule oncology research in North America, and is situated within a biopharma cluster of academic research institutions, medical centers, pharmaceutical companies and biotech startups. 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. The site is also home to the AstraZeneca Incubator, a program that helps emerging companies advance novel and innovative healthcare solutions to meet the needs of patients. Plenty of free parking, with charging stations now available for electric vehicles, and shuttle service to local transportation hubs.
BUSINESS AREA
Be part of fulfilling our ambition to be world leaders in Oncology. We are already the fastest growing team within AstraZeneca and across the industry, and there are countless new indications and targets in our game-changing pipeline.
The vision of AstraZeneca Oncology is to redefine cancer, redefine our solutions to cancer, and restore patients' lives. To achieve this, we have an exciting and diverse portfolio that focuses on four scientific platforms that we believe show the greatest potential for yielding effective medicines for cancer patients. These scientific platforms include; Immuno-Oncology (IO), Tumor Drivers & Resistance (TDR), DNA Damage Response (DDR) and we are developing therapeutic agents across multiple modalities including; small molecules, biologics, Antibody Drug Conjugates (ADCs), nano-medicines and PROTACs.
The Oncology Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics (DMPK) department provides ADME/PK, as well as translational PK/PD Modeling & Simulation to support our discovery and development portfolio.
What you’ll do
In this role you will lead the biotransformation and Met-ID capability globally for Astra Zeneca Oncology. You will report to the Senior Director of DMPK/ADME in Waltham US or Cambridge UK.
Accountabilities
Leading biotransformation studies to assess metabolic pathways of drug candidates including soft-spot identification, structural elucidation of metabolites and assessment of bioactivation. Delivering high quality pre-clinical and clinical in vitro/in vivo biotransformation studies to support regulatory submissions and MIST. Leading radio-labelled metabolite profiling studies from in vitro and in vivo samples (pre-clinical and clinical mass balance studies) in collaboration with outsourcing partners Defining the strategy for discovery and development Met-ID support Validating and developing cutting-edge methodologies to support this core function. Authoring technical reports, peer-reviewed publications and oral presentations. Managerial responsibility may be part of this role.
Minimum Requirements – Education, Experience and Capabilities
PhD in Analytical Chemistry/Biochemistry/Biology/Pharmacology or related area and 5 years of experience for Associate Director or 10 years for Director in biotransformation work in pharmaceutical industry or equivalent.
Extensive experience of structural elucidation of metabolites through the generation and interpretation of high resolution mass spectra and UV spectra and being a speaking partner to the NMR specialists. Experience of working with Thermo scientific FT orbitrap mass spectrometers (Q-Exactive, Orbitrap Fusion) would be advantageous. A strong understanding of how metabolite identification studies are carried out in drug development e.g. MIST and hADME studies. Work with clinical teams and external partners to ensure excellent study design and timely reporting of high quality biotransformation studies. Strong experience with strategic drug development, handling submission and regulatory documents. In-depth understanding on the mechanisms of P-450 oxidations/reactive metabolites and how this may affect structural compound design Scientific publication track record in biotransformation / analytical sciences Excellent interpersonal skills that lead to successful collaborative work-relationships
So, what’s next?
Are you already imagining yourself joining our team? Good, because we can’t wait to hear from you.
Don’t hesitate in submitting an application today!
Competitive salary and benefits package available.
The successful candidate will have access to a flexible employee benefits fund, including holiday purchase and flexible time off, pension contributions, Share Save Plans, A performance recognition scheme and a competitive, generous remuneration package.
Closing date: 25th February 2022
Where can I find out more?
Connect with our recruiter on LinkedIn: Sam Hunter https://www.linkedin.com/in/samhunter1/
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