Senior Assay and Data Specialist
Are you ready to push the boundaries of science and transform the lives of patients?
Join the Assays Profiling and Pharmacology (APP) team at Gaithersburg within Biologics Engineering (BE), where we develop high throughput, robust, and innovative assay platforms for characterizing novel biologics. Collaborating with AstraZeneca’s therapeutic area functions, we provide cutting-edge drug discovery capabilities to support our expanding portfolio.
As a Senior Assay and Data Specialist, you'll work alongside wet lab assay scientists, automation engineers, and data scientists to build interconnected workflows. You'll be the primary assay and data hybrid scientist responsible for creating end-to-end data workflows for standardized cellular assays, ultimately employed for machine learning and AI initiatives. This role is equal parts lab-based and computational, involving independent design, execution, interpretation of scientific experiments, and effective communication of findings as part of a multi-disciplinary project team.
Accountabilities:
Work in cross-functional teams to standardize and automate HT biochemical and cellular assays.
Operate and optimize automated in-vitro assay workflows (mostly 2D, HT plate-based, flow-based).
Ensure high-quality, high-throughput data capture, with well-structured metadata compliant with FAIR principles.
Curate, process, and analyze large assay datasets, developing scripts/pipelines for QC and normalization.
Collaborate with data engineers and data scientists to build predictive models (ML/AI) based on assay data.
Continuously improve throughput and data integrity, driving automation and analytical maturity.
Assay operations & automation:
Develop, validate, and execute routine and complex in-vitro assays (cell-based, biochemical, flow-based, plate-reader, binding/functional).
Perform troubleshooting and optimization of assay conditions to maximize reproducibility and throughput.
Document all processes in ELN/LIMS, ensuring full traceability and metadata integrity.
Data curation, QC, and infrastructure development:
Design and implement automated data ingestion and QC pipelines for assay outputs (plate-reader, HT flow, imaging, kinetic, etc.).
Define and enforce data and metadata schemas for all assays.
Build basic ETL (Extract–Transform–Load) pipelines into centralized storage (data lake or on-prem system).
Liaise with informatics to connect instruments → LIMS/ELN → analytics layer.
Analytics & modeling:
Perform statistical analysis and visualization (curve fitting, EC50/IC50, QC metrics, reproducibility analysis).
Build and train machine learning models to predict assay behaviors, detect anomalies, or classify hits.
Integrate multi-assay data (e.g., bioassay + biophysics + omics) into analytical frameworks for decision-making.
Communicate data insights to program teams and leadership through dashboards or reports.
Essential Skills/Experience:
PhD in Pharmacology, Bioengineering, Quantitative Biology, Computational Biology, or related field with 2 years of relevant experience
Proven experience coding for data analysis and pipeline development
Demonstrated understanding of assay design AND statistical interpretation
Experience and in-depth technical knowledge of assay development with a dedication to quality and scientific rigor.
Strong teammate with good communication skills and experience of working in multi-disciplinary teams.
Ability to tackle challenges creatively, which contribute and improve assay technologies and processes.
Desirable Skills/Experience:
3–6 years of experience in biopharma or biotech assay development/screening, ideally with automation exposure
Experience working in antibody or small molecule discovery teams
AstraZeneca offers an empowering environment where you can act fast on smart risks. In the fast-paced Oncology field, you'll be encouraged to prioritize and make bold moves. We are fearless decision-makers who speak up and constructively challenge while following scientific evidence. With one of the broadest Oncology pipelines in the industry, there are countless opportunities to work with novel drugs and discover what's next. Our collaborative spirit draws on diverse knowledge from across the business and external partners to tackle the toughest medical challenges. Join us at the forefront of applying science to studies using innovative approaches to create new possibilities.
Ready to make a difference? Apply now to join our team!
The annual base pay (or hourly rate of compensation) for this position ranges from $116,284 to $174,426.. Our positions offer eligibility for various incentives—an opportunity to receive short-term incentive bonuses, equity-based awards for salaried roles and commissions for sales roles. Benefits offered include qualified retirement programs, paid time off (i.e., vacation, holiday, and leaves), as well as health, dental, and vision coverage in accordance with the terms of the applicable plan.
Date Posted
16-Jun-2026Closing Date
18-Jun-2026Our mission is to build an inclusive environment where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants and employees. In furtherance of that mission, we welcome and consider applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of their protected characteristics. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please complete the corresponding section in the application form.