Senior Research Scientist - Omics, Bioscience, Oncology Targeted Delivery

Job Title: Senior Research Scientist – Omics, Bioscience, Oncology Targeted Delivery 

Location: Cambridge, UK

Introduction to the Role:

At AstraZeneca, we work together across global boundaries to discover, develop, manufacture and market prescription medicines that make a positive impact on the lives of patients as well as their families and communities.  At AstraZeneca Oncology, our vision is redefining cancer; redefining our solutions to cancer and restoring patients' lives.  Our mission is to make a meaningful difference to patient health through great medicines that bring benefit for patients and add value for society. 

In addition to our passion for the discovery of innovative new medicines, we understand the importance of flexibility in our work-life environment and we offer a wide variety of benefits, services and programmes that provide our employees the resources they need to pursue not only their work goals but also their life goals.  We are dedicated to building strong research teams that embrace the diversity of talents of team members and allow the larger group to grow and learn together to accomplish our collective goal to improve human health.  

About the Role:

We are seeking a flexible and highly motivated Senior Research Scientist to join our Omics team in Cambridge. This is an exciting opportunity for a scientist who enjoys both hands-on laboratory work and data analysis, and who is enthusiastic about applying a broad omics toolkit to drug discovery challenges. 

This role will encompass wet-lab genomic, transcriptomic and single-cell sequencing workflows, together with the associated data processing, quality control, analysis and interpretation. The ideal candidate will combine strong experimental skills with a keen interest in working with complex datasets to generate high-quality insights. You will work collaboratively with scientists across disciplines to develop, implement and refine workflows, generate robust data, and translate results into clear scientific conclusions that support project progression. You will bring strong laboratory capability, sound scientific judgement and a passion for generating, interrogating and interpreting high-quality datasets. You will also have the opportunity to explore and apply emerging AI-enabled and computational approaches, where appropriate, to support data interpretation, workflow efficiency and scientific insight. 

Responsibilities: 

• Develop, implement and apply genomic, transcriptomic and single-cell sequencing workflows across laboratory and data-analysis activities. 

• Perform high-quality laboratory activities, including biological sample preparation, assay execution, NGS library preparation, method optimisation and troubleshooting. 

• Handle, process and interpret datasets generated from omics experiments, ensuring accuracy, reproducibility and clear documentation. 

• Work flexibly across platforms and projects, contributing to both experimental delivery and downstream data analysis depending on business needs. 

• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to design experiments, interpret findings and communicate results clearly and effectively. 

• Maintain awareness of developments in genomics, single-cell technologies, AI-enabled data analysis, automation and computational approaches, and identify opportunities to strengthen team capability and improve workflow efficiency. 

• Drive personal development and actively expand technical and scientific expertise across both experimental and data-centric aspects of the role. 

Essential Skills: 

• PhD in a relevant discipline, such as molecular biology, genomics, bioinformatics, computational biology or a related field; or a BSc/MSc combined with significant relevant industrial laboratory, genomics or bioinformatics experience. 

• Strong practical experience in genomic, transcriptomic and/or single-cell sequencing workflows, including biological sample preparation, NGS library preparation, assay execution and method optimisation. 

• Proven experience in quality control, analysis and interpretation of complex sequencing and omics datasets. 

• Bioinformatic skills including knowledge of relevant omics data-analysis tools and pipelines, together with proficiency in Python and/or R, scripting, data visualisation and statistical analysis. 

• Interest in emerging AI-enabled and computational approaches for supporting analysis, interpretation and productivity in an omics setting. 

• Ability to work effectively across experimental laboratory activities and downstream computational analysis, with an understanding of how experimental design and assay performance influence data quality. 

• Flexible and collaborative mindset, with enthusiasm for working across multidisciplinary teams and contributing to evolving project and business priorities. 

• Strong communication, organisational, analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to explain scientific findings and data-driven conclusions clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences 

Desirable Skills: 

• Experience in one or more of the following environments: drug discovery, oncology, biotechnology or translational research. 

• Practical exposure to AI/ML-assisted analysis approaches, scripting or computational tools relevant to biological and sequencing data. 

• Interest in applying emerging AI-enabled and computational approaches to support data interpretation, workflow efficiency and scientific productivity. 

• Experience with automated or semi-automated laboratory workflows, including liquid-handling platforms, workflow standardisation or automation of sample processing and assay delivery. 

Why AstraZeneca:

Join a science-driven organisation where bold ideas turn into life-changing medicines through evidence, speed and collaboration. You will work with a deep and diverse oncology portfolio, using cutting-edge omics, AI and automation alongside colleagues who bring unexpected teams into the same room to unleash bold thinking. We value kindness alongside ambition, empowering you to take smart risks, challenge the status quo and learn fast—so your contributions translate rapidly from experiments to patient impact.

So, whats next?

Bring your omics expertise to Cambridge and help redefine what’s possible in targeted oncology—step forward to shape data into decisions that improve patients’ lives.

We look forward to receiving your CV and cover letter. As soon as we receive them, we will proceed accordingly.

Where can I find out more?

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