Senior Scientist (12-Month Fixed Term Contract), Oncology Research

Senior Scientist (12-Month Fixed Term Contract), Oncology Research 

Location: Cambridge (Discovery Centre) 

Introduction to the Role:

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. 

Are you ready to work on one of the most exciting Oncology pipelines in industry? 

About the Role:

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.  

We are seeking a highly motivated Senior Scientist with deep scientific and technical expertise spanning both adaptive and innate immune cell biology with a track record of scientific excellence to join Immune Cell Engagers Discovery team in Cambridge, UK for a 12-month period. As a Senior Scientist, you will be a key member of a team focused on supporting immune-oncology projects through the drug discovery process. You will bring your theoretical and practical expertise in immunology to establish assay systems and deliver datasets that will have direct impact on immune-oncology research projects. 

Main Duties and Responsibilities 

Working in this laboratory-based position within the Immune Cell Engagers Discovery group, you will develop, design, conduct and analyse in-vitro and/or ex-vivo experiments to assess the function of our candidate drugs and help us to dissect the mechanism of action of novel therapeutics targeting the immune system for cancer therapy. You will also review emerging literature and internal data to help in identifying new potential targets and contribute to target validation activities. 

A strong foundation in immunology / immuno-oncology, and an in-depth technical expertise for the analysis of immune function and phenotype is essential for this role. As a highly organised and self-motivated individual with a strong lab/practical background, you will stay up to date with relevant technical and intellectual scientific expertise in tumour immunology and have a genuine passion for this field of research! 

Essential Requirements 

• A PhD, or equivalent experience, in immunology/Immuno-oncology/ cancer biology. 

• Extensive background in immunology and/or immuno-oncology. 

• Experience of a range of in-vitro and ex-vivo technical skills for the analysis of human immune cell functions via multiparameter flow cytometry, ELISA/multiplex assays, ELISPOT, primary immune cell isolation and co-cultures, cell killing assays (like TDCC, ADCC, CDC, ADCP), TILs isolation and phenotyping. 

• Molecular biology skills including gene expression analysis and stable cell line generation. 

• Working experience with immune cell assays and/or characterization is highly desirable. 

• Strong interpersonal, influencing, negotiating and collaboration skills together with evidence of having used these skills to support problem solving and in delivering the projects in a collaborative environment. 

• Depth of understanding and strong enthusiasm for immunology and immuno-oncology. 

• Proven track record of scientific accomplishments, as evident from publications/patents. 

• Data processing, statistical analysis, and interpretation. 

• Experience in preparing written scientific reports (e.g., manuscripts) and oral presentations (e.g., slides, posters). 

• Ability to record protocols and experiments in a timely manner and maintain an excellent electronic notebook (eLNB). 

Desirable Requirements 

• We encourage applications from candidates who have experience in the evaluation of immune cell functions and in developing and deploying complex immunological assays to understand the MOA of novel therapeutics. 

• Expertise in fields of T-cell engagers, T cell exhaustion, tumour myeloid and/or NK biology. 

• Experience in visualizing/quantifying high content multi-parameter flow cytometry data /transcriptomic datasets. 

• Candidates who can demonstrate proficiency in leveraging AI technologies, including machine learning, data analysis, and algorithm development to enhance research outcomes, alongside strong problem solving skills, to enable integration of these tools into scientific workflows are strongly preferred. 

• Prior experience with spectral flow cytometry. 

• Working experience with 3D cell culture. 

• Experience in working with patient-derived tumours/TILs  

• Knowledge of the drug discovery process. 

Why AstraZeneca?

Join a company where rigorous science meets real-world impact. You will operate with high visibility and growing responsibility, shaping deliverables that influence key decisions across global therapy areas. Expect a collaborative environment that brings diverse minds together, uses advanced tools and technology to solve tough problems, and recognizes both progress and learning. We balance bold ambition with support—valuing curiosity, resilience and kindness—so you can stretch your skills, contribute to breakthroughs and see the patient impact of your work.

So, what’s next?

• Are you already imagining yourself joining our team? Good, because we can’t wait to hear from you. Send your CV today and feel free to add your Cover Letter for us to start reviewing it soon.

Where can I find out more?

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