Associate Director, In Vivo Pharmacology Oncology Research

Gaithersburg, MD

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 hematological 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 APS, In Vivo Pharmacology, 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 industries

* Experience with ADC projects

* Experience in managing external collaborations

About Our Gaithersburg Oncology Hub

Our Gaithersburg, Maryland facility creates life-changing medicines for people around the world. This campus employs more than 3,500 experts in our field and is only a short drive from Washington, DC. This modern and vibrant scientific campus is the home of R&D and Oncology in the US. Here, we play host to some of the most cutting-edge technology and lab spaces, all designed to inspire collaboration and cross-functional science. We believe employees benefit from being challenged and inspired at work. We are dedicated to creating a culture of inclusion and collaboration.

The Gaithersburg site offers a variety of amenities to help boost productivity and help keep our employees happy and healthy. This includes a fitness center, employee healthcare clinic, electric vehicle charging stations, dry cleaning, full-service cafeteria and copy center. This is where you'll find newly-designed, activity-based work spaces to suit a variety of working styles while increasing collaboration between teams.

Ready to make a meaningful difference? Apply now and join us in our mission to eliminate cancer as a cause of death!

If you're curious to know more, please contact Bobbi Poole, our Talent Acquisition Partner.

Closing Date: July 11, 2024

Competitive remuneration and benefits apply

We offer a competitive Total Reward program including a market driven base salary, bonus and long term incentive. We have a generous paid time off program and a comprehensive benefits package.

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AstraZeneca embraces diversity and equality of opportunity. We are committed to building an inclusive and diverse team representing all backgrounds, with as wide a range of perspectives as possible, and harnessing industry-leading skills. We believe that the more inclusive we are, the better our work will be. We welcome and consider applications to join our team from all qualified candidates, regardless of their characteristics. We follow all applicable laws and regulations on non-discrimination in employment (and recruitment), as well as work authorization and employment eligibility verification requirements.

We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.

Date Posted

14-Jun-2024

Closing Date

10-Jul-2024Our mission is to build an inclusive and equitable environment. We want people to feel they belong at AstraZeneca and Alexion, starting with our recruitment process. We welcome and consider applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of characteristics. We offer reasonable adjustments/accommodations to help all candidates to perform at their best. If you have a need for any adjustments/accommodations, please complete the section in the application form.

AstraZeneca requires all US employees to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 but will consider requests for reasonable accommodations as required by applicable law.