Senior Assay Scientist

Senior Assay Scientist

Location: Gaithersburg, MD

Work with diverse minds, all united by a shared passion to learn, grow and discover.

At AstraZeneca, we turn ideas into life changing medicines. Working here means being results oriented, thinking big and working together to make the impossible a reality.

We are looking for an Assay Scientist to join our Biologics Engineering (BE) team based in Gaithersburg, Maryland US.

Summary of the Group

The Assay hub at Gaithersburg is a newly established group within Biologics Engineering (BE) that is responsible for the development of high throughput, robust and innovative assay platforms for the characterization of novel biologics in collaboration with AstraZeneca’s therapeutic area functions, providing cutting edge drug discovery capabilities to support our expanding portfolio.

BE is responsible for the discovery and optimization of biological candidate drugs across all AZ therapy areas such as oncology, respiratory and inflammation, cardiovascular, renal and metabolic diseases. We are constantly pushing the boundaries of science to deliver life-changing medicines to patients, with a passion for the development of in-house biologics discovery platforms and novel drug modalities to address unmet medical needs.

In this role you will be responsible for providing critical biochemical and cell assay expertise to deliver biologics drug discovery and technology development projects, specifically to characterize multi-specific antibodies and other complex biologics. This is a lab-based role involving independent design, execution and interpretation of scientific experiments, and effective communication of findings and recommendations as part of a multi-disciplinary project team.

What you'll do

• Work in cross functional teams to characterize bi- or multi-specific antibodies across various therapeutic areas.
• Implement end-to-end automation and liquid handling for HT assay workflows.
• Design assays for functional screening of T-cell engagers, ADCs and cytokine-fusions among other complex modalities.
• Develop assays using primary immune cells and apply imaging, ELISA and flow-based methods for profiling and characterization.
• Support the development of ELISA, SPR/BLI, HTRF, IP-WB as well as cell-based FACS, live-cell and high content imaging assays for the characterization of novel biologics and for the mechanistic understanding of complex drug-target interactions.
• Work closely with automation experts and IT, and to establish HTP (96/384 well) assay platforms for screening different modalities.
• Apply antibody & protein engineering expertise to design & develop novel drug discovery screening platform.
• Will be responsible for providing assay expertise to shape biologics discovery projects.
• Maintain a well-developed understanding of assay approaches to drug discovery and apply to biologics discovery.
• Identify creative solutions to sophisticated assay, technology or drug discovery project problems
• Lead and contribute to peer reviewed publications, patents and participate at international conferences
• Provide technical training and supervise members of the team where required
• Ensure own work, and work of peers, follow Good Laboratory Practice, Safety, Health and Environment standards and all other relevant internal AstraZeneca standards and external regulations

Basic Qualifications:

• Master’s Degree in Cell biology, Biochemistry or similar with at least 5 years of relevant experience in industry or academia OR
• PhD in Biochemistry, Cell Biology or similar with 2 years’ experience in industry or academia.
• Experience with FACS and live imaging, as well as handling of primary cells and cell lines.
• Experience in protein biochemistry and protein-protein interactions through BLI/SPR methods.
• 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 and contribute and improve assay technologies and processes

Desired Qualifications:

• Ph. D. with industry experience.
• Biochemical assay expertise
• Experience in antibody design and characterization in an industry setting.
• Experience working in industry within matrix teams

About our Gaithersburg, MD site

Our Gaithersburg, Maryland facility creates life-changing medicines for people around the world. This campus employs more than 3,500 authorities 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 ground breaking 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 on-site day care. This is where you’ll find activity-based workspaces to suit a variety of working styles while increasing collaboration between teams.

Why AstraZeneca?

At AstraZeneca when we see an opportunity for change, we seize it and make it happen, because any opportunity no matter how small, can be the start of something big. Delivering life-changing medicines is about being daring - finding those moments and recognizing their potential. Join us on our journey of building a new kind of organization to reset expectations of what a bio-pharmaceutical company can be. This means we’re opening new ways to work, pioneering innovative methods and bringing unexpected teams together. Interested? Come and join our journey.

So, what’s next?

Are you already inspiring yourself joining our team? Are you ready to bring new insights and fresh thinking to the table? Good, because we can’t wait to hear from you!

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

Closing Date: March 31, 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.

Where can I find out more-

Our Social Media, Follow AstraZeneca on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/1603/

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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.