Associate Principal Assay Scientist
AstraZeneca

Associate Principal Assay Scientist

Location: Gaithersburg, MD (US)

It is up to each of us to keep pushing forward and pioneer new approaches. From bold innovations and integrated healthcare systems to harnessing data and technology. We have multiple indications and many high-quality molecules at all stages of development - but we see even more potential. As a part of our Assay Hub within Biologics Engineering in Gaithersburg, MD, you'll play a pivotal role in channelling our scientific capabilities to make a positive impact on changing patients' lives.

Responsibilities:

As a lab-based scientist specializing in assay development and biologics screening, the Associate Principal Assay Scientist will perform a pivotal role in delivering oncology drug discovery and technology-based project goals to timelines and budget. As an expert in the field of assays, you will also lead assay training, contribute to development of assay best practices and strategies aligned with Biologics Engineering/disease therapy needs, and drive assay innovation through internal and external collaborations.

• Contribute to independent lab-based assay expertise to develop high quality biochemical and cell-based assays for use as biologics screens and pharmacological characterisation of biologics for drug discovery or technology development projects
• Establish capabilities to run 2D and 3D cell culture models to elucidate new insights on complex biologics, especially in the area of immuno-oncology.
• Help build capabilities to run next generation assays using primary cells, and implement CRISPR gene editing approaches for cell line engineering and reporter assay establishment.
• Establish capabilities and conduct high-content imaging assays to enable the screening of large molecules, and to support technology development efforts.
• Recommend and lead development of new assay, screening and automation technologies and processes
• Provide recommendations and creative solutions to complex assay, technology or drug discovery project problems
• Lead and provide input to peer reviewed publications, patents and participate at international conferences
• Share assay expertise and provides technical training and coaching for other members within or beyond the department where required
• Find opportunities and collaborate with other functions or external companies
• Summarise and effectively communicate complex scientific data to diverse internal or external audiences
• Contribute to the development of assay strategies that support drug discovery delivery and technology development initiatives.
• May involve line management of a small team
• Ensures own work, and work of peers, is compliant, following Good Laboratory Practice, Safety, Health and Environment standards and all other relevant internal AstraZeneca standards and external regulations

Summary of the Group

Biologics Engineering (BE) is responsible for the discovery and optimization of next generation and novel biologics across all AstraZeneca therapy areas, providing groundbreaking drug discovery capabilities to drive portfolio drug projects.

About AstraZeneca in Gaithersburg, MD

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.

Basic Qualifications:

• Ph. D. degree in a relevant subject area and 5+ years of assay development experience

OR

• MS and 8 years' experience in assay development

Preferred Qualifications:

• Significant experience in the pharmaceutical industry and biologics drug discovery process
• Significant experience and in-depth technical knowledge of assay development and screening with a dedication to quality and scientific rigor
• Experienced in presenting complex scientific results to external audience
• Experienced in managing teams and motivating others
• Strong team-player with good communication skills and experience of working in multi-disciplinary teams.
• Ability to tackle challenges creatively and contribute to technology and process advancement
• Expertise in confocal imaging, high content imaging, complex 2D and 3D cell culture assays, FACS, SPR and BLI.
• Experience in devising or contributing to team/departmental strategy

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 entrepreneurial - 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 ready to bring new ideas and fresh thinking to the table? Brilliant! We have one seat available and we hope it's yours.

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 comply with all applicable laws and regulations on non-discrimination in employment (and recruitment), as well as work authorization and employment eligibility verification requirements.

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

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