Scientist - Cell Biology
AstraZeneca

At AstraZeneca's Biologics Engineering department we are looking for curious scientists with expertise in Hybridoma based monoclonal antibody generation. If you want to be part of a team working on novel therapeutics for Oncology, Respiratory, Inflammatory, Cardiovascular and Infectious diseases, then AstraZeneca might be the one for you!

About AstraZeneca

At AstraZeneca we work together across global boundaries to make an impact and find answers to challenges. We do this with the utmost integrity even in the most difficult situations because we are committed to doing the right thing. We continuously forge partnerships that help pursue world-class medicines in new ways, combining our people's exceptional skills with those of people from all over the globe. As a part of our Biologics Engineering team in Gaithersburg, MD, you'll play a pivotal role in channelling our scientific capabilities to make a positive impact on changing patients' lives.

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.

Summary of the Group

The Biologics Engineering department at AstraZeneca is constantly pushing the boundaries of science to deliver life-changing medicines to patients, with a passion for discovery and a pipeline to show for it. We're utilizing our expertise in protein and antibody engineering to enable novel therapeutic approaches to Oncology, Respiratory, Inflammatory, Cardiovascular and Infectious disease. We offer a unique and strong collaborative network as part of the AstraZeneca family, as together we explore new and exciting technologies.

Main Duties and Responsibilities:

The Biologics Engineering group is seeking a talented and highly motivated scientist to join our Hybridoma team. The successful candidate will have strong background in cell biology and will be conducting hybridoma campaigns to identify novel antibodies to different therapeutic targets. The applicant will operate independently and in collaboration with other team members and scientists across research to develop our next generation of drugs. The selected individual will be well-organized and a productive bench scientist who can learn new procedures, design and execute experiments efficiently, as well as analyze, and interpret data. Strong team-based communication and presentation skills will be required.

• Design and execute experiments to generate therapeutic and reagent antibodies using the hybridoma platform
  
• Screen for potential hits using HTP platforms (ELISA/FACS)
  
• Small scale antibody expression and purification
  
• Interpret data in the context of multidisciplinary project teams
  

Education & Experience Requirements:

Bachelor's Degree in Cell Biology or other related fields with at least 3 years of relevant experience in industry (preferred) or academia or Master's Degree with at least 0-1 year of relevant experience in industry (preferred) or academia

Required Skills:

• Strong background in cell biology and sterile tissue culture techniques
  
• Experience performing standard laboratory procedures such as ELISA, SDS-PAGE and immuno-staining techniques
  
• Demonstrated experience in optimizing/troubleshooting protocols with a problem-solving mindset.
  
• Ability to learn and embrace new technologies quickly, work independently, multi-task and manage shifting priorities
  
• Excellent organizational skills, record keeping and data presentation.
  
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills as well as the ability to work within teams.
  

Desired Skills:

• Experience with NGS and 10XGenomics for antibody discovery using B-cell technologies
  
• Familiarity with automation and High-Throughput screening (e.g. Hamilton,iQue3) is a plus
  
• Experience in small-scale antibody expression and purification is desirable
  
• Skilled in Flow cytometry
  

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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