Target Validation Scientist (Advanced Cell Models/Immune-oncology)

Target Validation Scientist (Advanced Cell Models/Immune-oncology) Location: Cambridge Science Park, Cambridge, UK Competitive salary and benefits Meaningful Impact. Make a more meaningful contribution. Impact patients’ lives every day! AstraZeneca is a science-led, global biopharmaceutical company, committed to improving the health and lives of people across the globe through our research and development platform and a growing late-stage pipeline. With a presence in over 100 countries, we have strength in emerging markets, and our medicines are used by millions of patients and clinicians worldwide. Working here means being results-oriented and working together to make the impossible a reality. Diverse Minds. Bold Disruptors. Meaningful Impact. Discovery Sciences currently have an exciting opportunity for a Research Scientist to join our rapidly growing Functional Genomics (FGX) group who are responsible for the identification and validation of novel targets to support AstraZeneca's clinical pipeline. What’ll you do? This exciting position will be working in the Functional genomics Target Validation team, providing the chance to join a growing and dynamic environment focused on the large-scale mechanistic annotation and validation of hit lists coming from functional genomics genome wide screens, to translate them into new drug targets for the AstraZeneca pipeline. The role will report directly into the Associate Director of the Advanced Cell models (Target Validation) team, with the post-holder contributing to the wider AZ Target Discovery group science and strategy. You will work closely with therapy area leads, to develop and exploit cutting edge disease-relevant models to enable discovery of novel therapeutic strategies, utilising our world leading functional genomics discovery platform. We are looking for applicants with strong immunology and cellular biology expertise, with knowledge of plate-based cellular assays and a passion for rigorous validation of novel target opportunities. This role requires experience in immune based assays and will involve working with primary human cell model systems to deliver the next generation of immune-oncology therapeutic targets. If you have a passion for drug discovery and an interest in using our target discovery platforms to interrogate complex biological questions in the field of immuno-oncology then this is an excellent opportunity to join an extraordinary team with a track record of delivering portfolio impact. Essential criteria: Ph.D in Immuno-Oncology/Immunology/Cell Biology/related subject area, or equivalent industry experience Experience in isolating and handling primary immune cells and performing flow cytometry and immune based assays (flow panels, cytokine readouts, functional assays) A practical understanding of assay optimisation to enable generation of reproducible cellular assays Experience with transfection/electroporation techniques to modulate gene expression in primary immune cells, e.g. CRISPR Cas-9/RNAi. Excellent team working, communication and networking skills with experience of interacting effectively across interfaces of discipline, culture, and expertise Capable of scouting for scientific and technical developments in the fields of Immune oncology and target validation Desirable criteria: Knowledge of delivering target validation work packages Excellent communication and networking skills with experience of interacting optimally across subject areas and expertise Experience of working in external collaborations both in academia and pharmaceutical industry *** We will be reviewing applications and shortlisting on a rolling basis - as such we reserve the right to withdraw this vacancy ahead of the stated closing date *** AZ Cambridge An exciting bioscience hotspot, Cambridge is home to one of AstraZeneca’s three strategic, global R&D Centres, alongside Gothenburg and Gaithersburg. Over 3,600 employees work from our various sites across Cambridge and our offices are internationally renowned for attracting high performers, including several Nobel prize winners. Currently based at our Darwin building on the Cambridge Science Park, the Functional Genomics team are unbelievably excited for their pending relocation to our brand new, state-of-the-art R&D facility which was officially un-veiled in November 2021 by His Royal Highness, The Prince of Wales. The Discovery Centre (DISC), located at the heart of the Cambridge Biomedical Campus, is designed to play a central role in our mission to deliver life-changing medicines to patients. As our largest research and development centre in the UK, it will have more than 2,000 people working across therapy areas and drug discovery and development once fully occupied. Find out more about our Cambridge campus and the DISC, here: https://www.astrazeneca.com/our-company/our-locations/cambridge.html Pioneer a new future to meet global healthcare challenges At AstraZeneca, we're dedicated to being a Great Place to Work. Where you are empowered to push the boundaries of science and unleash your entrepreneurial spirit. There’s no better place to make a difference to medicine, patients and society. Our inclusive culture champions diversity and collaboration. We always committed to life-long learning, growth and personal development. So, what’s next? This advert will be running from Wednesday, 11th May 2022 and we welcome your application as soon as possible. The scheduled closing date is Monday, 23rd May 2022. ** Interviews will be conducted, week commencing 6th June 2022 ** Where can I find out more? Follow AstraZeneca on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/1603/ Follow AstraZeneca on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/astrazenecacareers/ Follow AstraZeneca on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/astrazeneca_careers/?hl=en Date Posted 11-May-2022 Closing Date 10-May-2022 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.