Associate Principle Scientist, Immunopeptidomics

AstraZeneca • Gaithersburg, MD

2d • Onsite

About The Position

At AstraZeneca, we collaborate globally to make an impact and find solutions to challenges with integrity. We forge partnerships to pursue world-class medicines, combining our people's skills with global talent. As part of our Dynamic Omics team in Gaithersburg, MD, you will play a pivotal role in channeling our scientific capabilities to positively impact patients' lives. Our Gaithersburg facility creates life-changing medicines and is home to over 3,500 experts in R&D and Oncology in the US, featuring cutting-edge technology and lab spaces designed to inspire collaboration. We are dedicated to fostering a culture of inclusion and collaboration.

Dynamic Omics is part of the Centre for Genomics Research (CGR) and Discovery Sciences within AstraZeneca, working across all therapeutic areas. The team delivers key data to projects throughout drug discovery and development, supporting all modalities from small molecules to biologics. As a member of Dynamic Omics and CGR, you will serve as the scientific leader for immunopeptidomics, driving the analysis of preclinical and clinical samples using advanced MHC peptide isolation workflows, high-throughput mass spectrometry, and specialized bioinformatics pipelines. We seek an expert immunopeptidomics scientist who can identify opportunities and synergies across projects, acting as a scientific leader influencing across disciplines and therapeutic areas. The successful candidate will be an emerging leader within AstraZeneca, contributing strategic scientific insight and mentoring junior scientists. Outstanding written and oral communication skills, a strong publication record, and a demonstrated ability to initiate and manage collaborations are essential.

Requirements

• PhD in analytical chemistry, biochemistry, immunology, proteomics, or a relevant discipline.
• PhD with 5+ years of extensive relevant scientific experience in immunopeptidomics or closely related mass spectrometry-based fields, with a demonstrated track record of independent project delivery and scientific leadership.
• Deep expertise in all aspects of MHC peptide immunopeptidomics workflows, including MHC class I and/or class II peptide isolation from cells, tissues, and biofluids, and mass spectrometry-based identification and quantification of immunopeptidomes.
• Extensive hands-on experience with high-resolution LC-MS/MS platforms (timsTOF and/or Orbitrap-based systems), including method development, optimization, and troubleshooting.
• Proven expertise in immunopeptidomics data analysis approaches, including de novo sequencing, MHC binding prediction, and integration of multi-omics datasets to derive biological insight.
• Ability to evaluate and apply AI and machine learning tools to immunopeptidomics research problems.
• Proficiency in programming languages for custom data analysis, visualization, and pipeline development.
• Demonstrated ability to lead projects from conception through execution, data interpretation, and publication with limited supervision.
• Track record of delivering significant project objectives and influencing scientific direction across disciplines.
• Proven ability to initiate and manage internal and external collaborations, form cross-functional teams, and effectively communicate complex scientific concepts to diverse audiences.
• Experience conducting scientific briefings and meetings for internal and external representatives.
• Strong publication record in high-quality peer-reviewed journals demonstrating scientific impact in immunopeptidomics or related fields.
• Experience mentoring junior scientists and contributing to team development.

Nice To Haves

• Experience applying immunopeptidomics to support drug discovery programs, including target identification, antigen presentation profiling, or therapeutic response monitoring.
• Expertise in high-throughput and automated immunopeptidomics workflows.
• Background in immuno-oncology, cancer immunology, or vaccine antigen discovery.
• Knowledge of MHC biology, antigen processing and presentation pathways, and T-cell immunology.
• Experience implementing or fine-tuning AI/machine learning models for peptide-MHC interaction prediction, immunopeptidome analysis, or related applications.
• Experience with automated sample handling and liquid handling platforms.

Responsibilities

• Lead all aspects of mass spectrometry-based immunopeptidomics, from sample preparation through data acquisition, analysis, and biological interpretation.
• Serve as the recognized internal expert and key point of contact for immunopeptidomics.
• Drive immunopeptidomics projects in close partnership with the Infectious Disease Therapy Area, applying MHC peptide profiling to support antigen characterization, target prioritization, and vaccine development programs.
• Represent immunopeptidomics capabilities to stakeholders, form cross-functional project teams, and manage external collaborations as needed.
• Develop, optimize, and implement novel immunopeptidomics workflows, including MHC class I and class II peptide isolation and advanced LC-MS/MS acquisition strategies on timsTOF and/or Orbitrap-based systems.
• Lead immunopeptidomics data analysis pipelines, including de novo sequencing, DIA-based quantification, and MHC binding prediction.
• Apply AI and machine learning tools to enhance data interpretation.
• Integrate immunopeptidomics data with multi-omics datasets.
• Provide scientific guidance to junior scientists and technical staff, contributing to team development and a collaborative culture.
• Maintain an active publication record in high-quality peer-reviewed journals and represent AstraZeneca at international conferences.

Benefits

• qualified retirement program [401(k) plan]
• paid vacation and holidays
• paid leaves
• health benefits including medical, prescription drug, dental, and vision coverage
• short-term incentive bonus opportunity
• equity-based long-term incentive program (salaried roles)
• retirement contribution (hourly roles)
• commission payment eligibility (sales roles)

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Principal
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree