Postdoctoral Fellow, Multiple Myeloma Immuno-Oncology, Oncology Bioscience

AstraZeneca • Cambridge, MA

3d • $99,900 - $120,000 • Onsite

About The Position

AstraZeneca is seeking a highly motivated and scientifically rigorous postdoctoral fellow to join the Oncology Bioscience group in Cambridge, Massachusetts. The role sits at the intersection of cancer biology and innate immunology and focuses on a first-in-class kinase target whose inhibition may regulate tumor growth through both direct oncogenic signaling and non-cancer cell autonomous modulation of the innate immune system.

Using a potent and selective AstraZeneca compound and preliminary in vivo findings in multiple myeloma models, the fellow will characterize the mechanism of action, identify the innate immune cell types involved, and assess rational combinations with T-cell-directed therapies. The position offers the opportunity to lead a mechanistically novel program with translational relevance, publish in high-impact journals, and collaborate with oncology experts.

The postdoctoral fellow will report to Kayleigh Gallagher, Associate Principal Scientist, and be supported by Omid Tavana, Senior Director. The role is part of a collaborative, multidisciplinary environment with access to experts in innate immunology, in vivo oncology, and clinical-stage hematology drug discovery. External mentorship from a leading multiple myeloma investigator, in vivo research infrastructure, established assay platforms, and a publication roadmap are provided. The position has a three-year term.

Requirements

• Be within four years of receiving a doctoral degree (PhD, DVM, or MD), with the PhD already awarded; candidates nearing completion may qualify if the PhD is conferred within six months of joining AstraZeneca.
• Ph.D. in Immunology, Hematology, Cancer Biology, Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, or a related field.
• Training in a research-intensive academic laboratory with a strong publication record, including at least one first-author or co-first-author publication in a high-impact peer-reviewed journal.
• Hands-on experience with in vivo mouse models, including tumor implantation and treatment studies.
• Proficiency in core molecular and cellular biology techniques, including flow cytometry, CRISPR cell line generation, western blot, ELISA, and cell-based functional assays.
• Background in hematological malignancies, particularly multiple myeloma.
• Strong scientific communication skills and demonstrated ability to interpret and present complex datasets.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with xenograft mouse models, including SCID or NSG models, and immune cell depletion or reconstitution approaches.
• Familiarity with innate immune biology, including NK cell and macrophage biology.
• Exposure to advanced transcriptomic methods, including single-cell RNA-seq, CyTOF, or CITE-seq.

Responsibilities

• Lead in vivo studies in syngeneic and xenograft mouse models to establish and characterize the non-cancer cell autonomous function of a first-in-class kinase inhibitor in multiple myeloma.
• Investigate the mechanistic contributions of individual innate immune cell types using CRISPR-based models, immune cell depletion, and reconstitution experiments.
• Use advanced immunophenotyping and transcriptomic platforms, including CyTOF, single-cell RNA-seq, and CITE-seq, to define pathway modulation across innate immune compartments.
• Evaluate rational combination strategies with T-cell engagers and CAR-T therapies in relevant preclinical models.
• Drive a publication plan, including a first-author review in Year 1 and first-author research manuscripts during the three-year term.

Benefits

• Short-term incentive.
• Relocation supplements may be available depending on distance and location, at the employer’s discretion.
• External mentorship and career development support.

What This Job Offers

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