Scientist – Biomolecular Interactions

AstraZeneca • Gaithersburg, MD

10d • $116,284 - $174,426

About The Position

Join AstraZeneca's Biologics Engineering (BE) team, where we turn ideas into life-changing medicines. We are looking for a highly motivated scientist to join our Biomolecular Interactions Group (BmIG) within the multidisciplinary Protein Analytics & Developability team. As a Scientist, you will contribute to advancing our capabilities in high-throughput kinetic characterization of antibody-antigen interactions, directly supporting pipeline decisions and our Lab of the Future vision. Reporting to the Associate Director of the Biomolecular Interactions Group, you will work independently and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team to execute technically demanding assays, support pipeline projects, and contribute to the continuous enhancement of our technology platforms. We are actively integrating AI and machine learning into our biophysical workflows — from automated kinetic data interpretation to ML-guided antibody lead prioritization — and are looking for scientists who are curious about and engaged with these tools, not just consumers of them. This is an opportunity to help shape what modern, data-driven biomolecular science looks like at AstraZeneca.

Requirements

• MS in Biochemistry, Chemistry, Bio/Chemical Engineering, or a related field with 0 years of experience, or BS with 5+ years of relevant hands-on experience.
• Expertise in conducting biomolecular interaction assays, particularly with antibodies and antigens, using biosensor-based platforms.
• Strongly prefer candidates with background in high throughput kinetic profiling using the Carterra LSA and Biacore 8K.
• Experience in assay troubleshooting and optimization, with a strong understanding of assay development and execution.
• Proficiency in data analysis and statistical methods for interpreting complex biomolecular datasets and translating results into clear, actionable insights.
• Strong collaborative skills and the ability to work efficiently within multidisciplinary teams, with excellent written and verbal communication skills to convey technical information clearly and succinctly to both scientific and non-scientific audiences.

Nice To Haves

• Hands-on experience with complementary protein analytical and biophysical techniques and instrumentation.
• Experience with coding (e.g., Python or R) and/or AI/ML tools for data analysis, visualization, or integration of high-throughput biophysical datasets into computational workflows.
• Experience integrating HT-SPR workflows with electronic lab notebooks (ELNs) and other data management systems.

Responsibilities

• Design, optimize, and execute high-throughput (HT) assays for biomolecular interactions, focusing on kinetic characterization and epitope binning of antibody-antigen interactions using biosensor-based techniques in support of our biologics drug discovery pipeline.
• Independently analyze and interpret complex datasets, providing insights to drive decision making in pipeline projects.
• Collaborate with the Automation and Bioinformatics teams to increase volume and refine HT assay workflows, ensuring accuracy and reliability in data collection and interpretation.
• Stay engaged with technological advancements in biosensor and other biophysical technologies and work to integrate innovative solutions to enhance current workflows.
• Participate in cross-functional project teams, contributing technical expertise to inform project strategies, directions and discovery pipeline success.
• Engage with AI/ML and automation tools as they are introduced into workflows, and actively contribute ideas for improving data interpretation, hit triage, and overall efficiency in the drug discovery pipeline.

Benefits

• qualified retirement program [401(k) plan]
• paid vacation and holidays
• paid leaves
• health benefits including medical, prescription drug, dental, and vision coverage

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level