Scientist – Bioscience Oncology, Antibody Drug-Conjugates (lab-based)
About The Position
This lab-based Scientist role advances next-generation antibody drug-conjugates (ADCs) through the design and delivery of decisive in vitro data. Based at AstraZeneca’s Gaithersburg, Maryland campus, the role evaluates ADC candidates and investigates their mechanisms of action and resistance to inform candidate selection, combination strategies, biomarker plans, and clinical translation. The position works across 2D and 3D models and partners with antibody engineering, chemistry, and translational colleagues to connect target biology with project strategy. The Scientist develops and optimizes protein- and cell-based assays, interprets data using appropriate statistical methods, and communicates decision-ready findings through reports and presentations. The role also involves maintaining accurate records, observing research integrity and safety standards, managing timelines, and improving laboratory workflows. The position is primarily in person, with an average expectation of at least three office days per week and flexibility to balance individual needs.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree with 3–5 years of cancer biology experience, or a Master’s degree with at least 1 year of cancer biology experience.
- Experience with 2D cell culture and 3D cell culture.
- Experience with cellular viability and proliferation assays.
- Experience with flow cytometry and cell signaling bioassays.
- Experience with internalization and trafficking assays.
- Experience with protein-based and cell-based binding assays.
- Experience with data and statistical analyses.
- Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
- Strong interpersonal and collaborative skills.
- Strong problem-solving and critical-thinking capabilities.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Excellent organizational and time-management skills.
- Interest in and commitment to cancer research.
- Awareness of and commitment to research integrity.
Nice To Haves
- Familiarity with drug discovery processes and solid tumor models.
- Knowledge of drug resistance mechanisms.
- Experience with antibody-based treatments and/or combination-treatment strategies.
Responsibilities
- Develop, conduct, and analyze in vitro experiments evaluating ADC candidates across 2D and 3D models.
- Investigate target engagement, internalization, trafficking, downstream signaling, payload effects, and resistance mechanisms.
- Generate hypotheses to inform combination strategies and clinical translation.
- Apply statistical methods, interpret results, and create visualizations and data narratives for project teams.
- Establish, optimize, and validate protein- and cell-based binding and bioassays, including appropriate controls.
- Collaborate with antibody engineering, chemistry, and translational colleagues to align experiments with target biology and project strategy.
- Present findings that inform candidate selection and IND-enabling activities.
- Maintain meticulous records and uphold research integrity and safety standards.
- Manage timelines and continuously improve laboratory workflows.
- Author reports and present data to internal stakeholders, connecting laboratory outcomes to patient impact and clinical development plans.
Benefits
- Eligibility for short-term incentive bonuses.
- Equity-based awards for salaried roles.
- Qualified retirement programs.
- Paid time off, including vacation, holidays, and leaves.
- Health coverage.
- Dental coverage.
- Vision coverage.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
