Scientist – Bioscience Oncology, Antibody Drug-Conjugates (lab-based)

AstraZeneca•Gaithersburg, MD

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

This lab-based position advances next-generation antibody drug-conjugates (ADCs) by designing and delivering in vitro data to guide candidate selection, refinement, and progression toward the clinic. Based at AstraZeneca’s Gaithersburg, Maryland campus, the scientist works hands-on to investigate mechanisms of action and resistance and to inform combination strategies and biomarker plans. The role develops and analyzes experiments across 2D and 3D models, establishes and optimizes protein- and cell-based assays, and interprets data using appropriate statistical methods and visualizations. The scientist collaborates with antibody engineering, chemistry, and translational colleagues, presents findings to internal stakeholders, and connects laboratory outcomes to candidate selection, IND-enabling activities, and clinical development. The position also requires careful recordkeeping, adherence to research integrity and safety standards, effective timeline management, and ongoing improvement of laboratory workflows. The position is based on an in-person working model, with an average minimum of three days per week in the office and flexibility balanced with that expectation. The annual base pay range is $92,252–$138,378. Positions are eligible for incentives, including short-term incentive bonuses and equity-based awards for salaried roles. Benefits include qualified retirement programs, paid time off, and health, dental, and vision coverage, subject to applicable plan terms.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree with 3–5 years of experience, or a Master’s degree with at least 1 year of experience, in cancer biology.
Experience with 2D 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 combined-treatment strategies.

Responsibilities

Develop, conduct, and analyze robust in vitro experiments evaluating ADC candidates in 2D and 3D models, producing high-quality data for portfolio decisions.
Investigate target engagement, internalization, trafficking, downstream signaling, payload effects, and resistance mechanisms to generate hypotheses for combination strategies and clinical translation.
Apply appropriate statistical methods and create clear data narratives and visualizations that provide decision-ready insights to project teams.
Establish, optimize, and validate protein- and cell-based binding and bioassays, improving reproducibility, throughput, and fit-for-purpose 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 informing clinical development plans.