Senior Scientist

AstraZeneca • Cambridge, MA

1d • $118,870 - $178,306 • Hybrid

About The Position

AstraZeneca is seeking a highly motivated Senior Scientist with scientific and strategic experience in oncology research to join its Oncology Targeted Discovery team within the Oncology R&D Department in Cambridge, Massachusetts. The role contributes to oncology projects across the drug discovery process, applying cancer biology expertise to discover medicines that may advance antibody drug conjugate (ADC) therapeutics.

The Senior Scientist will work in a laboratory-based team designing, conducting, and analyzing in vitro experiments to evaluate candidate drug targets, discover novel targets for ADC payloads, and lead projects from target identification through validation. The role includes identifying and onboarding disease models, establishing biomarkers of target engagement, evaluating experimental compounds in cancer cells or cell-free assays, and guiding project teams through early discovery and governance interactions.

The position is based at AstraZeneca’s Cambridge research hub in Kendall Square. The site includes laboratories, offices, and collaboration spaces, with flexible work setups. The role is hybrid, with three days per week onsite.

Requirements

• MS degree with 6+ years of industry experience in Biology, Oncology, Cell/Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Pharmacology, or a related scientific area; OR PhD and 2+ years of industry research experience in a relevant scientific area; OR postdoctoral training.
• Experience developing, running, and/or overseeing in vitro studies analyzing human tumor cell function, such as cell culture, cell-signaling bioassays, high-content imaging, cell-death measurement, live-cell reporters, and mRNA/protein expression assays in primary or cell-line cultures.
• Strong background and experience in cancer biology, cell biology, genetics, cell signaling, and molecular biology, with depth of understanding of solid-tumor and hematology cancer models.
• Molecular biology skills, including assessment of intracellular signaling; generation of engineered cell lines using CRISPR knock-out/knock-in; generation of cell-based reporter assays; genetic perturbation technologies such as siRNA, shRNA, or overexpression; and generation and analysis of transcriptomic data.
• Ability to generate, interpret, and communicate large datasets, such as multi-omics data, CRISPR screening, cell-line panel screening, and human genetic data, to identify candidate drug targets, biomarkers of response and resistance, and mechanisms of action.
• Experience using AI tools to streamline and accelerate drug discovery and cancer biology research.
• Ability to work independently and collaborate with teams with varied backgrounds and expertise, implementing assigned tasks consistently with project goals.
• Interpersonal and communication skills to identify key scientific questions and present effectively to broad audiences inside and outside the immediate team.
• Creative problem-solving skills and independent initiative to address complex scientific questions and contribute technical and strategic ideas.
• Passion for leadership, mentorship, and personal and professional growth.
• Curiosity to learn more about cancer biology and innovative cancer therapeutic modalities.

Nice To Haves

• Two or more years of experience in an industry drug discovery program is strongly preferred.
• Hands-on experience designing and developing quantitative, mechanistic, cell-based assays for evaluating compounds for target engagement.
• Experience with high-content imaging assays.
• Bioinformatics and/or coding skills to analyze high-dimensionality omics data.
• Experience building and/or deploying automation technology for drug development research.

Responsibilities

• Design, conduct, and analyze in vitro studies to assess candidate drug targets and their relevance to cancer-cell function.
• Select appropriate experimental approaches and interpret results in the context of project goals.
• Identify and onboard relevant disease models and identify biomarkers of target engagement.
• Evaluate the pharmacologic effects of experimental compounds in cancer cells and/or cell-free assays.
• Lead projects from target identification through validation and guide project teams through early discovery and governance interactions.
• Review emerging literature and internal data to identify new targets and contribute to target nomination, evaluation, and validation.
• Discover and evaluate novel targets for ADC payloads, integrating experimental findings with literature and internal data.
• Combine experimental results, internal data, and literature to identify promising targets, understand mechanisms of action, and help uncover biomarkers of drug response or resistance.
• Collaborate with colleagues across scientific and functional backgrounds and align research activities with broader project objectives.

Benefits

• Eligibility for short-term incentive bonuses and equity-based awards for salaried roles.
• Qualified retirement programs.
• Paid time off, including vacation, holidays, and leaves.
• Health, dental, and vision coverage in accordance with applicable plan terms.

What This Job Offers

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