Cambridge, UK
If you’re inspired by the possibilities of science to change lives and you thrive when making brave decisions – join us.
MedImmune is the worldwide biologics research and development arm of AstraZeneca. Here, you’ll have the opportunity to make a difference in people’s lives every day. As one of the world’s premier biotechnology companies, our mission is centered on delivering life-changing products that advance world health, and help fight and cure disease. As a Research Scientist within the Oncology Research team in Cambridge, UK you will play a pivotal role in the discovery of therapeutic antibodies.
AstraZeneca’s vision in Oncology is to help patients by redefining the cancer-treatment paradigm, with the aim of bringing six new cancer medicines to patients between 2013 and 2020. A broad pipeline of next-generation medicines is focused principally on four disease areas - breast, ovarian, lung and haematological cancers. As well as other tumour types, these are being targeted through four key platforms - immunotherapy, the genetic drivers of cancer and resistance, DNA damage repair, and antibody drug conjugates, underpinned by personalised healthcare and biomarker technologies.
MedImmune has a dynamic environment that fosters collaboration and innovation. We attract top minds, and we nurture and build top talent.
Main Duties and Responsibilities
Working in this laboratory based position within the Immuno-Oncology Research group (immune mediated therapies) you will support projects aligned with MedImmune Oncology’s key focus areas in T cell-based immunotherapy. You will perform in vitro primary immune assays using engineered cell lines, human PBMC and tumour-infiltrating lymphocytes from primary tissues to support projects in the immune oncology pipeline. Moreover, you will lead from the laboratory using your theoretical and technical immunology skills to help us develop innovate and clinically relevant in vitro assay systems to characterise the activity of our molecules and to help identify new targets.
You will have a strong expertise in techniques for the analysis of immune function and phenotype (e.g. multiparameter flow cytometry, proliferation, cytokine/chemokine release [e.g. MSD, ELISA], chemotaxis, target cell killing assays), profiling of intracellular signalling pathways) and actively keep up to date with new technological developments. You may also contribute to ex vivo analysis of preclinical in vivo studies.
As a highly organised, self-motivated individual with a strong lab/practical background you will stay up to date with relevant technical and intellectual scientific expertise in both basic and tumour immunology, and in biomarker discovery.
Essential Requirements
- BSc or MSc (Ph.D for the Scientist I position) in a relevant biological scientific discipline with a focus on in immunology and/or cancer research.
- You should have immunology expertise including hands-on experience of running in vitro primary human assays, as evidenced by peer reviewed publications.
- Understand and have enthusiasm for tumour immunology and cancer therapies.
- You must have a range of in vitro skills that can be applied to cancer immunology research including:
- Tissue culture techniques for cell-based immunoassays.
- Experience working with human immune cells.
- Experience with complex immunological assays.
- Ex vivo immunobiology techniques such as: complex flow cytometry (including intracellular cytokine or multicolour cell surface staining); MSD; and ELISA.
- Data processing, statistical analysis and interpretation.
- Experience preparing written scientific reports (e.g. manuscripts) and oral presentations (e.g. slides, posters).
- PhD in oncology, cell biology, immunology or relevant subject with strong preclinical knowledge.
- Experience within the pharmaceutical or biotechnology industry, preferably within immuno-oncology.
- Experience working with primary tissues e.g. tumour samples including, tissue digestion and assays to determine phenotype and function of tumour-infiltrating immune cell populations
- Publications in top tier scientific journals.
Desirable Requirements
The Cambridge Oncology Research team is keen to expand its expertise and would value experience in the following areas:
- Complex immunological assays (e.g. antigen recall assays, CTL assays).
- Gene expression analysis
- Molecular biology skills (e.g. transfection, transduction, cloning)
- Generation of engineered cell lines (e.g. luciferase reporter cell lines, cell lines with targeted silencing/overexpression of genes/proteins)
Next Steps – Apply today!
To be considered for this exciting opportunity, please complete the full application on our website at your earliest convenience – it is the only way that our Recruiter and Hiring Manager can know that you feel well qualified for this opportunity. If you know someone who would be a great fit, please share this posting with them.
MedImmune is an equal opportunity employer. MedImmune will consider all qualified applicants for employment without discrimination on grounds of disability, sex or sexual orientation, pregnancy or maternity leave status, race or national or ethnic origin, age, religion or belief, gender identity or re-assignment, marital or civil partnership status, protected veteran status (if applicable) or any other characteristic protected by law.
Closing date for applications: 26th July 2017
Competitive remuneration and company benefits apply.
