Job Description

Postdoctoral Fellow – Next-Gen 3D Bio-Interfaces: Mapping the Cross-Talk between TME and Peripheral Immunity

Location: Gaithersburg, MD (USA)

Competitive Salary, Bonus & Benefits Package

Introduction

Do you have expertise in tumor immunobiology and passion for transforming the lives of patients with improved outcomes and a better quality of life? Would you like to apply your knowledge to impact drug discovery projects in a company that follows the science and turns ideas into life-changing medicines? Then join the Translational Discovery department at AstraZeneca and unlock the power of what science can do!

About the Opportunity

In this exciting Postdoctoral Fellow position, you’ll research and develop next-generation experimental tools for dissecting the mechanisms of action for immuno-oncology drugs using multi-organ 3D ex vivo culture systems.

This project is supported by the ENABL group that works across all of AstraZeneca’s therapy areas from early-stage drug discovery to late-stage clinical development. Our vision is to apply integrated predictive models into the drug development pipeline and investment decision process to increase confidence in selections and improve PoS.

Project Focus

This project will conduct pioneering research to better understand immune checkpoints and their modulators using patient-derived samples and cutting-edge technologies, such as single cell RNA sequencing and CODEX multiplexed tissue imaging. Our Postdoc will collaborate with experienced AZ interdisciplinary scientists with diverse set backgrounds, and exceptional academic mentor specifically aligned to the project, to develop next-generation multi-organ 3D ex vivo models able to elucidate the mechanism of actions of new drugs, identify patient populations that can benefit for the drug, and build predictive models to fill the gap between preclinical and clinical translation.

The Postdoc role will report to Jeremy Ratiu, Senior Scientist, and co-mentored by Jun Ren, Senior Scientist at AstraZeneca. Additionally, you'll also receive academic mentorship and guidance from John Hickey, Professor at the Departments of Biomedical Engineering and Integrated Immunobiology at Duke University during the 3-year program.

Our Postdoctoral Fellow will conduct ground-breaking research using cutting edge 3D ex vivo culture models to study tumor immunology. You will develop laboratory methods to assess peripheral immune cell activation, recruitment to the tumor microenvironment, and subsequent anti-tumor immune responses. This will involve multi-organ-on-a-chip technologies, spatial proteomics/ transcriptomics, and advanced imaging techniques.

Key Duties & Responsibilities:

• Research, design and implement innovative 3D ex vivo culture models to study the role of immune-modulatory compounds in shaping peripheral immune responses against tumors.
• Lead and drive the project under the supervision of cross-functional AstraZeneca team and in collaboration with the academic expert.
• Plan, write, publish, and present high-quality scientific papers.

Essential Education and Experience:

• Candidates must be within four years of receiving their doctoral degree (PhD or DVM), with the PhD already awarded; or
• Candidates who are nearing completion of their doctoral degree are eligible, provided the PhD is conferred within six months of joining AstraZeneca.
• Strong knowledge and experience in immunology including design and execution of common immunological assays (e.g., ELISA, flow cytometry, cell culture, etc).
• Extensive knowledge in lymph node, tumor, OR vascular biology
• Extensive knowledge and experience working with tissue specimens (experience working with human tissues is a plus).
• 0-4 years of working experience

Desirable Requirements:

• Advanced imaging techniques and image analysis
• Experience working with ex vivo culture systems with vascular, lymph node, or tumor models highly desirable
• Experience preparing samples for scRNA-seq and/or spatial OMICs and basic or advanced knowledge of analyzing these data.

About our PostDoc Program

Bring your expertise, apply your knowledge, follow the science, and make a difference. AstraZeneca’s Postdoc Program is for self-motivated individuals looking to deliver exciting projects in an encouraging, engaging, and innovative environment.

Do you want to push the frontiers of tumor immunology and help bridge preclinical discovery to clinical impact? Join AstraZeneca as a Postdoctoral Fellow to develop next‑generation, multi‑organ 3D ex vivo models that reveal how immuno‑oncology therapies work, identify patients most likely to benefit, and accelerate translation. Working within the Translational Discovery department and supported by the ENABL group, you’ll partner with interdisciplinary AZ scientists and an aligned academic mentor to combine advanced tissue engineering, spatial omics, and high‑content imaging—turning bold science into life‑changing medicines. This 3-year program offers early-career scientists unparalleled exposure to the full drug discovery pipeline, hands-on experience with advanced platforms and cross-functional teams, strong mentorship from industry and academic leaders, and the opportunity to generate impactful publications while contributing to programs that advance toward the clinic.

Compensation for this role, based on years of experience after obtaining PhD, is a minimum of $103,079 up to a maximum of $123,694 + short-term incentive. Some relocation supplements depend on distance and location at the employer's discretion.

About AstraZeneca

AstraZeneca is a global, science-led, patient-centered biopharmaceutical company focusing on discovering, developing, and commercializing prescription medicines for some of the world’s most serious diseases. But we’re more than a global leading pharmaceutical company. At AstraZeneca, we're dedicated to being a Great Place to Work and empowering employees to push the boundaries of science and fuel their entrepreneurial spirit.

Where can I find out more?

AZ’s Postdoc Program: https://careers.astrazeneca.com/postdocs-astrazeneca

Life at AstraZeneca: https://careers.astrazeneca.com/life-at-astrazeneca

This is what we’re made of: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pmFx_jr2eFo&t=2s

#EarlyTalent

Date Posted

23-Mar-2026

Closing Date

Our mission is to build an inclusive environment where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants and employees. In furtherance of that mission, we welcome and consider applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of their protected characteristics. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please complete the corresponding section in the application form.