
Senior Scientist(12-MonthFixed Term Contract), Oncology Research
Location: Cambridge (Discovery Centre)
Introduction to the Role:
At AstraZeneca, we turn ideas into life changing medicines. Working here means being entrepreneurial, thinking big and working together to make the impossible a reality.We’repassionate about the potential of science to address the unmet needs of patients around the world. We commit to those areas where we believe we can really change the course of medicine and bring bignew ideasto life.
Are you ready to work on one of the most excitingOncologypipelines in industry?
About the Role:
AstraZeneca’s vision in Oncology is to push the boundaries of science to change the practice of medicine, transform the lives of patients living with cancer, and toultimately eliminatecancer as a cause of death.
We areseekingahighly motivatedSenior Scientistwith deep scientific and technicalexpertisespanning both adaptiveand innateimmune cell biologywitha track recordof scientific excellence to joinImmune Cell Engagers Discoveryteamin Cambridge, UKfora12-monthperiod As a Senior Scientist,you will be a key member of a team focused on supporting immune-oncology projects through the drug discovery process. You will bring your theoretical and practicalexpertisein immunology toestablishassay systems and deliver datasets that will have direct impact onimmune-oncology research projects.
Main Duties and Responsibilities
Working in this laboratory-based position within the Immune Cell Engagers Discoverygroup,you will develop, design, conduct and analyse in-vitroand/or ex-vivoexperiments to assess the function of our candidate drugs and helpusto dissect the mechanism of action of novel therapeutics targeting the immune system for cancer therapy. You will also review emerging literature and internal data to help inidentifyingnew potential targets and contribute to target validation activities.
A strong foundationin immunology / immuno-oncology, andan in-depthtechnicalexpertisefor the analysis of immune function and phenotype is essential for this role. As a highlyorganisedandself-motivated individual with a strong lab/practical background, you will stay up to date with relevant technical and intellectual scientificexpertisein tumour immunology and have a genuine passion for this field of research!
Essential Requirements
A PhD, or equivalent experience, in immunologyImmuno-oncologycancer biology
Extensive background in immunology and/orimmuno-oncology
Experience of a range of in-vitroand ex-vivotechnicalskills for the analysis of human immune cell functionsviamultiparameter flow cytometry, ELISAmultiplex assays,ELISPOT,primary immune cellisolation andco-cultures,cell killing assays(likeTDCC, ADCC, CDC, ADCP),TILsisolation andphenotyping.
Molecularbiology skills includinggene expression analysis and stable cell line generation.
Working experience with immune cellassaysand/orcharacterization is highly desirable.
Strong interpersonal, influencing, negotiating and collaboration skills together with evidence of having used theseskillsto support problem solving andindelivering theprojects ina collaborative environment.
Depth of understanding andstrongenthusiasm for immunology and immuno-oncology
Proventrack recordofscientific accomplishments,asevidentfrom publications/patents.
Data processing, statisticalanalysis,and interpretation.
Experienceinpreparing written scientific reports (e.g.,manuscripts) and oral presentations (e.g.,slides, posters).
Ability to record protocols and experimentsin a timely mannerandmaintainan excellent electronicnotebook(eLNB)
Desirable Requirements
We encourage applications from candidates who haveexperience in the evaluation of immunecellfunctionsandindevelopingand deployingcomplex immunological assaysto understand the MOA of novel therapeutics
Expertisein fieldsof T-cell engagers,T cell exhaustion, tumour myeloid and/or NK biology
Experienceinvisualizing/quantifyinghigh content multi-parameter flowcytometrydatatranscriptomic datasets
Candidates who candemonstrateproficiencyinleveragingAI technologies, including machine learning, data analysis, and algorithm development to enhance research outcomes, alongside strongproblem solvingskills, to enable integration of these tools into scientific workflows are strongly preferred.
Prior experience with spectral flow cytometry
Working experience with 3Dcell culture
Experienceinworking with patient-derived tumours/TILs
Knowledge of the drug discovery process
Why AstraZeneca?
Join a company where rigorous science meets real-world impact. You will operate with high visibility and growing responsibility, shaping deliverables that influence key decisions across global therapy areas. Expect a collaborative environment that brings diverse minds together, uses advanced tools and technology to solve tough problems, and recognizes both progress and learning. We balance bold ambition with support—valuing curiosity, resilience and kindness—so you can stretch your skills, contribute to breakthroughs and see the patient impact of your work.
So, what’s next?
Are you already imagining yourself joining our team? Good, because we can’t wait to hear from you. Send your CV today and feel free to add your Cover Letter for us to start reviewing it soon.
Where can I find out more?
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Date Posted
26-Aug-2026
Closing Date
12-Sep-2026Our mission is to build an inclusive and equitable environment. We want people to feel they belong at AstraZeneca and Alexion, starting with our recruitment process. We welcome and consider applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of characteristics. We offer reasonable adjustments/accommodations to help all candidates to perform at their best. If you have a need for any adjustments/accommodations, please complete the section in the application form.

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