Our Gaithersburg, Maryland facility creates life-changing medicines for people around the world. This campus employs more than 3,500 experts in our field and is only a short drive from Washington, DC. This modern and vibrant scientific campus is the home of R&D and Oncology in the US. Here, we host some of the most pioneering technology and lab spaces, all designed to inspire collaboration and cross-functional science. We are dedicated to creating a culture of inclusion and collaboration.

The Gaithersburg site offers a variety of amenities to help keep our employees happy and healthy. This includes a fitness center, employee healthcare clinic, electric vehicle charging stations, dry cleaning, full-service cafeteria, copy center, game rooms, community garden, and much more. This is where you’ll find newly-designed, activity-based work spaces to suit a variety of working styles while growing collaboration between teams.

AstraZeneca seeks an innovative and highly motivated scientist with a background in immunology or a related field to join the Early Discovery Oncology team in Gaithersburg, MD. As a Scientist you will be a key member of a team focused on supporting Immuno-Oncology projects through the drug discovery process. You will bring your expertise in Immunology to establish assay systems and deliver datasets that will have direct impact on pipeline programs.

Working in this laboratory-based position within the Immuno-Oncology Research group you will design, conduct and analyze in vitro and in vivo experiments to assess the function of our candidate drugs and help to dissect the mechanism of action of novel therapeutics targeting the immune system for cancer therapy. You will be expected to support cross-functional teams and work collaboratively with colleagues to ensure the timely generation and dissemination of critical program data.

A solid foundation in immunology and experience in techniques for the analysis of immune cell function is essential for this role. As a highly organized, self-motivated individual with a strong lab/practical background you will stay up to date with relevant techniques and have a genuine passion for this field of research. The position requires strong interest in bench work and ability to work in a fast-paced matrix structured work environment.

• Essential requirements
• B.S. in Biology or other related scientific discipline with 3-6 years; or M.S. with 0-5 years of relevant scientific experience.
• Strong background in immunology and experience with immunologic assays.
• Hands-on skills in basic immunological methods including cell culture, multi-color flow cytometry, ELISA/multiplex assays, and cell killing assays.
• Ability to independently execute research plans, analyze, and interpret experimental results.
• Team player who is well organized with excellent interpersonal and oral/written communication skills and be able to perform multitasking as needed.
• Ability to record protocols and experiments in a timely manner and maintain an excellent laboratory notebook.

 Desirable Requirements:

• Biotechnology or pharmaceutical industry experience preferred but not essential.
• Hands-on experience with in vivo work and human T cells is preferred but not required.
• Experience working with patient-derived samples is an advantage.