Immunotoxicology Senior Scientist

Job Description

Location: Cambridge Science ParkSalary: CompetitiveAt AstraZeneca when we see an opportunity for change we seize it and make it happen, because an opportunity no matter how small can be the start of something big. Delivering life-changing medicines is about being entrepreneurial - finding those moments and recognising their potential.Functional and Mechanistic Safety is a global department sited within Clinical Pharmacology and Safety Sciences (CPSS) function where application of innovative science drives the design, selection and development of safer medicines. The department works collaboratively to deliver safety science from early discovery through to clinical development. We work with a wide range of drug modalities targeting a number of disease indications. An exciting opportunity now exists to join our Immunotoxicology Group to support the development of safe and innovative oligonucleotide drugs to improve patients’ lives.The Immunotoxicology team uses cutting edge platforms and in vitro models to develop bespoke solutions to identify, understand and address potential immune safety questions across a wide portfolio. In this key role, you will apply your existing expertise and that of the collective team to develop innovative models and approaches to understand and mitigate unwanted immune-mediated effects of oligonucleotide drug candidates. This will include investigation of immunological pathways and molecules to afford mechanistic understanding across multiple organs, working closely with safety scientists in other areas of expertise to fully understand the safety profile.You should be highly motivated, innovative, detail-oriented, creative, well organised and able to work independently when designing and executing experiments and will be encouraged to lead and prioritise multiple projects and tasks in line with the objectives of the Immunotoxicology and oligonucleotide project teams. You will be responsible for providing expert advice on your data to safety representatives on project teams and leading problem-solving activities using in vitro and ex vivo models. This role will involve close interactions with many other AZ scientists and collaborators in a highly international environment. You will be expected to continuously develop your immunotoxicology expertise and scientific network, regularly presenting our innovative science through publication and presentations at selected scientific conferences. This will enable you to influence our Immunotoxicology safety strategy, develop our technical problem-solving capabilities, and contribute to our external scientific reputation.Essential requirements• Bachelors degree or equivalent qualification in an appropriate subject area (immunology, cell biology, molecular biology etc)• A PhD in immunology, or cellular and molecular biology or equivalent industrial experience.• Knowledge and practical experience in the field of immunology/immunotoxicology and an understanding of the potential adverse outcomes of immune modulation.• In depth theoretical understanding and practical experience of in vitro and ex vivo cell-based assays systems utilising immortalised cell lines and primary tissues.• Ability to work both independently and within a team environment, supporting colleagues and open to support in return as required.• Confidence in communicating findings globally both internally and externally through oral and written forms in a clear and precise manner.• Strong scientific leadership, evidenced by a recent publication track record or evidence of the ability to independently lead the drafting and review of publication manuscripts• Excellent interpersonal skills• Willingness to challenge conventional thinking and implement creative ideas balanced with a high regard and understanding for the regulatory framework in which AstraZeneca operates is expected• Ability to follow Good Laboratory Science standards, Safety, Health and Environment standards and other relevant external regulation.Desirable requirements• Knowledge and practical experience of flow cytometry and multiplex analysis would be an advantage.• Experience of working within a toxicology laboratory environment with knowledge and experience of the drug development process• An understanding of immunotoxicolgy and/or toxicology biomarker application in vivo.• An understanding of in vivo models, in vivo experience not essentialClosing date: 19 June 2020.AstraZeneca embraces diversity and equality of opportunity. We are committed to building an inclusive and diverse team representing all backgrounds, with as wide a range of perspectives as possible, and harnessing industry-leading skills. We believe that the more inclusive we are, the better our work will be. We welcome and consider applications to join our team from all qualified candidates, regardless of their characteristics. We comply with all applicable laws and regulations on non-discrimination in employment (and recruitment), as well as work authorisation and employment eligibility verification requirements.