Scientist – BioPharma R&D

Cambridge (on site)

About AstraZeneca

AstraZeneca is a global, science-led, patient-focused biopharmaceutical company that focuses on the discovery, development and commercialisation of prescription medicines for some of the world’s most serious diseases. But we’re more than one of the world’s leading pharmaceutical companies. At AstraZeneca, we are pioneering new frontiers by identifying and treating patients earlier, working towards the aim of eliminating cancer as a cause of death.

An exciting bioscience hotspot, Cambridge is home to one of AstraZeneca’s three strategic, global R&D Centres, alongside Gothenburg and Gaithersburg. Over 3,600 employees are based in Cambridge. Our offices are internationally renowned for attracting high performers, including several Nobel prize winners.

Come and join our AZ team where you will play a pivotal role in this exciting period of development!!

Our Biopharmaceutical Development (BPD) department supports the development and advancement of innovative biologics medicines to the clinic across the AZ therapy areas from early research to late stage development.

Within BPD, the Cell Culture and Fermentation Sciences (CCFS) function designs, develops, optimizes and validates cell culture and fermentation processes for a wide range of biologic products. The group generates optimal cell lines and is also responsible for technology transfers into manufacturing and preparing CMC documentation for regulatory submissions. Cutting edge high throughput scale-down models are employed to develop high-performing media and processes to support production. The group actively implements novel technologies, including molecular biology, automation and analytics, to advance production platform capabilities and drive forward a diverse exciting project portfolio.

Key Responsibilities:

Generates recombinant expression plasmids for protein expression in mammalian cells, particularly in relation to antibody and next-generation biologics cell line development

Pro-actively contributes to development of new or improved high throughput plasmid construction methodologies

Understands and applies principles, theories and techniques used in DNA cloning and expression of protein biologics, to support drug and technology projects, with high level of attention to detail and providing solutions to a variety of process related problems

Perform recombinant protein expression, using mammalian cell culture systems

Analyses data, making detailed observations and interpretation of results and understands the implications of the data in relation to the drug discovery process

Demonstrates professional, interpersonal communication by establishing good working relationships with team and department members and others within the company

Ability to work effectively and collaboratively in a multi-disciplinary team and works closely with other scientists in relation to day-to-day working

Prepares appropriate documentation such as electronic laboratory notebooks, contributions to patents and development reports and conducts work according to current codes of practice and all other relevant internal AstraZeneca standards and external regulations

Presents clear and concise findings at internal (intra- and inter-departmental) project team meetings

Provides training for students or members of department in processes, where necessary

Ensures that work is performed in accordance with appropriate Safety, Health & Environment (SHE), quality and compliance standards

Requirements:

Bachelor/Master of Science degree in life sciences

Practical, applied experience in design and construction of DNA plasmids for mammalian protein expression, to include standard quality control checks including sequence analysis

Has knowledge of gene and protein expression

Demonstrated capabilities to troubleshoot molecular cloning and expression challenges

Professional communication skills and excellent attention to detail, capable of developing good working relationships with diverse individuals across organisational boundaries and experience working within a team environment

Has scientific curiosity and proactively develops own knowledge

Desirables:

Master’s or PhD in related field

Experience or understanding of different molecular cloning technologies

Demonstrated experience of other molecular biology techniques eg qPCR

Experience of mammalian cell culture or aseptic technique

Experience with different sequencing methodologies

Experience in running flow cytometry assays (or a desire to learn)

Experience of automated liquid handling platforms

In Office Requirement:

When we put unexpected teams in the same room, we unleash bold thinking with the power to inspire life-changing medicines. In-person working gives us the platform we need to connect, work at pace and challenge perceptions. That's why we work, on average, a minimum of five days per week from the office. But that doesn't mean we're not flexible. We balance the expectation of being in the office while respecting individual flexibility. Join us in our unique and ambitious world.

Competitive salary and benefits package on offer.

The successful candidate will have access to a flexible employee benefits fund, including holiday purchase and flexible time off, pension contributions, Share Save Plans, A performance recognition scheme and a competitive, generous remuneration package.

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, colour, national origin, sex, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.

Date Posted

27-Jan-2025

Closing Date

02-Feb-2025

Our 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.