Senior Scientist, Oncology Targeted Discovery Opportunity We are seeking a highly motivated, independent Senior Scientist (lab-based) with a proven track record in cancer research and extensive laboratory experience to join our Target Identification and Validation group in Gaithersburg, MD, USA. As a Senior Scientist in Oncology Targeted Discovery within the Oncology R&D Department, you will lead target validation efforts for tumor-targeted therapies, such as antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) and targeted radioconjugates. You will work collaboratively with cross-functional teams to advance pipeline programs and deepen our understanding of all aspects of target biology.
Main Duties and Responsibilities - Act as target validation lead for one or more pipeline programs
- Work collaboratively with cross-functional teams to ensure the timely generation and dissemination of critical program data to enable milestone progression decisions
- Design, conduct, and analyze in vitro experiments using an array of biochemical, molecular, and cellular biology techniques to validate new targets and dissect the mechanisms of action of novel cancer therapeutics
- Remain current with relevant technical and scientific expertise in cancer biology, disease modeling, and therapeutics
- Be highly collegial, collaborative, and data-driven, with a passion for learning and growth
Essential Requirements - Ph.D. with 2+ years of experience, or Masters with 7+ years of experience, in a relevant field
- Solid understanding of cell biology, molecular biology, and/or biochemistry in the context of cancer
- Strong laboratory bench skills in mammalian cell culture and molecular and cell-based experimental techniques, such as flow cytometry, western blotting, qPCR, ELISA, fluorescence microscopy, cell cytotoxicity assays, and CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing
- Ability to work well independently, with minimal supervision, and collaboratively with other teams
- Excellent communication, organizational, , and problem solving, skills in a fast-paced matrix environment
- Commitment to ensuring that one's own work and the work of peers comply with Good Laboratory Practice; Safety, Health, and Environment standards; all other relevant internal AstraZeneca standards; and external regulations
Desired Requirements - Prior experience in the biopharmaceutical industry is viewed favorably
- Expertise in laboratory automation techniques
- Experience with computational analysis of large data sets, such as transcriptomics or proteomics
- Knowledge of tumor-targeted therapy (e.g., ADC) biology and resistance mechanisms is viewed favorably
So, what's next!We hope that you are a people person who likes to support various people with their different requirements and want to be part of a collaborating team. Are you the right person?
The annual base pay for this position ranges from $112,304 to $169,456. Our positions offer eligibility for various incentives-an opportunity to receive short-term incentive bonuses, equity-based awards for salaried roles and commissions for sales roles. Benefits offered include qualified retirement programs, paid time off (i.e., vacation, holiday, and leaves), as well as health, dental, and vision coverage in accordance with the terms of the applicable plans.
Date Posted07-oct-2026
Closing Date20-oct-2026
