Senior Scientist

Scientist in Translational Pathology, Oncology

Location: The DISC, Cambridge

Duration: 12 months

Inside IR35

We are seeking a Scientist to join the Translational Pathology group within the Oncology R&D Translational Medicine department, where you will be at the forefront of translational science in a global oncology organization at AstraZeneca!

You will have the opportunity to contribute to an industry-leading portfolio of programs, spanning from early clinical development of novel therapeutics through to post-marketing activities supporting approved targeted therapies.

At AstraZeneca, we work collaboratively across global boundaries to make an impact and find solutions to complex challenges. We act with the utmost integrity, even in the most difficult situations, because we are committed to doing the right thing. We continuously forge partnerships to pursue world-class medicines in new ways, combining our people’s exceptional skills with those from all over the world!

Major Responsibilities and Accountabilities

This is a lab-based position working in a Good Clinical Practice (GCP) environment.

You will be part of the Translational team driving the successful operations of a GCP laboratory, utilizing the best available science and technology to execute routine biomarker analyses. You will interpret and communicate data as part of a matrix team. Your work will inform clinical decisions related to the selection of therapeutically relevant doses and schedules, as well as expand our understanding of key cancer pathway interactions to guide rational drug combinations. Additionally, your work will help define novel mechanisms of resistance to targeted therapies by studying tumours at relapse.

Skills and experience

• Education: BSc or MSc in Biomedical Science or a relevant scientific discipline.
• Clinical Experience: Experience in an NHS or related clinical setting; HCPC registration is highly desirable.
• Human tissue sectioning and routine FFPE histology workflows.
• Automated immunohistochemistry using platforms such as Leica Bond Rx, Leica Bond III, Ventana Discovery, Benchmark or Benchmark Ultra Plus.
• Automated slide scanning using platforms such as Leica AT2, Leica GT450 or equivalent digital pathology systems.
• Routine operation, troubleshooting and optimization of automated histology laboratory equipment (from the above-mentioned instruments).
• Working within an operational histology laboratory environment where automated instrumentation forms a significant part of the daily workflow.
• Working with Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS) for sample tracking, reagent management and material traceability.
• Working within a GCP-regulated laboratory environment, understanding the documentation, traceability and compliance requirements associated with clinical trial sample analysis.
• Laboratory quality processes including SOP adherence, deviation management, CAPAs, training records, change controls and inspection readiness.
• High-throughput laboratory operations where delivery timelines, workload prioritisation and operational efficiency are critical.
• Experience supporting regulated clinical sample workflows rather than exclusively research-based activities.
• Ability to operate independently across sectioning, staining, scanning and associated laboratory operational activities with minimal supervision.

Desirable/Advantageous – Although training will be given, experience in the following areas would provide a distinct advantage

• Previous pharmaceutical industry experience
• Experience with digital image analysis solutions (e.g. ImageJ, HALO, Visiopharm etc)
• Skills in developing multiplexed immunohistochemistry or in situ hybridization (ISH) assays
• Career exposure to the pharmaceutical industry and the drug development process

Apply today and join us in pushing the boundaries of science to deliver life-changing medicines!