Senior Scientist

AstraZeneca; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

AstraZeneca is seeking a Senior Scientist to join their Oncology R&D team in Cambridge, UK. This role focuses on ex vivo platform support through hands-on laboratory work and data analysis with an emphasis on transcriptomics. The ideal candidate will possess strong laboratory skills, the ability to work independently, and experience with cell culture and assays. You will collaborate on high-impact projects that drive advancements in drug development and therapeutic innovation. A PhD or MSc with industry experience is preferred.

Qualifications

• Strong laboratory skills with excellent aseptic technique.
• Background in cell culture and cell‑based assays.
• Collaborative team player with a growth‑oriented learning mindset.
• Hands‑on laboratory experience through full‑time internships or significant research work.
• Experience with in vitro immune assays.

Responsibilities

• Initiate, direct, and perform research experiments.
• Implement strategic approaches in research.
• Work independently with minimal supervision.
• Provide guidance and training to less experienced scientists.

Skills

Ex vivo tissue processing and sample preparation

Single‑cell analysis techniques (flow cytometry, RNA sequencing)

Strong aseptic technique

Cell culture proficiency

Coding and IDE usage for bioinformatics analysis

Transcriptomics data analysis and interpretation

Education

PhD or MSc with industry experience

Tools

Flow cytometry

RNA sequencing

Job description

We are seeking a Senior Scientist to join our Oncology R&D team, supporting our ex vivo platform through hands‑on laboratory work and advanced data analysis, with a particular focus on transcriptomics.

Key Responsibilities

The successful candidate will be fully competent in their research area within the Bioscience discipline, capable of initiating, directing, and performing research experiments while implementing strategic approaches. This role requires the ability to work independently with minimal supervision and provide guidance and training to less experienced scientists.

Required Technical Skills

Laboratory Expertise

• Ex vivo tissue processing and sample preparation
• Single‑cell analysis techniques (flow cytometry, RNA sequencing)
• Strong aseptic technique and cell culture proficiency
• Cell‑based assay development and execution

Computational Skills

• Proficiency in coding and IDE usage for bioinformatics analysis
• Transcriptomics data analysis and interpretation

Essential Qualifications

• Strong laboratory skills with excellent aseptic technique
• Background in cell culture and cell‑based assays
• Collaborative team player with a growth‑oriented learning mindset
• Hands‑on laboratory experience through full‑time internships, co‑op programs, or significant research work (beyond undergraduate coursework)
• Experience with in vitro immune assays (ELISAs, flow cytometry, transcriptomics, imaging)

Preferred Qualifications

• Immunology background with practical experience in immunology research
• PhD desirable; or MSc with industry experience
• Experience with tissue and cell processing for flow cytometry and single‑cell RNA sequencing

What We Offer

Gain exposure to patient‑centric human model systems that directly inform drug development decisions and accelerate therapeutic innovation.

Network & Impact

Collaborate across functions on high‑impact projects that drive meaningful change in Early Oncology research and development.