Senior Scientist, Oncology Targeted Discovery

AstraZeneca; Gaithersburg (MD); On-site; USD 112,000 - 169,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Short-term incentives

Equity-based awards

Retirement programs

Health, dental, and vision coverage

Job summary

AstraZeneca seeks a highly motivated Senior Scientist (lab-based) to lead target validation in the Oncology Targeted Discovery group in Gaithersburg, MD. You will drive in vitro studies and work with cross-functional teams to advance ADC and radioconjugate programs.

The role requires a Ph.D. with 2+ years or a Master's with 7+ years in a relevant field, with strong cancer biology and lab skills. Collaboration and clear communication are essential in our fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. with 2+ years of experience, or Masters with 7+ years of experience, in a relevant field.
• Strong background in cell biology, molecular biology, and/or biochemistry in the context of cancer.
• Solid bench skills in mammalian cell culture and molecular/cell-based techniques (flow cytometry, western blot, qPCR, ELISA, fluorescence microscopy, cytotoxicity assays, CRISPR/Cas9).
• Ability to work independently and with cross-functional teams.
• Excellent communication, organization, and problem-solving in a fast-paced matrix environment.

Responsibilities

• Act as target validation lead for one or more pipeline programs.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to generate and share critical program data for milestones.
• Design, conduct, and analyze in vitro experiments to validate targets and mechanisms of action.
• Stay current with cancer biology, disease modeling, and therapeutics.
• Be collegial, collaborative, and data-driven with a focus on learning and growth.

Skills

Cell biology

Molecular biology

Biochemistry

Flow cytometry

Western blot

qPCR

ELISA

CRISPR/Cas9

Cell culture

Data analysis

Education

PhD

Master's degree

Tools

Laboratory automation

Computational analysis

Job description

At AstraZeneca, we turn ideas into life-changing medicines. Working here means being ambitious, thinking big and working together to make the impossible a reality. We’re passionate about the potential of science to address the unmet needs of patients around the world. We commit to those areas where we believe we can really change the course of medicine and bring big new insights to life.

AstraZeneca’s vision in Oncology is to push the boundaries of science to change the practice of medicine, transform the lives of patients living with cancer, and to ultimately eliminate cancer as a cause of death. A broad pipeline of next‑generation medicines is bringing novel concepts in oncology to address unmet medical need.

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

Why AstraZeneca?

At AstraZeneca when we see an opportunity for change, we seize it and make it happen, because any 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. Join us on our journey of building a new kind of organisation to reset expectations of what a bio‑pharmaceutical company can be. This means we’re opening new ways to work, pioneering innovative methods and bringing unexpected teams together.

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 Posted

07-oct-2026

Closing Date

20-oct-2026

Our mission is to build an inclusive environment where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants and employees. In furtherance of that mission, we welcome and consider applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of their protected characteristics. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please complete the corresponding section in the application form.