Principal Scientist, Immuno-Oncology

At AstraZeneca, we turn ideas into life changing medicines. Working here means being entrepreneurial, 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 ideas 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 focused principally on four disease areas - breast, ovarian, lung and haematological cancers.

We are seeking a highly motivated AssociateDirector in Immuno-Oncology /Principle Scientist with deep scientific and technical expertise in T cell biology, development of Immune Cell Engagers  and a track record of successful scientific leadership to join our team in Shanghai, China. As an experienced Team Leader within the ICC (Immuno-Oncology, Immune Circuits & Engagers and Cell Therapy) group you will organize and oversee a network of external (CRO) and internal efforts to drive the development, design, conduct and analysis of in vitro and in vivo experiments to assess the function of our candidate drugs and help dissecting the mechanism of action of novel therapeutics that redirect the immune system for cancer therapy. You will be responsible for aligning team strategy, goals, operations, timelines, budget and resource allocations with the broader Immuno Oncology Discovery team. You will be part of, and work closely with, the Immuno Oncology Discovery leadership team.

A proven foundation in immunology and/or oncology, and experience in techniques for the analysis of immune cell function is crucial for this role. As a highly organized, self-motivated individual with a strong lab/practical background you will have intellectual scientific expertise in immuno-oncology and have a genuine passion for this field of research. As the bioscience lead on cross-functional project teams you will be responsible for developing and delivering the preclinical strategy to advance projects through the drug discovery pipeline. The position will work closely with other core functions within ICC and AZ to deliver differentiated, disruptive platforms and initiate drug candidate projects.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

Working in this scientific leadership role within the Immuno Oncology Discovery team, you will apply your leadership, technical and scientific experience to discover innovative therapeutic approaches and move them through the drug discovery pipeline. You will stay up to date with the latest discoveries in tumour immunology, share your expertise both within and beyond the bioscience group, publish peer reviewed articles on your research and develop, and lead, external collaborations. You will directly manage the project and/or discovery bioscience teams, providing expert advice and mentorship, strategic thinking, interpreting complex data and making high level recommendations, help to set team members goals and objectives and coordinate their professional development. You will apply your influencing, coaching and mentoring skills to ensure effective formation and integration of cross-functional working within teams.

Essential Requirements

• Ph.D. in Immunology, Cell Biology, or other related scientific discipline and extensive experience in related areas.

• Strong background and experience in immunology and/or immuno-oncology with strong publication record. Experience in T cell activation, co-stimulation and overall T cell and immune cell biology is highly desirable.

• Experience in leading bioscience teams, with focus on both in vitro and in vivo immunological studies.
• Experience in working with CROs to generate biology packages is highly desirable

• 7+ years of experience of running and/or overseeing in vitro studies of immunology/immuno-oncology projects with the ability to integrate both disease and pathway approaches in support of a broad portfolio of research programs.

• A high level of independence and with an ability to develop hypotheses and execute analysis plans for experimental data.

• Strong interpersonal, influencing, negotiating and collaboration skills together with evidence of having used these to support problem solving and delivery in a team-oriented, collaborative environment.

Desirable Requirements

·Job complexity is high and requires ability to work with high degree of independence.

·Ability to develop and deliver effective presentations and written/oral communications.

·Thrives in a fast-paced business environment.

·Industry experience is preferred but not required.

AstraZeneca embraces diversity and equality of opportunity. We are committed to building an inclusive and diverse team representing all backgrounds, with as wide a range of perspectives as possible, and harnessing industry-leading skills. We believe that the more inclusive we are, the better our work will be. We welcome and consider applications to join our team from all qualified candidates, regardless of their characteristics. We comply with all applicable laws and regulations on non-discrimination in employment (and recruitment), as well as work authorisation and employment eligibility verification requirements.