Associate Scientist Molecular Biology

At AstraZeneca we are pushing boundaries of science to deliver life-changing medicines. In our brand new One Helix facility in Amsterdam Zuid Oost – just a few minutes from the AMC hospital and train and metro station – we have room for an Associate Scientist Molecular Biology. You will join a collaborative, cross-functional team dedicated to pioneering specialised cancer therapies. 

Associate Scientist Molecular Biology
Full time position, Amsterdam Zuid Oost
Start date: January 2026

Why join us?
This is an exciting first step into biotech/pharma industry for graduates or early career scientists eager to deepen their laboratory skills in a regulated and patient-oriented R&D setting You will gain hands on experience with cutting edge sequencing technologies and lab automation, while contributing directly to projects that bring novel Cell Therapies closer to patients.

What you will be doing
As an Associate Scientist in Molecular Biology, you will spend 70-80% of your time in the lab, performing essential laboratory processes that drive our T cell receptor (TCR) discovery pipeline to support the future of T Cell Receptor Therapies (TCR-T) development. Your key responsibilities include:
•    Processing patient derived tumor and blood samples to isolate DNA and RNA.
•    Performing molecular biology techniques such as DNA/RNA isolations, PCR, Illumina and Oxford Nanopore sequencing, single cell sequencing, and quality control of DNA libraries.
•    Operating and gradually learning to troubleshoot and advance laboratory automation systems and robotic platforms (no programming required at the start).
•    Documenting and verifying data, updating protocols, and maintaining compliance with quality standards.
•    Collaborating with scientists to present data and support process improvements.

This role offers the opportunity to work with patient samples, generating sequencing data that directly supports the identification of therapeutic TCR’s.

What do you bring?
•    A Bachelor or Master’s degree in relevant field such as Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Biomedical Science or Life Sciences.
•    Relevant internship experience in a molecular biology lab is required and some professional lab experience is a bonus.
•    Knowledge of molecular techniques (e.g., PCR, DNA isolation, sequencing) and familiarity with single cell sequencing, Illumina or Oxford Nanopore platforms or lab automation is an advantage.
•    Strong analytical skills and a diligent, systematic working style in a fast-paced evolving environment.
•    Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English, Dutch is an advantage.
•    Already living, and authorised to work, in the Netherlands.

Preferred but not required:
•    Experience in T cell immunology, cancer biology, or genetic screening.
•    Exposure to lab automation.

About you:
We are looking for a self-motivated, detail-oriented professional who thrives on routine lab work and takes ownership of their projects. You learn quickly, communicate clearly, and work efficiently and accurately. You enjoy systematic and routine tasks, but you are also curious and eager to grow, whether by troubleshooting lab equipment, contributing to protocol improvements or actively participating in the development of new technologies and methods. 

Your effort is rewarded
As an Associate Scientist, you can expect much in return for your dedication. In addition to a competitive salary, you will enjoy:

•    An attractive bonus scheme and a 13th-month salary on top of your monthly pay.
•    Career growth opportunities, including international prospects.
•    Access to internal training and development programs. 
•    27 vacation days, plus additional leave (such as your birthday, Good Friday, and the period between Christmas and New Year’s Eve).
•    Flexible and progressive employment benefits, allowing you to tailor them to your needs (e.g., a wellness budget and the choice of a holiday calendar based on different religious beliefs).
•    A pension plan.

Making a difference together with AstraZeneca
Are you driven by innovation in cancer treatment and eager to make a real impact? At AstraZeneca’s R&D Cell Therapy facility in Amsterdam, we are developing next-generation TCR therapies targeting neoantigens in solid tumors. With a team of approximately 75 scientists, we are advancing both fully individualised and shared neoantigen-targeting treatments to transform patient outcomes.

Later this year, we will move into One Helix, our brand-new, high-tech research facility in Amsterdam Zuid Oost. This state-of-the-art space is designed to accelerate breakthroughs in cell therapy.  Join our team and help shape the future of cancer treatment.

Ready to grow your career in a driven, innovative environment? Apply now!
If you have any questions about this vacancy, our Recruitment Team, Karin Raadschelders / Caroline van Oppen is happy to answer your questions. 

Contact: info@werkenbijastrazeneca.nl or by phone on +31(0)85 - 047 0244.

Date Posted

Closing Date

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 authorization and employment eligibility verification requirements.