Associate Principal Scientist/Associate Director

We are seeking a highly motivated and independent Associate Principal Scientist/Associate Director with experience in hematology-oncology and a track record of scientific excellence to join our In Vivo Pharmacology Team in Waltham, MA, USA. As an Associate Principal Scientist/Associate Director, In Vivo Pharmacology, you will be leading research to evaluate the efficacy and mechanisms of action of small molecules in hematology-oncology. You will utilize your cancer biology experience and practical expertise to generate robust datasets that will have a direct impact on the oncology drug discovery process and drug pipeline.

Key Duties and Responsibilities:

Working in this one-site laboratory-based position within the Hematology Oncology In Vivo Pharmacology Team, you will develop, design, conduct and analyze both in vivo and in vitro experiments to assess the function of our candidate oncology drugs and dissect the mechanism of action of novel cancer therapeutics. You will be expected to collaborate with cross-functional teams including representatives from Translational Medicine, DMPK,Pharmsci, and Safety. You will work collaboratively with project leaders to ensure timely generation, and dissemination of critical program data. As a highly organized, self-motivated individual with a strong background in laboratory science you will stay up to date with relevant technical and intellectual scientific expertise in hematology biology, pharmacology and cancer modeling and have a genuine passion for this field of research. In addition, you will be responsible for leading a cross-functional working group focused on development and optimization of hemein vivo models in addition to biomarker assays for analysis of in vivo samples. Critical to this role is organizational and communication both within the in vivo team and the broader AZ organization.

Minimum Requirements:

• Ph.D. with >5 years of research experience in biotechnology or pharmaceutical industryin small molecule drug development and effectively lead multiple projects from an in vivo perspective.

• Experience developing and working with hematological oncology in vivo models, such as xenograft (subcutaneous and luc-tagged disseminated models), disseminatedpatient derived xenograft (PDX), and humanized mice. 

• Demonstrated experience delivering in vivo pharmacology data packages for small molecule programs in rodents tumor models, including dose-finding tolerability studies, PK/PD and efficacy studies.Experience with developing executable studies to persecute combinations strategies with small molecules and biologics.  

• Workingknowledge with a range of in vitro skills, e.g. cell culture, molecular biology, immunoblotting, flow cytometry (spectral preferred), MSD, and ELISA.

• Excellent communication, organizational, presentational, and listening skills are required. Must be able to be flexible and adaptable to AstraZeneca “ways of working.” Ability to drive, manage, execute and present results for oncology small molecule projects to project teams, key stakeholders and leadership.

• Strong interpersonal and collaboration skills together with evidence of delivery in a team-oriented, collaborative environment.Be able to effectivelymanage direct team membersand manage others in a highly matrixed environment. 

• Prior experience managing outsourcing and CRO in vivoactivities.

• Strong knowledge of combination strategies with small and large moleculeswith an understanding the principles of what makes for ideal combinations.

Desired Requirements:

• Expertise in myeloma, lymphoma and acute myeloid leukemiabiology including cancer progenitor cells and early transformation events in blood cells. 

• Experience using small animal imaging modalities such as bioluminescence imaging (IVIS). 

• Strong publication track record-including contributions to industry publications desired.

• Experience with identifying and engaging with key leaders for collaborations in the scientific community to expand internal capabilities and support projects. 

Site Description:

Our Waltham, Massachusetts facility develops life changing small-molecule research in North America, with innovative laboratories at the Gatehouse Park BioHub, just west of the city center. Our BioHubfacility, is a bold new R&D initiative, which fosters life science discoveries and the exchange of ideas. Here, we play host to some of the most cutting-edge technology and lab spaces, all designed to inspire collaboration and cross-functional science. We believe employees benefit from being challenged and inspired at work. We are dedicated to creating a culture of inclusion and collaboration. With a shuttle bus to and from Alewife station, the location providesyou the ability to work in the heart of one of the world’s most vibrant research centers.

Our Waltham site offers a variety of amenities to help book productivity and help keep our employees happy and engaged. This includes a fitness center, employee healthcare clinic, electric vehicle charging stations, dry cleaning, full-service cafeteria and copy center. This is where you’ll find newly-designed, activity-based work spaces to suit a variety of working styles while increasing collaboration between teams and the greater research community.

As AstraZeneca continues to put patients at the forefront of our mission, we are excited for our move to Kendall Square/Cambridge in 2026. Find out more information here:  Kendall Square Press Release

Next Steps – Apply today!

To be considered for this exciting opportunity, please complete the full application on our website at your earliest convenience – it is the only way that our Recruiter and Hiring Manager can know that you feel well qualified for this opportunity. If you know someone who would be an excellent fit, please share this posting with them.

As part of the application process for some roles at AstraZeneca, candidates may be asked to complete a series of online games, created by pymetrics, to assess certain candidate qualities to help evaluate potential match for the position. If the pymetrics process applies to this role, you will receive an email invitation with additional information following application. Once completed AZ will automatically receive your results - pymetrics will not be used solely in our decision-making process but will help us gather additional insight