At a Glance
- Tasks: Design and characterise innovative biologics to transform cancer care.
- Company: Join AstraZeneca, a leader in biopharmaceutical innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, inclusive culture, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with a focus on diversity and inclusion.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on patient care through cutting-edge research.
- Qualifications: PhD in relevant field with experience in protein engineering.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 € per year.
Location: Cambridge, UK
Are you ready to engineer the next generation of multi‑specific and inhaled biologics that can change the trajectory of cancer care? Do you thrive at the intersection of in silico design and bench validation, turning digital concepts into molecules that move the pipeline forward? In this role, you will be a driving force in designing and characterising innovative biologics, with a particular focus on multivalent and multi‑specific formats and inhaled delivery. Your work will translate cutting‑edge computational insights into robust experimental evidence, creating assets that advance our discovery pipeline and ultimately help patients.
Accountabilities
- Multivalent Molecular Design: Bring expertise in multivalent and multi‑specific molecule design to create differentiated biologics with clear mechanistic rationales and developability in mind.
- Design and Modelling Leadership: Lead in silico design of therapeutic proteins, antibodies, or binders, leveraging structure, binding, epitope, and geometry prediction to generate testable hypotheses.
- Data Integration and Model Benchmarking: Curate and integrate high‑quality wet‑lab datasets to refine, benchmark, and improve computational models that guide design decisions.
- Cross‑Functional Technical Leadership: Serve as a bridge between pure ML scientists and experimentalists, translating digital designs into experimentally validated outcomes that de‑risk and accelerate programs.
- Strategy and Innovation: Evaluate emerging technologies and novel biotherapeutic modalities, including inhaled biologics, to sharpen strategy and compress discovery timelines.
- Experimental Execution and Communication: Execute, analyse, and interpret experiments efficiently; present data and design rationales clearly to influence direction across multidisciplinary teams.
- Impact and Scale: Deliver early wins by validating prioritized designs, then scale impact by systematising learnings, improving workflows, and shaping platform capabilities across programs.
Core Responsibilities
- Design & Modelling: Lead the design of therapeutic proteins, antibodies, or binders using in silico tools for structure, binding, epitope and geometry prediction.
- Data Integration: Curate high‑quality wetlab data to refine and benchmark computational models.
- Cross‑Functional Leadership: Serve as a technical lead, collaborating with pure ML scientists and experimentalists to translate digital designs into experimentally validated results.
- Strategy & Innovation: Evaluate emerging technologies or novel biotherapeutic modalities to accelerate discovery pipelines.
Key Qualifications
- PhD in Protein Science, Bioengineering, Computational Biology, or a related field with 2+ years of industry experience.
- Experience in antibody engineering and/or multispecific antibody technologies.
Key Skills / Experience
- In Silico Skills: Proficiency in coding and design for protein structure analysis tools / de novo design.
- Wetlab Skills: Deep expertise in protein engineering, molecular biology, production and characterisation of antibodies, or antibody‑like scaffolds and characterisation (e.g., NGS; protein purification; SPR; biochemical assays).
- Soft Skills: Strong influencing skills to shape project direction across multidisciplinary teams; ability to work independently, optimise protocols, troubleshoot, interpret experimental results/data and maintain accurate, high quality and up‑to‑date experimental records. Strong communication skills in a team environment and an ability to quickly learn and adopt new technologies.
Desirable Skills / Experience
- Strong publication record, as evidenced by patents and/or publications.
- Hands on experience in bioconjugation methods.
- Hands on experience in inhaled biologics.
- Experience using lab automation and/or high/throughput protein expression and purification.
Equal Opportunity Statement
Our mission is to build an inclusive and equitable environment. We want people to feel they belong at AstraZeneca and Alexion, starting with our recruitment process. We welcome and consider applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of characteristics. We offer reasonable adjustments/accommodations to help all candidates to perform at their best.
Senior Research Scientist - Biologics Engineering in Cambridge employer: AstraZeneca
At AstraZeneca, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, particularly for our Senior Research Scientist role in Biologics Engineering located in the vibrant city of Cambridge. Our collaborative work culture fosters innovation and creativity, providing employees with ample opportunities for professional growth and development while working on groundbreaking biologics that can transform cancer care. With a commitment to inclusivity and support for diverse talent, we ensure that every team member feels valued and empowered to make a meaningful impact in their field.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Research Scientist - Biologics Engineering in Cambridge
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to professionals in the biologics engineering field on LinkedIn or at industry events. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insights that job descriptions just can't.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Prepare a portfolio or presentation that highlights your past projects, especially those related to protein engineering and novel modalities. This will help you stand out during interviews and discussions.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or mentors to refine your responses, especially around your experience with in silico design and wet-lab skills. The more comfortable you are, the better you'll perform.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We love seeing candidates who take the initiative. Plus, it gives you a chance to showcase your enthusiasm for the role and the company right from the start.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Research Scientist - Biologics Engineering in Cambridge
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to highlight your experience in protein engineering and biologics. We want to see how your skills align with the role, so don’t be shy about showcasing your relevant projects and achievements!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re passionate about biologics engineering and how your background makes you the perfect fit for our team. Let us know what excites you about the role and our mission.
Showcase Your Technical Skills:We’re looking for someone with strong in silico skills and wet lab expertise. Be sure to include specific examples of your coding abilities and any hands-on experience you have with protein characterisation or antibody engineering.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it gives you a chance to explore more about our company and culture.
How to prepare for a job interview at AstraZeneca
✨Know Your Science
Make sure you brush up on the latest advancements in protein engineering and biologics. Be ready to discuss your previous work in antibody engineering or multispecific technologies, as well as how you can apply that knowledge to the role.
✨Showcase Your In Silico Skills
Prepare to demonstrate your proficiency in coding and design for protein structure analysis. Bring examples of how you've used in silico tools to generate testable hypotheses and how those have translated into successful experimental outcomes.
✨Communicate Clearly
Practice explaining complex scientific concepts in a straightforward manner. You’ll need to influence multidisciplinary teams, so being able to present your data and design rationales clearly is key to making an impact.
✨Be Ready for Problem-Solving
Expect questions that assess your troubleshooting skills and ability to optimise protocols. Think of specific examples where you’ve successfully navigated challenges in the lab and how you can apply those experiences to improve workflows in this new role.
