At a Glance
- Tasks: Design and characterise innovative biologics to revolutionise cancer care.
- Company: Join AstraZeneca, a leader in biopharmaceutical innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, and a collaborative environment.
- Other info: Work in a dynamic team that values diversity and innovation.
- 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.
You will join a collaborative, impact-focused team that pairs deep protein engineering expertise with advanced computational approaches. From rapid prototyping to data-driven iteration, you will help set technical direction, accelerate decision-making, and ensure that bold ideas become well-validated candidates for development.
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.
A Senior Scientist in Biologics Engineering at the interface of in silico and wetlab science acting as a "bridge" between In silico design and experimental data. You are using computational models to design molecules and then validate them at the bench.
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.
Education: 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 characterization (e.g., NGS; protein purification; SPR; biochemical assays).
- Soft Skills: Strong "influencing skills" to shape project direction across multidisciplinary teams; ability to work independently, to optimize 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.
- Strong publication record, as evidenced by patents and/or publications.
- Hands on experience in bioconjugation methods.
- Hands on experience in inhaled biologics.
- Experience of using lab automation and/or High/Throughput protein expression and purification.
When we put unexpected teams in the same room, we unleash bold thinking with the power to inspire life-changing medicines. In-person working gives us the platform we need to connect, work at pace and challenge perceptions. That's why we work, on average, a minimum of three days per week from the office. But that doesn't mean we're not flexible. We balance the expectation of being in the office while respecting individual flexibility. Join us in our unique and ambitious world.
Why AstraZeneca:Here, your financial leadership fuels science with purpose. You will work side by side with diverse experts—scientists, technologists, and operators—using digital innovation and data-driven decision-making to accelerate progress that ultimately benefits patients. We value ethics, transparency, and doing the right thing as much as we value pace and performance, and we back ambition with support, kindness, and trust. Join a high-performing environment where your analysis shapes big bets, your voice influences strategy, and your impact is visible in the medicines we deliver.
If you’re ready to convert insight into action and help direct investment where it makes the biggest difference, step into this role and shape what comes next—submit your application today.
Date Posted: 13-May-2026
Closing Date: 26-May-2026
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. If you have a need for any adjustments/accommodations, please complete the section in the application form.
Senior Research Scientist - Biologics Engineering - Protein Engineering and Novel Modalities - Novel Modalities R&I in Cambridge employer: AstraZeneca
AstraZeneca is an exceptional employer located in Cambridge, UK, where innovation meets collaboration. With a strong focus on employee growth and development, we offer a dynamic work culture that encourages bold thinking and the pursuit of life-changing medicines. Our commitment to flexibility, inclusivity, and ethical practices ensures that every team member feels valued and empowered to make a meaningful impact in the field of biologics engineering.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Research Scientist - Biologics Engineering - Protein Engineering and Novel Modalities - Novel Modalities R&I in Cambridge
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, attend relevant events, and engage with professionals on platforms like LinkedIn. We can’t stress enough how personal connections can open doors that applications alone can’t.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by diving deep into the company’s projects and values. We recommend practising common interview questions and tailoring your responses to highlight your experience in biologics engineering and protein design. Show them you’re not just a fit, but the perfect fit!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of follow-ups! After an interview, send a thank-you email expressing your appreciation for the opportunity. It’s a simple gesture that keeps you fresh in their minds and shows your enthusiasm for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of our innovative team at AstraZeneca. Let’s make those bold ideas happen together!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Research Scientist - Biologics Engineering - Protein Engineering and Novel Modalities - Novel Modalities R&I in Cambridge
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Expertise:Make sure to highlight your experience in protein engineering and biologics. We want to see how your skills align with the role, so don’t hold back on showcasing your achievements and relevant projects!
Tailor Your Application:Take a moment to customise your CV and cover letter for this specific role. Use keywords from the job description to demonstrate that you understand what we’re looking for and how you fit into our vision.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward. We appreciate clarity, so make sure your points are easy to follow and directly related to the role. Avoid jargon unless it’s relevant to the position!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly and is considered promptly. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
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, especially any experience with multivalent or multi-specific molecules. This will show that you're not just familiar with the theory but can also apply it practically.
✨Showcase Your Cross-Functional Skills
Highlight your ability to bridge the gap between in silico design and wet lab validation. Prepare examples of how you've collaborated with ML scientists and experimentalists in the past. This will demonstrate your versatility and leadership in a multidisciplinary environment.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect to dive deep into technical discussions about computational models and experimental techniques. Brush up on your coding skills and be ready to explain how you've used them in protein structure analysis or antibody engineering. Confidence in your technical knowledge will impress the interviewers.
✨Communicate Clearly
Practice presenting complex data and design rationales in a clear and concise manner. You might be asked to explain your thought process behind certain designs or experiments, so being able to communicate effectively is key. Remember, clarity can influence project direction significantly!
