Senior Scientist Animal Science & Technologies in Cambridge

At AstraZeneca, your work directly impacts patients by turning scientific breakthroughs into life‑changing medicines for complex diseases. Here, you’ll help shape the next generation of treatments, address unmet medical needs, and focus on real patient outcomes. Join our vibrant international Cambridge site, where you’ll find tremendous opportunities to grow your expertise and advance your career.

The Animal Sciences & Technologies (AST) Department drives in vivo studies to evaluate the efficacy, safety, and pharmacokinetics of new drugs—powering our mission to push science further and deliver for patients everywhere.

As a Senior Research Scientist working within the AST team you will apply your scientific and technical expertise to design and deliver investigative safety and efficacy in‑vivo studies within our Safety Science & Biopharma focused team to support the discovery and development of novel potential medicines across AstraZeneca’s core therapeutic areas including Oncology, Respiratory and Immunology, and Cardiovascular Renal and Metabolism enabling the progression of an expanding drug project portfolio. This is a hands‑on vivarium‑based role conducting preclinical research to generate data for a wide variety of study types.

The role requires someone who is fully competent in a range of in vivo procedures, who can initiate, direct, troubleshoot and perform research experiments in laboratory animals and is capable of being responsible for leading a specialty area within the department. Working independently without direct supervision you will be expected to train less experienced scientists and prioritise your own workload whilst working as part of a cross‑functional multidisciplinary team.

The successful candidate will be a highly motivated self‑starter with a strong drive for success. Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills demonstrated leadership capabilities, and a proven ability to excel in a dynamic, interdisciplinary, and fast‑paced environment are essential. The ability to contribute effectively both independently and as part of a team, including within matrix organisational structures, is required.

Accountabilities and Responsibilities:

• Responsible for planning, designing and executing experiments in laboratory animals, creating complete data sets, with integrity and emphasis on animal welfare.
• Leading as a specialist in a specific area of research.
• Applies technical knowledge and expertise to achieve project targets in a timely fashion and to agreed quality standards.
• Integration and interpretation of scientific data in close collaboration with preclinical representatives.
• Communicates scientific findings with cross‑functional project teams and key project team stakeholders.
• Presents information for discussion within the business and may be expected to influence colleagues in other areas/departments and/or external groups.
• Prepares and gives presentations.
• Develops and validates appropriate test methodology and specifications to achieve project aims.
• Aspires to independently assess and report data with a clear understanding of its reliability, interprets findings and draws authoritative conclusions.
• Mentors junior scientists on technical and functional processes.
• Incorporates new and innovative techniques and methodologies, including training of others.
• Reports relevant findings and conclusions.
• Contributes to the objectives of the department through active participation in department and cross functional project teams.
• Provides leadership by supporting company and departmental change.
• May be expected to lead scientific and operational department objectives at the local and global level.
• Liaises with colleagues from other disciplines with the purpose of discussing project‑related matters, sharing experiences and reporting progress.
• May contribute to the management of external collaborations, e.g. consultants, academic and contract research organisations.
• Ensures that work is performed in accordance with appropriate Safety, Health & Environment (SHE), quality and compliance standards, e.g. Good Laboratory Standards (GLS).
• Is required to work flexibly across different areas and participate in provision of weekend, Bank Holiday and out of hours support.

Minimum Education Requirements:

• BSc with relevant experience within the discipline or equivalent industry experience.

Essential Criteria:

• Experience in planning, performing and reporting in vivo studies.
• Extensive in vivo skills and proficient with working with a range of rodent animal models.
• Current or past Home Office personal licence holder (modules A, B, C) or equivalent qualification.
• Understanding of range of scientific disciplines within R&D.
• Problem‑solving skills related to in vivo research and data analysis.
• Fully conversant with all aspects of the Animal (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986, Directive 2010/63/EU, associated Home Office guidelines and their implications.
• Understanding of current principles and concepts in own area of work.
• Fluent in verbal and written English language.
• Highly motivated, independent scientist able to work effectively as part of a team and develop ideas by incorporating the views of others.

Desirable Criteria:

• Experience as Study Director for Toxicology Studies.
• Experience of model development either independently or part of a team.
• Experience in the pharmaceutical industry.
• Post‑graduate degree in the relevant sciences, or a proven track record of in vivo work in a relevant discipline.
• Understanding of regulations and relevant compliance systems related to own area of work.
• Membership of appropriate Learned Societies.

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.