Director, Target Identification and Validation, Early Oncology
AstraZeneca

Director, Target Identification and Validation, Early Oncology

Follow the Science to Pioneer New Frontiers

Be part of the team that follows the science to transform the lives of cancer patients. As part of Early Oncology Research and Development, you will be a member of a team of professionals who are pioneering new frontiers by identifying and treating patients earlier while working toward the aim of eliminating cancer. We are driven by curiosity and backed by billions of investment dollars, we are empowered at every level to follow the science in pioneering new frontiers, exploring the most complex Oncology challenges to deliver new molecular entities over and over again. AstraZeneca's pipeline is one of the broadest and deepest in the industry. Why don't you consider joining an unrivalled scientific community filled with the brightest curious and diverse minds?

About AstraZeneca

AstraZeneca is a global, innovation-driven biopharmaceutical business that focuses on the discovery, development and commercialization of prescription medicines for some of the world's most serious diseases. But we're more than one of the world's leading pharmaceutical companies. At AstraZeneca, we're proud to have a unique workplace culture that inspires innovation and collaboration.

About Our Gaithersburg Oncology Hub

Our Gaithersburg, Maryland facility creates life-changing medicines for people around the world. This campus employs more than 3,500 experts in our field and is only a short drive from Washington, DC. This modern and vibrant scientific campus is the home of R&D and Oncology in the US. 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 are dedicated to creating a culture of inclusion and collaboration.

The Gaithersburg site offers a variety of amenities to help keep our employees happy and healthy. This includes a fitness center, employee healthcare clinic, electric vehicle charging stations, dry cleaning, full-service cafeteria and copy center, game rooms, community garden and more. This is where you'll find newly-designed, activity-based work spaces to suit a variety of working styles while increasing collaboration between teams.

Innovate and Push the Boundaries of Science in Oncology R&D

Join a dedicated Oncology team that's growing fast and building a strong track record of success. Our pioneering approach is identifying and treating patients earlier, focusing on early stage cancer trials and listening and evolving based on their needs. As a team we are deeply committed to transforming the lives of patients living with cancer - with the ultimate aim of eliminating cancer as a cause of death. There's no better place to make an impact - here we are uniquely placed with the funding, the ambition and the bravery to make it happen.

Main Responsibilities

You will provide scientific, operational and strategic leadership for activities within the Early Oncology ICC group at AstraZeneca, Gaithersburg. You will apply your passion and deep expertise in IO to lead TiTv (target identification target validation) activities to support development of novel cancer therapeutics as well as providing scientific and managerial leadership for cross-functional teams.

Key responsibilities include:

• TiTv leadership of a cross functional team focused on different strategies to identify relevant, novel targets and enhance our current knowledge of existing tumor antigen targets suitable for engineering innovative, transformative T cell engagers and circuits, myeloid cell engagers and circuits or CAR-T therapies for different hematological malignancies and solid tumor indications.
• Foster a working environment promoting scientific discovery and encouraging innovation within the TiTv team and close interactions with key ICC team leadership.
• Lead preparation of technical reports and pharmacology summary documents in support of regulatory submissions e.g. IND.
• Line management of a team of scientists, accountable for performance of team members, providing mentorship and supporting professional development, ensuring appropriate project resourcing in a matrixed environment.
• Establish and maintain innovation and capability in complex models of disease, with a particular focus on tumour immunology
• As IO scientific leader in AZ, maintain an understanding and awareness of internal and external developments in immuno-oncology field, build networks with other internal and external experts, facilitate the sharing of ideas and relevant findings
• Help build AstraZeneca's external presence in key areas of research by publishing high quality / high impact papers, present at international conferences, establish and lead collaborations with key academic research groups.
• Contribute as member of Early Oncology Discovery governance committees, make decisions on project progression and investment and provide scientific and strategic guidance and direction to project teams,
• Review and provide strategic and scientific bioscience feedback on potential IO business development opportunities.

Essential Requirements

This senior and highly visible position within the AstraZeneca organization requires an experienced oncology research professional whose qualities and experience include the following:

• A PhD, or equivalent experience, in immunology, cancer biology or cell biology
• Experience in target identification and validation efforts including but not limited to IHC, immunofluorescence, flow cytometry, mass spectrometry, designing and executing functional screens using knockout/knockdown/CRISPR/overexpression libraries and downstream data triaging and prioritization.
• Familiarity with existing and emerging technologies, databases, bioinformatics approaches and supportive tools for target identification
• At least 5 years' experience in drug discovery, or researching novel therapeutic concepts and identifying new concepts in cancer therapy
• Track record in line management including leading multi-disciplinary teams/group; performance management, mentorship & development of scientists to deliver on complex research projects
• Excellent organizational and communication skills
• Strong understanding of the complex cellular processes underlying cancer, including the tumor microenvironment
• Strong background in researching approaches to the therapeutic manipulation of the immune system in various solid and / or hematologic oncology settings
• Proven ability to lead innovative research and the validation of novel targets
• A strong background of in vitro and in vivo experimentation and functional assay development is essential
• Experience of developing data packages suitable for supporting IND filings would be beneficial

So, what's next?

Are you already imagining yourself joining our team? Good, because we can't wait to hear from you!

Employer of Choice

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.

AstraZeneca has taken critical steps to protecting colleagues, loved ones, and patients from COVID-19 and it's variants. COVID-19 vaccination is required for all US employees, and weekly PCR COVID-19 testing is required for those who are unvaccinated or have an approved accommodation.

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