We are looking for an Associate Director/Team Leader to join our Biologics Engineering (BE) team based in Granta Park, Cambridge UK. BE is responsible for the discovery and optimisation of biological drug candidates across all AZ therapy areas including; oncology, respiratory and inflammation, cardiovascular, renal and metabolic diseases. We are constantly pushing the boundaries of science to deliver life-changing medicines to patients, with a passion for the development of in-house biologics discovery platforms and novel drug modalities to address unmet medical needs.
ABOUT ASTRAZENECA
AstraZeneca is a global, science-led, patient-focused biopharmaceutical company that focuses on the discovery, development and commercialisation 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.
SITE DESCRIPTION
Welcome to Granta Park Cambridge, UK, one of over 400 sites here at AstraZeneca, providing a collaborative environment where everyone feels comfortable and able to be themselves is at the core of AstraZeneca's priorities, it's important to us that you bring your full self to work every day. To help you maintain your best self, here's a sneak peek into some of the things this site provides for you… Granta Park has a newly built gym with swimming pool, nursery and central food hub accessible to staff as part of the science park facilities. We also have our own bistro and deli in the AstraZeneca buildings. There are regular 'Lunch & Learn' events and after work socials with snacks and drinks on the last Friday of every month. This is our biggest and most spacious lab site in Cambridge…come and join us!
BUSINESS AREA
In the Oncology Business Unit we relentlessly follow the science, challenging the status quo to deliver more effective treatments to patients in need. Our dedication means we purposefully push back the limits of knowledge to change the practice of medicine. To ensure no patient is left behind, no matter what stage of disease.
Fast-paced, it takes agility and responsiveness to stay committed in our pursuit of excellence. We work with focus to seek the unanswered questions - innovating, challenging accepted norms, quick decision-making and taking smart risks. A place of trust, it's an opportunity to take accountability, be brave, speak up, step up and redefine Oncology, now and in the future. Be a part of improving lives. This is the time to join the team who is confident that cures for cancer are within our grasp.
What you'll do
We are looking for someone who is a recognised expert in the field of in vitro antibody engineering to join our Antibody Hub to support our biotherapeutics portfolio. In this role you will be responsible for a team of 4-5 scientists delivering experimental strategies to support project milestones, from target identification and validation through to candidate drug nomination, as well as technology advancements.
Leads experimental strategies, and scientific resource in the technical areas of in vitro antibody isolation and optimisation to provide decision-making data for therapeutic biologics drugs projects
Maintains and applies extensive expertise in antibody engineering (e.g., in vitro display platforms, recombinant library design, developability assessment) to facilitate the development of next generation biologics
Responsible for driving strategic alignment for the discovery and development of therapeutic biologics - in particular their isolation, optimisation and characterisation
Makes detailed observations, analyses data, interprets results and devises solutions to complex scientific problems
Maintain a well-developed understanding of approaches to next-generation biologics drug discovery (including antibodies, fragments, alternative scaffolds and mimetics) and applies a broader functional knowledge to support department initiatives
Direct line management of a team of multi-skilled scientists (a team of 4-5 scientists), setting goals aligned to department strategy, coaching, developing and managing staff performance
Recognised as a specialist in their area of expertise. Establishes internal and external contacts and collaborations within scientific field of value to the business and presents at internal (intra- and inter-departmental) and external meetings
Essential for the role
PhD with proven experience or BSc/higher degree with extensive lab-based experience
A deep level of knowledge and strong technical skills in antibody engineering (e.g., in vitro display platforms, antibody library design, developability assessment)
Line management experience, including goal setting, coaching and management of staff performance
Extensive experience in leading and troubleshooting antibody isolation and optimisation strategies
A history of successful project delivery and innovation, supported publications and/or patents
Excellent communication, capable of developing good working relationships with individuals across organisational boundaries and experience working within a team environment
Desirable for the role
Background in drug discovery and development in the pharmaceutical industry
Experience of developing alternative therapeutic biologics, e.g., multi-specific molecules, antibody fragments, alternative scaffolds and mimetics
Knowledge of target identification and validation strategies and experimental approaches
Why AstraZeneca?
At AstraZeneca we're dedicated to being a Great Place to Work. Where you are empowered to push the boundaries of science and unleash your entrepreneurial spirit. There's no better place to make a difference to medicine, patients and society. An inclusive culture that champions diversity and collaboration, and always committed to lifelong learning, growth and development. We're on an exciting journey to pioneer the future of healthcare.
So, what's next?
Are you already imagining yourself joining our team? Good, because we can't wait to hear from you.
Are you ready to bring new ideas and fresh thinking to the table? Brilliant! We have one seat available and we hope it's yours.
If you're curious to know more then please reach out to Louise Bennett
Competitive salary & benefits
Close date: 3/06/2022
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