Associate Principal Scientist/Associate Director

Role Summary

We are seeking a highly motivated and independent Associate Principal Scientist/Associate Director with experience in hematology-oncology to join our In Vivo Pharmacology Team in Waltham, MA, USA. As an Associate Principal Scientist/Associate Director, In Vivo Pharmacology, you will lead research to evaluate the efficacy and mechanisms of action of small molecules in hematology-oncology, generating datasets with direct impact on the oncology drug discovery process and pipeline.

Responsibilities

• Develop, design, conduct and analyze both in vivo and in vitro experiments to assess the function of candidate oncology drugs and dissect the mechanism of action of novel cancer therapeutics.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams including Translational Medicine, DMPK, Pharmsci, and Safety.
• Work collaboratively with project leaders to ensure timely generation, and dissemination of critical program data.
• Lead a cross-functional working group focused on development and optimization of heme in vivo models in addition to biomarker assays for analysis of in vivo samples.
• Stay up to date with relevant technical and intellectual scientific expertise in hematology biology, pharmacology and cancer modeling and have a genuine passion for this field of research.
• Demonstrate strong organizational and communication skills within the in vivo team and the broader AZ organization.

Qualifications

• Required: Ph.D. with >5 years of research experience in biotechnology or pharmaceutical industry in small molecule drug development and effectively lead multiple projects from an in vivo perspective.
• Required: Experience developing and working with hematological oncology in vivo models, such as xenograft (subcutaneous and luc-tagged disseminated models), disseminated patient derived xenograft (PDX), and humanized mice.
• Required: Demonstrated experience delivering in vivo pharmacology data packages for small molecule programs in rodent tumor models, including dose-finding tolerability studies, PK/PD and efficacy studies. Experience with developing executable studies to pursue combinations strategies with small molecules and biologics.
• Required: Working knowledge with a range of in vitro skills, e.g. cell culture, molecular biology, immunoblotting, flow cytometry (spectral preferred), MSD, and ELISA.
• Required: Excellent communication, organizational, presentational, and listening skills. Must be able to be flexible and adaptable to AstraZeneca “ways of working.” Ability to drive, manage, execute and present results for oncology small molecule projects to project teams, key stakeholders and leadership.
• Required: Strong interpersonal and collaboration skills together with evidence of delivery in a team-oriented, collaborative environment. Be able to effectively manage direct team members and manage others in a highly matrixed environment.
• Required: Prior experience managing outsourcing and CRO in vivo activities.
• Required: Strong knowledge of combination strategies with small and large molecules with an understanding the principles of what makes for ideal combinations.
• Preferred: Expertise in myeloma, lymphoma and acute myeloid leukemia biology including cancer progenitor cells and early transformation events in blood cells.
• Preferred: Experience using small animal imaging modalities such as bioluminescence imaging (IVIS).
• Preferred: Strong publication track record, including contributions to industry publications desired.
• Preferred: Experience with identifying and engaging with key leaders for collaborations in the scientific community to expand internal capabilities and support projects.

Education

• Ph.D. in biotechnology, pharmacology, cancer biology, or a related field.

Skills

• In vivo and in vitro pharmacology techniques (xenograft models, PDX, humanized mice; cell culture; molecular biology; immunoblotting; flow cytometry; MSD; ELISA).
• Data analysis and interpretation; dose-finding, PK/PD, efficacy assessment; biomarker assays.
• Strong communication, collaboration, and cross-functional teamwork; project management in a matrixed environment.
• Experience managing outsourcing and CRO activities.