Diagnostic Senior Scientist

Review: Senior Scientist, Diagnostics Science - AstraZeneca, Cambridge, UK

This opportunity at AstraZeneca presents a compelling prospect for experienced diagnostic scientists looking to make a significant impact in the field of Precision Medicine. If you are driven by scientific innovation and aspire to develop diagnostic solutions that directly benefit patients, this role warrants careful consideration for your career trajectory.

Advantages for Candidates:

• Pioneering Precision Medicine: You will be at the forefront of developing companion and complementary diagnostic assays, directly contributing to AstraZeneca's mission of matching the right medicines to the right patients. This is a chance to work in a rapidly evolving and highly impactful area of healthcare.
• Scientific and Technical Leadership: The role offers a platform to leverage your deep knowledge of oncology diagnostic technologies (including IHC, multiplex IHC, proteomics, digital pathology, and NGS) to provide critical scientific and technical expertise. You will be instrumental in shaping innovative diagnostic approaches.
• Collaborative Environment: Collaboration is a cornerstone of this role. You will work closely with cross-functional teams and strategic external partners, including leading diagnostic companies and academic institutions. This fosters a rich learning environment and broadens your professional network.
• Innovation and Exploration: AstraZeneca encourages continuous learning and innovation. You will be tasked with staying abreast of current and emerging diagnostic technologies, identifying opportunities for advancement, and developing novel diagnostic science proposals.
• Impactful Project Delivery: You will be accountable for the delivery of diagnostic science and innovation projects, from feasibility studies to scientific validation. This hands-on involvement ensures tangible contributions to AstraZeneca's clinical portfolio.
• Career Growth and Development: The emphasis on scientific expertise, innovation, and collaboration within a leading global pharmaceutical company provides significant opportunities for professional development and career advancement.

Key Considerations for Candidates:

• Required Expertise: A strong foundation in oncology diagnostics is essential. Candidates must possess a Master's or PhD (or equivalent experience) and demonstrated expertise in at least one core technology like IHC, digital pathology, NGS, or PCR. A track record of scientific delivery, including peer-reviewed publications, is also a key requirement.
• Navigating External Partnerships: Experience working with external partners, such as diagnostic companies and academic investigators, is crucial. The ability to effectively manage these relationships and drive collaborative projects will be vital for success.
• Scientific Communication: Excellent oral and written communication skills are necessary to effectively convey project updates and scientific feedback to diverse, cross-functional stakeholders and leadership.
• Desirable Skillsets: While not always mandatory, candidates with computational and data analysis skills (including AI and programming languages), experience in regulated diagnostic environments, and a deep understanding of co-development and commercialisation of diagnostics and drugs will find this role particularly rewarding and may have a competitive edge.
• Commitment to Compliance: AstraZeneca emphasizes adherence to its Code of Conduct and relevant policies, standards, and procedures, including in areas of budget management, safety, health, and environment.

In summary, this Senior Scientist role at AstraZeneca is an excellent opportunity for a driven and experienced diagnostic scientist to contribute to cutting-edge precision medicine initiatives. It offers a chance to blend scientific rigor with innovation in a collaborative and supportive environment, fostering significant career growth and the potential to make a real difference in patient care.