Senior Scientist- Cancer immunology/immunotherapy Full-time NEW

Senior Scientist- Cancer Immunology/Immunotherapy

We are seeking a highly motivated and scientifically driven Senior Scientist- Cancer immunology/immunotherapy with deep expertise in cancer immunology and immunotherapy to join our Oncology research team. The successful candidate will bring extensive experience in T cell biology, neoantigen discovery, immunopeptidomics, and immune function assessment in both in vitro and in vivo systems, with a particular interest in cancer vaccine development. You will independently design and execute complex research studies, troubleshoot and optimize experimental approaches, and generate high-quality scientific data that advances our understanding of anti-tumor immune responses and enables the development of novel immunotherapeutic strategies.

As a Senior Scientist, you will be a key contributor within a multidisciplinary team focused on antigen discovery, target validation, and the development of approaches to induce and enhance anti-tumor immunity. Leveraging your expertise in immunology, you will establish and apply advanced assay systems, collaborate across discovery and development teams, and deliver critical datasets that directly impact oncology drug discovery programs and the advancement of innovative cancer therapies.

Accountabilities

• Independently design, execute, and interpret mechanistic cancer immunology and drug discovery studies utilizing immunological, molecular, and cellular biology techniques.
• Drive antigen discovery and validation efforts to support the development of novel cancer immunotherapies and vaccine approaches.
• Assess, analyze, and communicate experimental data with minimal supervision while understanding its broader relevance to drug discovery and development objectives.
• Apply scientific expertise to investigate vaccine-induced immune responses, T cell biology, antigen presentation pathways, and mechanisms that influence immunogenicity.
• Establish, optimize, and implement innovative in vitro assay systems to evaluate immune responses and therapeutic candidates.
• Collaborate effectively across programs and departments, sharing scientific knowledge and providing experimental insight to accelerate research progress.
• Maintain comprehensive and accurate experimental documentation and ensure compliance with Good Laboratory Practice (GLP), Safety, Health and Environment standards, AstraZeneca policies, and applicable regulations.
• Contribute to scientific strategy discussions, project planning, and experimental design across multiple oncology research programs.
• Lead or co-lead project teams as required and contribute to scientific publication, presentation, and intellectual property objectives.
• Stay informed of emerging scientific advancements in immunology, oncology, and cancer vaccines, integrating new knowledge into research approaches.

Essential Skills/Experience

• PhD, or equivalent experience, in Immunology or a related scientific discipline, with a minimum of 2 years of relevant postdoctoral, biotechnology, or pharmaceutical industry experience.
• Extensive expertise in T cell biology, antigen-presenting cell (APC) function, and immune-mediated mechanisms relevant to cancer immunotherapy.
• Strong understanding of cancer vaccine technologies and approaches to generating anti-tumor immune responses.
• Experience assessing and characterizing T cell immune responses using a variety of functional and phenotypic assays.
• Experience designing and conducting antigen screening and validation studies.
• Experience with immunopeptidomics and antigen discovery technologies is highly desirable.
• Hands-on expertise in immunological and biochemical techniques, including multi-parameter flow cytometry (FACS), ELISA, multiplex cytokine assays, ELISpot, western blotting, luminescence-based assays, cell killing assays, and high-content imaging.
• Experience with TCR cloning, engineering, and expression methodologies.
• Strong data analysis and scientific interpretation skills with the ability to communicate complex findings effectively.
• Excellent organizational, collaboration, and communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment while managing multiple priorities and timelines.
• Proven scientific track record demonstrated through peer-reviewed publications, presentations, and other scientific contributions.

Desirable Skills/Experience

• Experience performing in vitro T cell functional characterization, including antigen specificity, activation, proliferation, and cytotoxicity assessments.
• Hands-on expertise with murine tumor models and in vivo immuno-oncology studies.
• Experience developing, evaluating, or advancing cancer vaccine platforms.
• Experience working with human tissues and primary patient-derived samples.
• Knowledge of neoantigen discovery workflows and translational immunology approaches.
• Experience supporting oncology drug discovery and preclinical development programs within a pharmaceutical or biotechnology environment.
• Familiarity with bioinformatics approaches associated with immunopeptidomics, antigen discovery, or immune monitoring datasets.

The annual base pay for this position ranges from $118,870.40 – $178,305.60. Our positions offer eligibility for various incentives—an opportunity to receive short-term incentive bonuses, equity-based awards for salaried roles and commissions for sales roles. Benefits offered include qualified retirement programs, paid time off (i.e., vacation, holiday, and leaves), as well as health, dental, and vision coverage in accordance with the terms of the applicable plans.