Scientist / Senior Scientist - Bioassay

Location: Cambridge, UK

Salary: Competitive with excellent benefits!

Introduction to role: : 

Are you a Scientist with well founded in vitro assay development experience who wants to add large pharma industry experience to your portfolio?  

Are you fuelled by the commitment to help patients and see what science can do? 

An opportunity has arisen to be a part of the Bioassay, Biosafety and Impurities Group (BB&I) accountable for developing state-of-the-art methods to evaluate product quality by measuring biological activity and detecting, characterizing, and quantifying product variants and process-related impurities for biologics (e.g. antibodies and antibody like (incl. multispecifics, antibody drug conjugates, engagers, modified peptides etc)). This enables product understanding, manufacturing process development, formulation, drug product development and regulatory filings to bring our drugs to the clinic and eventually onto the market. In addition, this group is accountable for control systems, including specifications, comparability, and shelf-life strategies required by regulatory agencies. Also, it performs technical transfer of methods to clinical quality control and commercial launch sites and technical support and lifecycle management post-launch.  

We are seeking a motivated, lab‑based scientist with strong scientific judgment, proven experience in in‑vitro biological activity assays (bioassays), and a clear drive to embed emerging physical automation and AI-driven analysis tools into daily workflows. Based at the Discovery Centre, Cambridge, the successful candidate will be hands‑on in developing and implementing novel cell‑based and immunoassays. 

Our Expectations: 

• Use your knowledge of cell culture and hands-on potency assay development in a team-oriented environment.

• Support our drug development programmes with data, effectively utilising existing and novel technologies and instrumentation.

• Convert opportunities and resources to succeed and thrive around the team and communicate achievements to different audiences, including team meetings, global group meetings and matrix teams. 

• Learn from experience and guidelines/documentation to increase responsibilities and complexity of tasks to be performed with a higher level of autonomy. 

• Motivated by curiosity and a solid scientific foundation to learn and train others in utilising new technologies and automation-friendly approaches.

• Build on AZ’s science driven dynamic environment.

Accountabilities:

• Develop biochemical and cell-based potency assays based on drug mode of action and carry out routine sample testing for large molecules in AZ’s pipeline in a timely fashion. 

• Enable transfer of any methods to other groups as appropriate.

• Accurately record all data clearly and concisely with a clear understanding of its implications within the overall context of drug development.

• Manage own work to ensure that agreed targets are met and to agreed quality standards, communicating progress appropriately. 

• Discuss and defend experimental findings at cross-functional meetings, representing the  Bioassay, Biosafety and Impurities Group in CMC teams, present in internal symposia and external conferences. 

• Prepare for review clear and concise technical documents like SOPs, work plans, work reports and instructional documents.

• Work alongside team members/automation engineers to bridge manual experimental and data analysis protocols into structured, automation ready workflows. 

• Assist in the training & coaching of others in procedures and practices.

• Ensure that work is performed in accordance with appropriate Safety, Health & Environment (SHE), quality and compliance standards.

Essential Skills:  

• For Senior Scientist - PhD with +2-6 yrs of experience (or equivalent relevant scientific experience).

• For Scientist – MSc with +2-6 yrs experience (or equivalent relevant scientific experience). 

• Thorough understanding of immunoassay/binding assays.

• Thorough understanding of mammalian cell culture and hands-on experience with in vitro cell-based assay techniques and their applications e.g. cellular signalling, receptor binding assays, reporter assays, proliferation assays, cytotoxicity, ELISA, MSD, HTRF, AlphaLISA, SPR, imaging assays and flow cytometry. 

Desired Skills:  

• Drug development experience in academia, Pharma/Biotech industry. 

• Experience with ADCC/CDC/ADCP assays and Bioassay/CMC.

• Experience with cell line generation and molecular biology techniques.

• Experience with liquid handlers e.g Integra Assist, Dragonfly, Hamilton, etc.

• Experience with data analysis software’s like GraphPad Prism, JMP, SoftMax Pro, etc.

Why AstraZeneca?

At AstraZeneca, we believe even small opportunities can lead to big change. We value diverse thinking and support each other in creating innovative solutions. You will find support to grow your career and connect with others who share your passion for making a difference. Together, we are crafting the future of healthcare—join us and help us set new standards for what a biopharmaceutical company can achieve.

So, what's next?

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

Where can I find out more?

Our Social Media,

Follow AstraZeneca on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/1603/

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Date Posted

17-Apr-2026

Closing Date

25-Apr-2026

Our mission is to build an inclusive and equitable environment. We want people to feel they belong at AstraZeneca and Alexion, starting with our recruitment process. We welcome and consider applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of characteristics. We offer reasonable adjustments/accommodations to help all candidates to perform at their best. If you have a need for any adjustments/accommodations, please complete the section in the application form.