Senior Scientist, Oncology Targeted Discovery

Senior Scientist, Oncology Targeted Discovery

Location: Waltham, MA, US 

Do you want to be at the cutting edge of innovation that will lead to state-of-the-art therapies for cancer? At AstraZeneca, we turn ideas into life changing medicines. Our pioneering oncology pipeline enabled by transformative technologies drives us forward. Working here means being ambitious, thinking big and working together to make the impossible a reality for patients.

This Opportunity 

As a Senior Scientist within the Oncology Targeted Discovery (OTD) chemistry group, you’ll play an important role in advancing new oncology drug projects to make a positive impact on patients’ lives. This is a hands-on laboratory position within a world leading global medicinal chemistry group and part of an important strategy to deliver highly specific therapeutics including, small molecules, peptide and antibody drug conjugates with various targeting modalities to treat cancer.    

In addition to our passion for the discovery of innovative new medicines, we understand the importance of flexibility in our work-life environment, and we offer a wide variety of benefits, services and programs that provide our employees with the resources they need to pursue not only their work goals but also their life goals. We are dedicated to building strong research teams that embrace the diversity of talents of team members and allow the larger group to grow and learn together to accomplish our collective goal to improve human health.   

Responsibilities: 

• Design and execute synthetic routes to prepare complex target molecules for tumor-targeted delivery programs. 

• Develop creative approaches to overcome challenging synthetic chemistry problems. 

• Analyze data and interpret structure activity relationships (SAR) to rationally design new targets. 

• Work both independently and as a team member, collaborating with colleagues across drug discovery functions, including computational chemistry and high-throughput experimentation.

• Contribute to patent applications and scientific publications. 

• Stay current with new developments in synthetic organic chemistry and medicinal chemistry. 

• Act in accordance with all AstraZeneca policies, including personnel guidelines, EHS regulations, best laboratory practices, and the Code of Conduct. 

 Essential Requirements: 

• Doctoral degree (Ph.D.) or equivalent focused in synthetic organic chemistry with 0+ years of relevant experience.

• A strong track record of scientific innovation and success documented through peer-reviewed publications. 

• Expert knowledge of organic synthesis and methodology, with sound understanding of reaction mechanisms and awareness of latest scientific literature.    

• Strong work ethic and adherence to safe practices in the laboratory. 

• Desire to grow and develop as a synthetic/medicinal chemist. 

Site Location 

The Waltham R&D site is home to our Oncology Targeted Discovery chemistry research in North America. It is situated within a biopharma cluster of academic research institutions, medical centers, pharmaceutical companies and biotech start-ups. The Boston region is consistently ranked #1 globally for biotech research, investment, talent recruitment and lab space.  

The campus, also known as the Boston BioHub, is one of the largest and most dynamic life-science research hubs in the region. It is home to more than 800 scientists and experts working in nine different pharmaceutical and biotech companies. The site is also home to the AstraZeneca Incubator, a program that helps emerging companies advance novel and innovative healthcare solutions to meet the needs of patients. Plenty of free covered/uncovered parking is available along with charging stations for electric vehicles. Additionally, shuttle service to local transportation hubs is also available. 

As AstraZeneca continues to put patients at the forefront of our mission, we are excited for our move to Kendall Square/Cambridge in 2026. 

Find out more information here:    Kendall Square Press Release  

Why AstraZeneca? 

At AstraZeneca, we are dedicated to being a Great Place to Work. A place where employees are empowered to push the boundaries of science and unleash their entrepreneurial spirit. There is no better place to make a difference to medicine, patients, and society. An inclusive culture that champions diversity and collaboration. Always committed to lifelong learning, growth, and development. 

 So, what is next? 

AstraZeneca is a place built on courage, curiosity, and collaboration – we make bold decisions driven by patient outcomes. Empowered to lead at every level, free to ask questions and take calculated risks that write the next chapter for our pipeline. If you are swift to action, confident to lead, willing to collaborate, and passionate about the possibilities, then we are keen to hear from you! 

The annual base pay for this position ranges from $118,870 to $178,306. 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.

Date Posted

16-Feb-2026

Closing Date

01-Mar-2026Our mission is to build an inclusive environment where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants and employees. In furtherance of that mission, we welcome and consider applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of their protected characteristics. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please complete the corresponding section in the application form.