Senior Scientist Bioconjugation

Job Description

This is an exciting opportunity for a laboratory-based scientist to join the Bioconjugation and Analytical group in Oncology Targeted Discovery (OTD) at The Discovery Centre (DISC), Cambridge UK. You will become part of a team of Bioconjugation scientists and play a pivotal role in the delivery of robust and high-quality data to support drug discovery projects within the Oncology portfolio. Working collaboratively with other disciplines across AstraZeneca, you will have the opportunity to contribute to the research and development for early phase projects. You should have a background in Oncology/Biology/Chemical Biology and a strong passion for experimental work, automation and delivering data from the laboratory. You will use your scientific judgement, strong ability to analyse experimental data and use effective communication skills to contribute to decision making for early-stage drug discovery programmes. As a Bioconjugation Scientist, you'll have a deep understanding of the range of analytical procedures relating to bioanalysis/bioscience. You will expertly design and conduct laboratory projects/experiments, develop automation workflows and analytical methods, and generate, interpret, and report scientific data to relevant stakeholder. 

What you’ll do

• Develop, optimise and scale up drug discovery research lab experiments independently by applying the techniques of Bioconjugation of small molecules to antibodies and related scaffolds

• Develop, implement and optimise HT bioconjugation workflows using automation e.g. liquid handlers

• Perform routine interpretation of data with little or no guidance, with a clear understanding of its implications within drug discovery and effectively communicate to relevant stakeholders in a clear and concise manner

• Works independently within a team and collaboratively with internal and external stakeholder

• Maintains a well-developed understanding of approaches to targeted delivery of therapeutics within Oncology

• Remain up to date with relevant recent advances and relevant technology including published papers/patents with peers

• Authoring and reviewing relevant documents including laboratory notebooks, protocols and reports

• Ensures own work, and work of peers, follows Good Laboratory Practice, Safety, Health and Environment standards and all other relevant internal AstraZeneca standards and external regulations

Skills and Experience

• Ph.D in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Bio/Chemical engineering or relevant discipline

• M.Sc or B.Sc in above disciplines with significant relevant industrial experience

• Strong foundation in chemistry, protein biochemistry and bioconjugation

• Hands on experience of performing a range of protein/bioconjugate characterisation by UV/Vis spectroscopy, size-exclusion/hydrophobic interaction/ion exchange chromatography HPLC and LCMS, ideally with Antibody-Drug Conjugates

• Experience with executing preparative chromatography purifications using AKTA and TFF systems

• Experience with programming, implementing and optimising automation workflows e.g. with liquid handlers is highly desirable

• Knowledge and strong understanding of developing and optimising robust analytical methods for protein/bioconjugate characterisation might be beneficial

• A track-record of protein/related scaffold modification experience

• Proficiency in AI tools and their effective implementation might be beneficial

Why AstraZeneca?

At AstraZeneca we’re dedicated to being a Great Place to Work. Where you are empowered to push the boundaries of science and unleash your entrepreneurial spirit. There’s no better place to make a difference to medicine, patients and society. An inclusive culture that champions diversity and collaboration, and always committed to lifelong learning, growth and development. We’re on an exciting journey to pioneer the future of healthcare.

So, what’s next? 

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

• Are you ready to bring new ideas and fresh thinking to the table? Brilliant! We have one seat available and we hope it’s yours.

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

13-nov.-2026

Closing Date

27-nov.-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.