Scientist – Translational Genomics – Oncology (12 month fixed-term contract

at  AstraZeneca

At AstraZeneca, we follow the science and pioneer new frontiers. Join our team dedicated to Oncology with an ambition to eliminate cancer as a cause of death. Our collaborative research has built an unrivaled scientific community both internally and externally. Working seamlessly together to expedite research in some of the hardest-to-treat cancers. You will have the opportunity to build a rewarding career as part of a team committed to improving the lives of millions with cancer.
We are seeking a Scientist to join our Translational Genomics team on a 12-month fixed-term contract or secondment basis. The successful candidate would be joining a world class centre for discovery and development of innovative cancer medicines. Based at the heart of the Cambridge UK biomedical research community you will play a key role in the delivery of data using groundbreaking genomics techniques. You will deliver high quality biomarker data from human clinical samples and have the opportunity to impact an exciting and industry-leading portfolio of programs from inception through to life cycle management.
The Translational Medicine Genomics Lab focuses on the exploratory analysis of clinical samples using the best available solutions to improve value for oncology projects. Our work includes the analysis of fixed and frozen tissues, liquid biopsy material, and single cell and spatial genomics. We provide support via a mix of in-house lab analyses, external providers, and collaborators. We generate data to help understand key cancer pathway alterations, guide drug combinations, provide disease linkage data to guide indication selection and targeted patient populations and understand the dynamics of response and resistance to therapies.
This role will be primarily laboratory-based, though you may also work with external partners to deliver data on clinical samples. You will be responsible for the planning and execution of high quality experimental work and documenting, interpreting, and communicating results to appropriate stakeholders and partners. You will be able to work independently but also as a key member of our growing global team of genomics and data science experts.

• Work with UK and Global genomics colleagues, Project Managers and Translational Medicine Leads (TMLs) to understand the genomic biomarker needs of clinical studies
• Plan, prioritise, and implement work to deliver to biomarker plans exploiting the most appropriate technologies/assays to deliver high quality data on time and to budget
• Work with Translational, Clinical, Biobank colleagues, and CRO partners, to access the right samples at the right time
• Lead from the bench to generate data in a modern genomics lab utilising Automation, DNA/RNA extraction, Illumina sequencers, digital PCR, single cell, and other platforms
• Utilise a sample management system, LIMS, and other software and communication tools to track samples, monitor progress, and record data
• Work with team members and aligned production informatics and bioinformatics experts to support data analysis/QC, interpretation and communication back to TML, project team and other partners
• Contribute to the smooth operation of the lab, maintenance and refinement of our internal genomics capabilities and development & implementation of new genomic/epigenomic assays or related technologies
• Support colleagues to train in existing and new SOPs
• Provide technical advice and genomic biomarker consultation to internal collaborators
• Record and communicate your data accurately, clearly and concisely
• Maintain appropriate documentation, be compliant with all internal and external policies and legal requirements around use of clinical samples, consent, and data privacy
• If required, work with commercial partners to plan, procure, deliver and analyse genomic data via external labs