Assoc Princ Scientist Bioscience

At AstraZeneca, we turn ideas into life changing medicines. Working here means being entrepreneurial, thinking big and working together to make the impossible a reality. We’re passionate about the potential of science to address the unmet needs of patients around the world. We commit to those areas where we believe we can really change the course of medicine and bring big new ideas to life.

AstraZeneca’s vision in Oncology is to push the boundaries of science to change the practice of medicine, transform the lives of patients living with cancer, and to ultimately eliminate cancer as a cause of death. A broad pipeline of next-generation medicines is focused principally on four disease areas - breast, ovarian, lung and hematological cancers.

We are seeking a highly motivated Associate Principal Scientist with a proven track record of scientific excellence and project leadership in oncology research to join our antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) portfolio team within the Early Oncology Discovery group in Gaithersburg, MD USA.  As an Associate Principal Scientist, you will lead a team focused on bringing new ADC projects into the portfolio and advancing them through all stages of pre-clinical development.

You will bring your theoretical and practical expertise to lead pipeline projects, establishing program priorities and working with a cross-functional team to deliver pre-clinical datasets to support pipeline progression. You will represent the team in front of governance committees and will present program updates at other internal forums. You will also make intellectual contributions to programs across the ADC Portfolio and be an engaged people manager and mentor.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

• You will be expected to serve as Oncology biology lead for one or more pipeline programs, working collaboratively with cross-functional teams to ensure the timely generation and dissemination of critical program data to enable milestone progression decisions. 
• You will help set program strategy, and will be responsible for the delivery of key pre-clinical data that support a strong biological rationale for program progression.
• You will be expected to work independently and collaboratively, and effectively plan and organize work activities and prioritize task completion for yourself and direct reports
• You will manage and mentor a team of direct reports
• As a highly organized, self-motivated individual with a strong background in cancer biology, you will stay up to date with relevant technical and intellectual scientific expertise in tumor biology and cancer modelling, particularly as it relates to antibody drug conjugates, and have a genuine passion for this field of research. 
  
  

Essential Requirements

• Ph.D. with 5-10 years of research experience or Master’s degree with 8 years within the pharmaceutical industry and clear demonstration of solving challenging problems in drug discovery
• Demonstrated ability to lead cross functional project teams.
• Demonstrated management and leadership skills and a passion for mentorship
• Strong knowledge of solid tumor cancers, in-vitro and in-vivo pre-clinical models of cancer, cell biology, molecular biology, and/or biochemistry in the context of cancer biology, with a strong desire for continued learning.
• Works independently to design and conduct key experiments to support program progression.
• Excellent verbal and written communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills and evidence of delivery in a team-oriented, collaborative environment.
• A proven track record of productivity, as demonstrated by scientific publications in high quality peer-reviewed journals.
• Ensures own work, and work of peers, is compliant with Safety, Health, and Environment standards and all other relevant internal AstraZeneca standards and external regulations.
  
  

Desirable Requirements

• Prior experience in the biopharmaceutical industry preferable but not required.
• Prior experience with antibody-drug conjugates preferable but not required
  
  

When we put unexpected teams in the same room, we unleash bold thinking with the power to encourage life-changing medicines. In-person working gives us the platform we need to connect, work at pace and challenge perceptions. That's why we work, on average, a minimum of three days per week from the office. But that doesn't mean we're not flexible. We balance the expectation of being in the office while respecting individual flexibility. Join us in our outstanding and ambitious world.

The annual base pay for this position ranges from $142,377.60 - $213,566.40 USD Annual. Hourly and salaried non-exempt employees will also be paid overtime pay when working qualifying overtime hours. Base pay offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, including market location, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. In addition, our positions offer a short-term incentive bonus opportunity; eligibility to participate in our equity-based long-term incentive program (salaried roles), to receive a retirement contribution (hourly roles), and commission payment eligibility (sales roles).

Date Posted

16-Apr-2026

Closing Date

29-Apr-2026

Our 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.