Associate Scientist - Flow Cytometry
At AstraZeneca we work together across global boundaries to make an impact and find answers to challenges. We do this with the upmost integrity even in the most difficult situations because we are committed to doing the right thing. We continuously forge partnerships that help pursue world-class medicines in new ways, combining our people’s exceptional skills with those of people from all over the globe. As a part of our Protein Engineering team in Gaithersburg, MD, you’ll play a pivotal role in channeling our scientific capabilities to make a positive impact on changing patients’ lives.
About AstraZeneca in Gaithersburg, MD
Our Gaithersburg, Maryland facility creates life-changing medicines for people around the world. This campus employs more than 3,500 experts in our field and is only a short drive from Washington, DC. This modern and vibrant scientific campus is the home of R&D and Oncology in the US. Here, we play host to some of the most cutting-edge technology and lab spaces, all designed to inspire collaboration and cross-functional science. We believe employees benefit from being challenged and inspired at work. We are dedicated to creating a culture of inclusion and collaboration.
The Gaithersburg site offers a variety of amenities to help boost productivity and help keep our employees happy and healthy. This includes a fitness center, employee healthcare clinic, electric vehicle charging stations, dry cleaning, full-service cafeteria and copy center. This is where you’ll find newly-designed, activity-based work spaces to suit a variety of working styles while increasing collaboration between teams.
Summary of the Group
Dynamic Omics is part of the Antibody Discovery and Protein Engineering (ADPE) function within AstraZeneca, and works across all therapeutic areas (Oncology, Cardiovascular, Renal and Metabolism (CVRM), Respiratory and Immunology (RI), Microbial Sciences and Neurosciences. The team delivers key data to projects across all phases of the drug discovery and development, and we work with all modalities from small molecules to biologics. As a member of the expanding Dynamic Omics department, you will be actively involved in developing and implementing bioinformatics pipelines for metabolomics and proteomics applications to support the analysis of preclinical and clinical samples.
The Flow Cytometry group is focused on the measurement and characterization of cells, and identification of complex cellular phenotypes is a critical technique for both small and large molecule drug discovery and development. The Flow Cytometry Shared Resource Laboratory has state-of-the-art instrumentation with cutting edge technology and associated expertise.
Main Duties and Responsibilities:
This role will be the primary resource for our flow cytometry users, operate and maintain flow cytometers and ensure instrument data is accurately acquired and managed. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to work and grow in fast-paced environment under the supervision of senior staff members.
- Maintain and troubleshoot instruments, keep records of weekly usage, ensure instrument data is accurately transferred and managed, and facilitate IT tasks and internal support services.
- Understand, perform and practice quality control management of the flow cytometers to include running controls, evaluating and documenting data, and taking corrective action as required.
- Make detailed experimental observations, become an expert in multicolor flow cytometry, review and analyze data, interpret experimental results, and summarize data for presentations and reports with accountability for accuracy. Contribute to the development of new technological platforms such as spectral flow cytometry.
- Become proficient with Fluorescence-activated Cell Sorting (FACS) and support the cell sorting effort as needed.
- Lead the technical development of mass cytometry (CyTOF) methods: test and implement new methodology and mass cytometry panels within established timelines and foster mass cytometry related collaborations.
Education & Experience Requirements:
BA/BS with a minimum of 3 years of relevant experience or MS with 1 years of relevant experience preferred
Required Skills:
- Lab experience in cell biology, molecular biology, immunology, or flow cytometry
- Familiarity with immunology techniques such as cell culture and blood cell processing, cell counting
- Ability to follow SOPs and to perform routine lab equipment maintenance is required
- Great teamwork and communication skills, both verbal and written
- Strong multi-tasking, time management and organizational skills
Desired Skills:
- Industry internship experience is a plus
- Experience with flow cytometry data analysis software such as FlowJo and FCS Express is highly desirable.
- General experience in Python or R data analysis is a plus.
Why AstraZeneca
At AstraZeneca when we see an opportunity for change, we seize it and make it happen, because any opportunity no matter how small, can be the start of something big. Delivering life-changing medicines is about being entrepreneurial - finding those moments and recognizing their potential. Join us on our journey of building a new kind of organization to reset expectations of what a bio-pharmaceutical company can be. This means we’re opening new ways to work, pioneering cutting edge methods and bringing unexpected teams together. Interested? Come and join our journey.
So, what’s next
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
Check out our landing page for more information on our BPD group https://careers.astrazeneca.com/bpd
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AstraZeneca embraces diversity and equality of opportunity. We are committed to building an inclusive and diverse team representing all backgrounds, with as wide a range of perspectives as possible, and harnessing industry-leading skills. We believe that the more inclusive we are, the better our work will be. We welcome and consider applications to join our team from all qualified candidates, regardless of their characteristics. We comply with all applicable laws and regulations on non-discrimination in employment (and recruitment), as well as work authorization and employment eligibility verification requirements.
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