Posted:
1/22/2026, 8:14:50 AM
Location(s):
England, United Kingdom ⋅ Cambridge, England, United Kingdom
Experience Level(s):
Senior
Field(s):
Medical, Clinical & Veterinary
Job Title: Senior Scientist – Translational Genomics, Translational Medicine
Location: Cambridge, UK
Introduction to the role:
We are seeking a Senior Scientist to join our Translational Genomics team (Cambridge, U.K.) on a fixed term 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 utilizing cutting edge 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.
About the role:
The Translational Medicine Genomics Lab focuses on the exploratory analysis of clinical samples using the best available solutions to maximize 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 have a strong focus on hands-on laboratory work. You will be responsible for the planning, design, 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 global team of genomics and data science experts.
Major Responsibilities and Accountabilities:
Essential skills and experience:
Advanced degree in a relevant discipline (preferably PhD or equivalent) and at least 4 years post-doctoral experience (or equivalent) utilising advanced molecular biology techniques (academic or industrial setting); Recent/current experience greatly preferred
Experience of cancer genomics and analysis of oncology clinical specimens
Strong current laboratory and analytical skills
Evidence of effective problem-solving, method development and optimisation
Ability to understand and work to detailed SOPs and to author and troubleshoot new SOPs
Excellent oral and written communication skills, able to document work clearly, concisely, and understand and describe its importance to others
Good organisational and planning skills, ability to manage a portfolio of work, prioritize, and deliver to agreed time and quality
Good interpersonal skills – able to work effectively with colleagues/collaborators from diverse backgrounds, levels of seniority, and territories
Meticulous attention to detail, ability to document results to a high standard
Desirable skills and experience:
Although training will be given where required, experience in the following areas would be a distinct advantage:
Peer-reviewed publications in the cancer biology/cancer genomics field
Working in a commercial/industrial environment
Working with DNA/RNA from human clinical materials such as formalin fixed paraffin-embedded tissues, frozen tissues, plasma (circulating cell-free DNA/cfDNA).
Hands-on laboratory experience preparing DNA/RNA libraries, targeted NGS, and running NGS platforms
Work in single cell genomics and/or spatial genomics (e.g. 10x, Parse, GeoMx DSP)
Tissue culture, handling and purification of cells from clinical samples, e.g. PBMCs
Tissue dissociation for downstream single cell work
Developing and running assays (e.g. mutation/copy number) using digital PCR
Conducting work to Good Clinical Practice (GCP) within a regulatory /quality framework (e.g. ISO 15189-, CAP-, CLIA-accredited lab environment).
Assay development for NGS platforms
Working with laboratory automation (particularly Biomek liquid handling systems), method development/optimisation
Analysis and interpretation of NGS data from clinical specimens
Experience in the biotech/pharmaceutical industry and of the drug development process
When we put unexpected teams in the same room, we unleash ambitious thinking with the power to encourage life‑changing medicines. In‑person working helps us connect, work at pace and challenge perceptions. We work, on average, a minimum of three days per week from the office, while balancing individual flexibility.
Why AstraZeneca?
We are committed to making a difference and have built our business around our passion for science. We’re fusing data and technology with the latest scientific innovations to achieve the next wave of breakthroughs. Our curiosity and courage drive us to do things that haven’t been done before—empowered to step up, make bold decisions, and learn from successes and failures.
Ready to make a significant impact? Apply now and join us on this exciting journey!
Date Posted
22-Jan-2026Closing Date
04-Feb-2026Our 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.Website: https://www.astrazeneca.com/
Headquarter Location: Bangalore, Karnataka, India
Employee Count: 1001-5000
Year Founded: 1999
IPO Status: Public
Industries: Emergency Medicine ⋅ Manufacturing ⋅ Medical ⋅ Oncology ⋅ Pharmaceutical