Senior Scientist, Mass Spectrometry at AstraZeneca in Gaithersburg, Maryland

Job Description:

Senior Scientist - Mass Spectrometry




Introduction to role



Join AstraZeneca's Biologics Engineering (BE) team, where we turn ideas into life-changing medicines. We are looking for a highly experienced and motivated senior scientist for our Mass Spectrometry Group within the multidisciplinary Protein Analytics & Developability team. As a Senior Scientist in the Mass Spectrometry Group, you will be instrumental in advancing our capabilities in high throughput intact protein analysis and peptide mapping for post-translational modification. Reporting to the Director of the Protein Analytics & Developability team, the successful candidate will work closely with a multidisciplinary team to support various stages of our pipeline projects and contribute to the enhancement of our technology platforms.



Accountabilities

• Develop and utilize advanced analytical tools, focusing on mass spectrometry and chromatography-based techniques, to characterize discovery-stage biotherapeutics, facilitating critical decision-making.
  
  


• Design and execute peptide mapping assays for protein characterization to support the developability assessment of pipeline projects.
  
  


• Perform and optimize high-throughput (HT) intact protein analysis for discovery-stage biologics, including antibodies, multispecifics, and various protein reagents.
  
  


• Collaborate with the Protein Analytics and Developability team to refine HT assay workflows, ensuring accuracy and reliability in data collection and interpretation.
  
  


• Analyze and interpret complex datasets, providing insights to drive decision-making in pipeline projects.
  
  


• Stay at the forefront of technological advancements in mass spectrometry and other analytical technologies, integrating innovative solutions to enhance current workflows.
  
  


• Participate in cross-functional project teams, contributing technical expertise to inform project strategies and directions.
  
  


• Draft technical reports and contribute to scientific publications, patents, and regulatory submissions as necessary.
  
  


• Mentor junior scientists in experimental design and data analysis to foster a collaborative and productive research environment.
  
  

Essential Skills/Experience

• PhD in Biochemistry, Chemistry, Bio/Chemical Engineering with 1+ years experience or a related field, or MS with 4+ years of relevant hands-on experience.
  
  


• Proven expertise in LC-MS (ThermoFisher Orbitrap, Agilent QTOF) and software platforms, including BioPharma Finder, PEAKS, and Protein Metrics Suite, for intact mass deconvolution, peptide mapping analysis, post-translational modifications (PTMs), characterization of charge variants, and disulfide mapping.
  
  


• Hands-on experience with a wide variety of analytical methods for protein characterization, including but not limited to LC-MS, HIC, SEC, cIEF, IEX, CE-SDS, DLS, DSC, and DSF.
  
  


• Experience in assay troubleshooting and optimization, with a strong understanding of assay development and execution.
  
  


• Proficiency in data analysis and statistical methods for interpreting complex biological data.
  
  


• Hands-on experience with other protein analytical and biophysical techniques and instrumentation is advantageous.
  
  


• Strong collaborative skills and ability to work effectively within multidisciplinary teams.
  
  


• Excellent communication and presentation skills to convey technical information clearly and succinctly.
  
  

When we put unexpected teams in the same room, we unleash bold thinking with the power to inspire 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 unique and ambitious world.


AstraZeneca offers an inspiring learning environment where every setback is seen as a chance to improve. We are dedicated experts who combine specialist knowledge with curiosity. Our supportive yet challenging approach makes for an engaging workplace where you can make a profound impact with research that truly matters.


Ready to make a difference? Apply now!


The annual base pay (or hourly rate of compensation) for this position ranges from $108,473 to $162,710. 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). Benefits offered included a qualified retirement program [401(k) plan]; paid vacation and holidays; paid leaves; and, health benefits including medical, prescription drug, dental, and vision coverage in accordance with the terms and conditions of the applicable plans. Additional details of participation in these benefit plans will be provided if an employee receives an offer of employment. If hired, employee will be in an "at-will position" and the Company reserves the right to modify base pay (as well as any other discretionary payment or compensation program) at any time, including for reasons related to individual performance, Company or individual department/team performance, and market factors.


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. Apply Now