Scientist

Gaithersburg, Maryland

Description:

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 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.

Location: 100% Onsite Gaithersburg

The Scientist position is a hands-on laboratory position responsible for performing tasks including but not limited to routine and non-routine sample processing, embedding, microtomy, staining, and sample management. The Scientist will also support assay development, optimization and validation, utilizing immunohistochemical (IHC) and in situ hybridization (ISH) techniques. The Scientist will also perform assay interpretation and documentation, and will work closely with pathologists and team members to provide the highest quality assay performance in support of experimental research and clinical (GCP) projects.

Major Duties and Responsibilities:
• Performs routine and non-routine histology including but not limited to histology, grossing, processing, embedding, microtomy, and staining.
• Utilizes and maintains expertise in software systems associated with histology sample preparation.
• Utilizes and properly maintains all histology equipment in accordance with good laboratory practices.
• Ensures proper management of research, pre-clinical and clinical human tissue following company’s HBS guidelines.
• Able to make detailed observations, analyze data, interpret results, and communicate findings to team members in a clear and concise manner. May be asked to present findings at internal and external meetings.
• Performs routine and non-routine automated immunohistochemistry
• Provides solutions to a variety of problems involving basic scientific principles.
• Works in compliance with Good Laboratory Practices (GLP) and Good Clinical Laboratory Practices (GCLP) regulations
• Maintains up to date training in GLP in support of toxicology studies and GCLP in support of clinical trials.
• Adhere to the highest laboratory standards including safety and company Code of Conduct.
• Prepares documentation and packages for shipment
• Communicates results to team members and is involved in the interpretation of data. Assesses and reports data in a clear and concise manner, with a clear understanding of its implications within the overall context of drug discovery
• May contribute to preparation of manuscripts and/or patent applications. Shares relevant external published papers with peers
• Prepares and maintains precise technical summaries, protocols and all appropriate documentation of experiments in laboratory notebooks/electronic laboratory notebooks. Ensures own work, and work of peers, is compliant with Good Laboratory Practice, Safety, Health, and Environment standards and all other relevant internal AstraZeneca standards and external regulations.
• Establish working relationships and credibility with department members and others within, and possibly outside, the company.
• Performs other duties as assigned

Requirements/Qualifications:
Education Required: Minimum Bachelors’ degree in the biological sciences, Masters preferred.
Experience Required:
• 1+ years direct experience in histology
• Experience using automated IHC staining platforms preferred
• Proficient in use of relevant computer programs (Microsoft Office, Excel and MS Project)