Postdoctoral Fellow – Explore epigenetic mechanisms of anti-cancer drug resistance

Location: Cambridge, MA

Competitive Salary, Bonus & Benefits Package

Introduction

Are you a cancer biologist fascinated by how tumours escape targeted therapy? Do you want to uncover how epigenetic regulators drive resistance to anti-cancer therapies in lung cancer and test new combination strategies that could help patients with limited options? Then join Oncology R&D at AstraZeneca and unlock the power of what science can do!

About the opportunity

In this Postdoctoral Fellow position, you will investigate how epigenetic mechanisms drive resistance to targeted cancer therapies, and test whether novel combination strategies can overcome it. Your work will focus on lung cancer, where resistance to targeted treatment remains a major unmet need. 

You will join the Small Molecule Bioscience team within Oncology Targeted Discovery (OTD) in Cambridge, MA. OTD discovers and develops new targeted medicines for people with cancer, and this project supports AstraZeneca's strategic focus on lung cancer. You will work alongside project teams, epigenetics and data science experts, and an academic mentor, in a collaborative environment where your findings can shape future drug discovery. 

Project Focus

This project explores how epigenetic changes allow lung cancer cells to escape targeted therapy. By linking genetically defined cancer models to epigenomic and transcriptomic data, you will uncover the pathways behind resistance, identify potential new targets, and test rational combinations designed to overcome resistance. You will own the project from hypothesis to validation, with the aim of publishing your work. You will be supervised by Lingling Dai, Associate Principal Scientist (Associate Director equivalent) at AstraZeneca, and supported by AstraZeneca experts in lung cancer biology and epigenetics.

What You'll Do 

Our Postdoctoral Fellow will lead a three-year research project on the epigenetic basis of resistance to targeted therapy in lung cancer. In a typical week you will run cell-based and in vivo pharmacology experiments, generate and analyse epigenetic sequencing data with colleagues in the Bioscience and Data Science teams, and discuss results with the project team and your academic mentor. You will also prepare data for publication and present your work at internal and external meetings. 

Key Duties & Responsibilities: 

• Investigate how alterations in epigenetic regulators influence sensitivity to targeted therapies, generating engineered cell models (e.g. CRISPR knockout and overexpression). 

• Evaluate novel combination strategies to overcome resistance in vitro and in vivo (mouse models). 

• Apply epigenomic and transcriptomic profiling (e.g. RNA-seq, ATAC-seq, ChIP-seq or CUT&RUN) to identify the pathways and genes that drive resistance, and validate them using genetic and pharmacological approaches. 

• Lead the project in collaboration with the cross-functional AstraZeneca team and our academic collaborators. 

• Plan, write, publish and present high-quality scientific papers and conference presentations. 

Essential Requirements 

• PhD degree in cancer biology, molecular biology or a related field, either awarded within the last 4 years, or due to be awarded within 6 months of joining AstraZeneca 
• Strong understanding of cancer biology and mechanisms of resistance to targeted therapy 
• Hands-on experience with mammalian cell culture, cell-based assays (e.g. proliferation/viability, western blot, qPCR) and genetic manipulation of cells (e.g. CRISPR knockout, overexpression or knockdown) 
• Experience with in vivo mouse tumour models (e.g. xenograft or patient-derived xenograft) 
• Experience interpreting complex sequencing datasets to understand biological mechanisms 
• Strong publication record, with the ability to plan, analyse and communicate scientific results 
• 0-4 years of working experience

Desirable Requirements 

• Hands-on experience with epigenomic assays (e.g. ChIP-seq/CUT&RUN, ATAC-seq) 
• Knowledge of lung cancer biology 

About our PostDoc Program

Bring your expertise, apply your knowledge, follow the science, and make a difference. AstraZeneca’s Postdoc Program is for self-motivated individuals looking to deliver exciting projects in an encouraging, engaging, and innovative environment.

You will work in an industry-leading group with a strong publication track record, alongside experienced AstraZeneca scientists and academic collaborators who have deep expertise in epigenetics and cancer biology. 

Resistance to targeted therapy limits the benefit for many lung cancer patients. By defining how epigenetic mechanisms drive this resistance and testing new combination strategies, you will generate insights with the potential to change treatment for patients with few options. 

You will have access to established models, compounds and in vivo capabilities at AstraZeneca, in-house epigenetic sequencing and data science expertise, a clear three-year plan aimed at one to two high-impact publications, and career development opportunities including workshops and conferences in the Cambridge/Boston area. This is a launchpad for a career in academia or biopharma.

Compensation for this role, based on years of experience after obtaining PhD, is a minimum of $99,900 up to a maximum of $120,000 + short-term incentive. Some relocation supplements depend on distance and location at the employer's discretion.

About AstraZeneca

AstraZeneca is a global, science-led, patient-centered biopharmaceutical company focusing on discovering, developing, and commercializing prescription medicines for some of the world’s most serious diseases. But we’re more than a global leading pharmaceutical company. At AstraZeneca, we're dedicated to being a Great Place to Work and empowering employees to push the boundaries of science and fuel their entrepreneurial spirit.

Where can I find out more?

AZ’s Postdoc Program: https://careers.astrazeneca.com/postdocs-astrazeneca

Life at AstraZeneca: https://careers.astrazeneca.com/life-at-astrazeneca

This is what we’re made of: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pmFx_jr2eFo&t=2s

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Date Posted

Closing Date

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.