Postdoctoral Fellow, Multiple Myeloma Immuno-Oncology, Oncology Bioscience

Postdoctoral Fellow, Multiple Myeloma Immuno-Oncology, Oncology Bioscience

Location: Cambridge, MA

AstraZeneca is seeking a highly motivated and scientifically rigorous postdoctoral fellow to join the Oncology Bioscience group in Cambridge. This position sits at the intersection of cancer biology and innate immunology, centered on a mechanistically novel discovery: that inhibition of a first-in-class kinase target can regulate tumor growth both through direct cell autonomous oncogenic signaling and non-cancer cell autonomous modulation of the innate immune system.

This work is built around a potent and selective first-in-class AstraZeneca compound, grounded in compelling preliminary in vivo data demonstrating that target inhibition drives tumor regression through innate immune engagement in multiple myeloma models. The postdoc will characterize this mechanism, identify the specific innate immune cell types responsible, and evaluate rational combination strategies with T-cell directed therapies.

This is a rare opportunity to lead a mechanistically novel program with direct translational relevance, publish in high-impact journals, and work alongside experts in oncology.

This postdoc role will report to Kayleigh Gallagher (Associate Principal Scientist) and be supported by Omid Tavana (Senior Director) at AstraZeneca.

Major Responsibilities

• Lead in vivo studies in syngeneic and xenograft mouse models to establish and characterize the non-cancer cell autonomous function of a first-in-class kinase inhibitor in multiple myeloma
• Dissect the mechanistic contribution of individual innate immune cell types through CRISPR-based models, immune cell depletion, and reconstitution experiments
• Apply advanced immunophenotyping and transcriptomic platforms, including CyTOF, single-cell RNA-seq, and CITE-seq, to define pathway modulation across innate immune compartments
• Evaluate rational combination strategies with T-cell engagers and CAR-T therapies in relevant preclinical models
• Drive a clear publication plan, including a first-author review in Year 1 and a first-author research manuscripts over the three-year term

Minimum Requirements

• Candidates must be within four years of receiving their doctoral degree (PhD, DVM or MD), with the PhD already awarded; or
• Candidates who are nearing completion of their doctoral degree are eligible, provided the PhD is conferred within six months of joining AstraZeneca.
• Education: Ph.D. in Immunology, Hematology, Cancer Biology, Molecular or Cell Biology, or a related field.
• Training in a research-intensive academic laboratory with a strong publication record, including at least one first-author or co-first-author publication in a high-impact peer-reviewed journal
• Hands-on experience with in vivo mouse models, including tumor implantation and treatment studies
• Proficiency in core molecular and cellular biology techniques: flow cytometry, CRISPR cell line generation, western blot, ELISA, and cell-based functional assays
• Background in hematological malignancies, particularly multiple myeloma
• Strong scientific communication skills, with demonstrated ability to interpret and present complex datasets

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with xenograft mouse models (SCID, NSG) and immune cell depletion or reconstitution approaches
• Familiarity with innate immune biology, including NK cell and macrophage biology
• Exposure to advanced transcriptomic methods, including single-cell RNA-seq, CyTOF, or CITE-seq

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.

Why This Role

The postdoc will be embedded in a highly collaborative, multidisciplinary environment with direct access to internal experts in innate immunology, in vivo oncology, and clinical-stage hematology drug discovery. External mentorship will be provided by a leading investigator in the multiple myeloma field, offering additional scientific guidance and career development support. The program is supported by a fully resourced in vivo infrastructure, established assay platforms, and a clear publication roadmap.

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.

AstraZeneca R&D Boston is a vibrant scientific community. The diverse make-up of our scientific teams, as well as our co-location with biotechs, results in a truly outstanding culture bursting with scientific innovation.

Where can I find out more?

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

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