Postdoctoral Fellow – Next-Gen 3D Bio-Interfaces Mapping the Cross-Talk between TME and Peripheral Immunity
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Job Location:
Gaithersburg, MD - USA
Monthly Salary:
Not Disclosed
Posted on:
Yesterday
Vacancies:
1 Vacancy
Job Summary
Postdoctoral Fellow Next-Gen 3D Bio-Interfaces: Mapping the Cross-Talk between TME and Peripheral Immunity
Location: Gaithersburg MD (USA)
Competitive Salary Bonus & Benefits Package
Introduction
Do you have expertise in tumor immunobiology and passion for transforming the lives of patients with improved outcomes and a better quality of life Would you like to apply your knowledge to impact drug discovery projects in a company that follows the science and turns ideas into life-changing medicines Then join the Translational Discovery department at AstraZeneca and unlock the power of what science can do!
About the Opportunity
In this exciting Postdoctoral Fellow position youll research and develop next-generation experimental tools for dissecting the mechanisms of action for immuno-oncology drugs using multi-organ 3D ex vivo culture systems.
This project is supported by the ENABL group that works across all of AstraZenecas therapy areas from early-stage drug discovery to late-stage clinical development. Our vision is to apply integrated predictive models into the drug development pipeline and investment decision process to increase confidence in selections and improve PoS.
Project Focus
This project will conduct pioneering research to better understand immune checkpoints and their modulators using patient-derived samples and cutting-edge technologies such as single cell RNA sequencing and CODEX multiplexed tissue imaging. Our Postdoc will collaborate with experienced AZ interdisciplinary scientists with diverse set backgrounds and exceptional academic mentor specifically aligned to the project to develop next-generation multi-organ 3D ex vivo models able to elucidate the mechanism of actions of new drugs identify patient populations that can benefit for the drug and build predictive models to fill the gap between preclinical and clinical translation.
The Postdoc role will report to Jeremy Ratiu Senior Scientist and co-mentored by Jun Ren Senior Scientist at AstraZeneca. Additionally youll also receive academic mentorship and guidance from John Hickey Professor at the Departments of Biomedical Engineering and Integrated Immunobiology at Duke University during the 3-year program.
Our Postdoctoral Fellow will conduct ground-breaking research using cutting edge 3D ex vivo culture models to study tumor immunology. You will develop laboratory methods to assess peripheral immune cell activation recruitment to the tumor microenvironment and subsequent anti-tumor immune responses. This will involve multi-organ-on-a-chip technologies spatial proteomics/ transcriptomics and advanced imaging techniques.
Key Duties & Responsibilities:
- Research design and implement innovative 3D ex vivo culture models to study the role of immune-modulatory compounds in shaping peripheral immune responses against tumors.
- Lead and drive the project under the supervision of cross-functional AstraZeneca team and in collaboration with the academic expert.
- Plan write publish and present high-quality scientific papers.
Essential Education and Experience:
- Candidates must be within four years of receiving their doctoral degree (PhD or DVM) 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.
- Strong knowledge and experience in immunology including design and execution of common immunological assays (e.g. ELISA flow cytometry cell culture etc).
- Extensive knowledge in lymph node tumor OR vascular biology
- Extensive knowledge and experience working with tissue specimens (experience working with human tissues is a plus).
- 0-4 years of working experience
Desirable Requirements:
- Advanced imaging techniques and image analysis
- Experience working with ex vivo culture systems with vascular lymph node or tumor models highly desirable
- Experience preparing samples for scRNA-seq and/or spatial OMICs and basic or advanced knowledge of analyzing these data.
About our PostDoc Program
Bring your expertise apply your knowledge follow the science and make a difference. AstraZenecas Postdoc Program is for self-motivated individuals looking to deliver exciting projects in an encouraging engaging and innovative environment.
Do you want to push the frontiers of tumor immunology and help bridge preclinical discovery to clinical impact Join AstraZeneca as a Postdoctoral Fellow to develop nextgeneration multiorgan 3D ex vivo models that reveal how immunooncology therapies work identify patients most likely to benefit and accelerate translation. Working within the Translational Discovery department and supported by the ENABL group youll partner with interdisciplinary AZ scientists and an aligned academic mentor to combine advanced tissue engineering spatial omics and highcontent imagingturning bold science into lifechanging medicines. This 3-year program offers early-career scientists unparalleled exposure to the full drug discovery pipeline hands-on experience with advanced platforms and cross-functional teams strong mentorship from industry and academic leaders and the opportunity to generate impactful publications while contributing to programs that advance toward the clinic.
Compensation for this role based on years of experience after obtaining PhD is a minimum of $103079 up to a maximum of $123694 short-term incentive. Some relocation supplements depend on distance and location at the employers 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 worlds most serious diseases. But were more than a global leading pharmaceutical company. At AstraZeneca were 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
AZs Postdoc Program: at AstraZeneca: is what were made of: Posted
23-Mar-2026Closing Date
Our mission is to build an inclusive environment where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants and 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.
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AstraZeneca is an equal opportunity employer. AstraZeneca will consider all qualified applicants for employment without discrimination on grounds of disability, sex or sexual orientation, pregnancy or maternity leave status, race or national or ethnic origin, age, religion or belief, ... View more
