Scientist, Bioscience – Screening; Biochemical​/Cell) Biology

Driven by science and collaboration, you will help advance innovative therapies for patients with haematological cancers. Join Acerta Pharma, part of AstraZeneca, and contribute to cutting-edge oncology research in an international environment where your expertise and ideas are valued.

At Acerta Pharma, part of the AstraZeneca group, we are driven by one mission: transforming the lives of patients with haematological cancers through groundbreaking science and innovative therapies.

As we expand our research footprint in the Netherlands, we are building toward an exciting new chapter — the launch of the AstraZeneca Netherlands R&D hub in Amsterdam in April 2027. Until then, you will work from our state-of-the-art facilities in Oss before transitioning to our new Amsterdam UMC campus location.

This is a unique opportunity to join a growing oncology research organisation at a pivotal moment and help shape the future of oncology drug discovery, developing novel therapies for haematological malignancies.

As a Scientist in Bioscience, with expertise in cell and molecular biology, you will support haematology-oncology drug discovery programs across our Oss and future Amsterdam sites.

You will design and execute innovative biochemical- and cell-based assays that drive the design-make-test-analyze (DMTA) cycle, while leading mechanistic studies to uncover compound mechanisms of action and pathway biology.

The ideal candidate combines excellent laboratory skills with scientific curiosity, critical thinking, and a passion for translating complex biological data into meaningful insights.

Experience in haematology-oncology research and pharmaceutical drug discovery is highly valued.

• Assay development and screening
  :
  Design, optimise, execute, troubleshoot and interpret biochemical and cell-based assays for small-molecule drug discovery.
• Mechanistic biology
  :
  Investigate compound activity and pathway biology using molecular and cellular biology techniques including cloning, qPCR, Western blotting, immunoassays, flow cytometry and imaging.
• Disease models
  :
  Work with haematology-oncology models, including AML, CLL, multiple myeloma and co-culture systems.
• Data analysis
  :
  Analyse biological datasets and communicate clear, evidence-based recommendations to multidisciplinary project teams.
• Scientific collaboration
  :
  Maintain accurate ELN records, present results, and contribute to knowledge sharing across the team.

• Education: BSc or MSc in Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, Cancer Biology, Pharmacology or a related field
• Laboratory skills
  :
  Practical experience with cell culture and relevant molecular and cellular biology techniques, such as qPCR and western blotting.
• Cell-based assay experience: Hands-on experience designing, optimising and executing cell-based assays, including the use of relevant controls.
• Scientific approach
  :
  Strong problem-solving and scientific reasoning skills, with a structured and collaborative way of working.
• Communication
  :
  Fluency in English and the ability to communicate experimental results clearly.
• Location
  :
  Willingness to work in Oss until the planned transition to Amsterdam in early 2027.

• Drug discovery
  :
  Previous experience in pharmaceutical drug discovery, compound screening or the design–make–test–analyse cycle is an advantage.
• Biochemical assays
  :
  Experience with biochemical binding or activity assays is particularly valued.
• Disease biology
  :
  Experience with haematology-oncology models, primary patient samples or 3D and spheroid…