Senior Scientist - Medicinal Chemistry, Oncology Targeted Discovery

Senior Scientist,Medicinal Chemistry,Oncology Targeted Discovery

Location:

Waltham, MA, US

Do you want to be at the cutting edgeof innovation that will lead tostate-of-the-arttherapiesfor cancer?

At AstraZeneca,weturn ideas into life changing medicines.

Our pioneering oncology pipeline enabled bytransformativetechnologiesdrives us forward.

Working here means being ambitious, thinking big and working together to make the impossible a reality for the patients.

AstraZeneca is a global, innovation-driven, integrated biopharmaceutical company. Our mission is to make a meaningful difference to patient health through great medicines that bringbenefitfor patients and add new valueforsociety. We discover, develop,manufacture and market prescription medicines for important areasof healthcare, which include some of the world’s most serious illnesses: cancer, cardiovascular disease, respiratory, inflammation, and autoimmune diseases. We are driven by a shared goal to make a positive impact on the lives of patients with these serious diseases.

Oncology is a core therapy area and growth platform atAstraZenecaand our vision is to deliver life-changing medicines that improve outcomes for patients most in need.

As a Senior Scientist, you willactivelycontributetoprogramsinthe Oncology Targeted Discovery (OTD) chemistry group.

This role is part ofourstrategy to deliverhighlyspecificstate-of-the-arttherapeuticsincluding,but not limited to,small molecules,peptidesandantibodydrugconjugatesto treat cancer.

The successful candidatewilldeploy expert-levelsyntheticorganicchemistryskillsindesigningandbuildingcomplexmolecules, both small and non-small,in the laboratory to drive innovation.

Working together with various disciplines, youwillhave the opportunity toacquireworld-class medicinal chemistry skillsand contribute to a thriving portfolio of futurecancermedicinescovering a wide range of modalities.

There willalsobe achance tosupportdevelopment andadoptionofmachine-learning/AItoolsand emerging technologies.

Thisjob postingisforour group atthe Waltham, MA location(withexpectationto move toour new Kendall Square, Cambridge, MAsitein Q3 2026).

• Design andexecutemulti-stepmodularroutescompatiblefor rapid access tosmall molecule targets(strong organic synthesis backgroundisrequired)

• Routinely separate, purifyandanalyzechemical matter,both small and non-small,using validatedtechniquesand protocols

• Employ quantitativeandhypothesis-drivenapproachesto experimentation, including ability to interpret SAR

• Learn to conduct research by deploying machine-learning/AI toolsin seamlessly interactive manner

• Demonstrate a collaborative team player mindset and enthusiasm for multidisciplinary researchina fast-pacedenvironmentacross various internal/external partners

• Participate in writing and submissionofpatent applications,peer-reviewed articles, and abstracts for scientific conferences

• Ensurethatappropriatesafety,health & environmental (SHE) practices are followed

• Doctoral degree (Ph.D.) or equivalentfocusedin synthetic organic or medicinal chemistry with 0+years of experience in the academia,biotech and/or pharmaceutical industry

• Strong record of peer-reviewed publications andofproblemsolvingto drive scientific innovation

• Expert-level synthetic chemistwithintuitionforchemical reactivity and awareness of latest scientific literature

• Strong work ethic and adherence to safe practices in the laboratory

• Prior exposure to basic AI/ML tools, computational design and emerging modalities such as bioconjugation is preferred

The Waltham R&D site is home to our small-molecule oncology research in North America. Itis situated within a biopharma cluster of academic research institutions, medical centers, pharmaceuticalcompaniesand biotech start-ups. The Boston region is consistently ranked #1 globally for biotech research, investment, talentrecruitmentand lab space.

The campus, also known as the Boston Bio Hub , is one of the largest and most dynamic life-science research hubs in the region.

Itis home to more than 800 scientists and experts working in nine different pharmaceutical and biotech companies.

Plenty of free covered/uncoveredparkingis available along with charging stations for electric vehicles. Additionally,shuttle service to local transportation hubsisalso available.

As AstraZeneca continues to put patients at the forefront of our mission, we are excited for our move to Kendall Square/Cambridge in2026.

Find out more information here:
Kendall Square Press Release

At AstraZeneca, weare dedicated to being a Great Place to Work. A place whereemployeesare empowered to push the boundaries of science and unleashtheirentrepreneurial spirit. There is no better place to make a difference to medicine, patients, and society. An inclusive culture that champions diversity and collaboration. Always committed to lifelong learning, growth, and development.

A place built on courage, curiosity, and…