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