Some opportunities happen only once in a lifetime - like a job where you have the chance to change lives. At Alexion, people living with rare and devastating diseases are our Guiding Star. We are driven to continuously innovate and create meaningful value in all we do to help patients and families fully live their best lives. We value the uniqueness and diversity of our employees and recognize that nurturing the diverse perspectives and strengths of our people translates into innovative breakthroughs for patients.

This is what you will do:

• The Research Scientist II is a creative and innovative scientist who will participate in our new target discovery efforts and experimentally drive early discovery projects. This individual will drive multi-disciplinary teams intellectually and experimentally toward the discovery and optimization of candidate therapeutic molecules for the treatment of severe rare diseases. The work of this important role directly impacts the pipeline of the Research organization and is visible to Alexion’s Head of Research and key stakeholders throughout the organization.

You will be responsible for:

• Contributing experimentally and intellectually in a multi-disciplinary team
• Develop biochemical and cell-based systems for early drug discovery
• Identifying potential new targets and participating in critical analysis of new target proposals
• Proposing and developing innovative approaches to solve scientific issues and technical challenges
• Analyze data and troubleshoot experiments both independently and collaboratively
• Prioritize tasks and coordinate efforts to deliver results under aggressive timelines
• Clearly, concisely communicate concepts, results and conclusions internally and externally
• Manage multiple projects simultaneously and work closely with cross-functional team members to advance portfolio programs
• Mentor junior scientists/research associates
• Manage alliances with CRO's, industry and academic partners
• Remain current on new advances and methodologies in therapeutic areas as well as the competitive landscape
• Detailed record keeping using established electronic notebook procedures, as well as keeping internal databases updated
• Communicating scientific team progress within Research and to multi-disciplinary internal forums

You will need to have:

• Ph.D. with 3+ years of pharmaceutical industry experience in Biology, Biochemistry, Chemistry, Translational Science, or related field
• MS 5+ years of pharmaceutical industry experience
• Expertise in the design, discovery, and optimization of protein therapeutics or development of assays used in functional characterization of therapeutic molecules
• Strong communication skills and the ability to effectively communicate across disciplines
• The duties of this role are generally conducted in a lab environment. As is typical of a lab-based role, employees must be able, with or without an accommodation to: lift/carry 15/30 pounds unassisted/assisted; work comfortably in a controlled environment with and around biological, infectious, and hazardous materials; gown/degown PPE; use a computer; engage in communications via phone, video, and electronic messaging; engage in problem solving and non-linear thought, analysis, and dialogue; collaborate with others; maintain general availability during standard business hours.

We would prefer for you to have:

• Expertise in muscular, skeletal or neurological disease areas
• Experience with biochemical and cell-based systems for drug development
• Strong interpersonal skills to complement excellent written and verbal skills
• Proven track record as primary scientific driver of part of discovery research projects
• Willingness to mentor junior scientists

• LIDI-1

Alexion is a global biopharmaceutical company focused on serving patients and families affected by rare diseases and devastating conditions through the discovery, development and commercialization of life-changing medicines. Headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts, Alexion has offices around the globe and serves patients in more than 50 countries. Further information about Alexion can be found at: www.alexion.com.

Alexion is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer. We are committed to fostering a culture of belonging where every single person can belong because of their uniqueness. The Company will not make decisions about employment, training, compensation, promotion, and other terms and conditions of employment based on race, color, religion, creed or lack thereof, sex, sexual orientation, age, ancestry, national origin, ethnicity, citizenship status, marital status, pregnancy, (including childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical conditions), parental status (including adoption or surrogacy), military status, protected veteran status, disability, medical condition, gender identity or expression, genetic information, mental illness or other characteristics protected by law. Alexion has taken critical steps to protect colleagues, loved ones, and patients from COVID-19 and its variants. All US-based employees must comply with Alexion's COVID-19 vaccination mandate. Alexion provides exceptions based on applicable state law as well as reasonable accommodations to meet the needs of candidates and employees. To begin an interactive dialogue with Alexion regarding a legally required exemption or accommodation, please contact accommodations@Alexion.com. Alexion participates in E-Verify.

As a leading employer in our industry, Alexion offers a highly competitive package of base and incentive compensation as well as a comprehensive benefits program designed to support the health, wellness and financial security of our employees and their families. Benefits include group medical, vision and dental coverage, group and supplemental life insurance, 401(k) with company match, tuition reimbursement, and much more.

AstraZeneca completed its acquisition of Alexion, marking the creation of Alexion, AstraZeneca Rare Disease. If you're interested in career opportunities with AstraZeneca, click here.