Radioconjugate Scientist - IHC

Note: This role is 5 days a week onsite.

Introduction to Role:

The Scientist will join the RC Discovery Biology team in Fusion/AstraZeneca, Hamilton, Ontario. They will support early-stage drug development by developing and running histology and tissue-based assays. The role requires strong hands-on experience in histology, immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, tissue imaging, and quantitative image analysis.

The Scientist independently optimizes and troubleshoots assays. They interpret and present results, maintain detailed and accurate records of experiments, and contribute to for both FFPE and frozen tissues assay reproducibility and laboratory excellence. This role involves applying strong scientific judgement, attention to detail, and the skill to function independently while collaborating efficiently across diverse project groups. Experience with highly multiplexed immunofluorescence methods or sequential cyclic fluorescence staining, spatial tissue analysis, oncology, preclinical drug discovery, or targeted therapeutic modalities is an asset.

Key Accountabilities:

• Independently develop, optimize, validate, and complete end-to-end histology workflows, including tissue processing, paraffin embedding, microtomy, cryosectioning, H&E staining, immunohistochemistry (IHC), immunofluorescence (IF), tissue imaging, and quantitative image

• Handle and process radiolabeled tissue samples in accordance with established Radiation Safety procedures and site-specific requirements

• Independently operate automated staining platforms for IHC and IF, including assay setup, optimization, routine operation, troubleshooting, and maintenance

• Perform quantitative and qualitative image analysis using digital pathology platforms such as HALO, and support spatial correlation of histology, biomarker expression, and radiopharmaceutical distribution data

• Perform tissue-based radiopharmaceutical imaging workflows, including preparation and imaging of radiolabeled tissue sections using alpha-camera and autoradiography platforms, and support integration of microdistribution data with histology and tissue biomarker readouts

• Assess and report data clearly and concisely, with minimal guidance, and demonstrate an understanding of its implications within the broader context of drug discovery

• Maintain high-quality experimental documentation, contribute to laboratory organization and assay reproducibility, and proactively troubleshoot experimental and technical challenges

• Contribute to the team meetings and projects (preparing presentations, reports, and communicating results)

• Communicate and share information across projects within RC Discovery and cross-functionally

• Ensure that own work and, where applicable, the work of peers follows Good Laboratory Practice, Safety, Health and Environment standards, Radiation Safety, applicable AstraZeneca standards, and relevant external regulations

Essential Qualifications:

• BSc or MSc in Biology, Biomedical Sciences, Histology, Pathology, or a related field, or equivalent experience, with relevant hands-on laboratory experience

• Extensive practical experience with paraffin embedding, microtomy or tissue sectioning, IHC, and IF

• Proven experience using automated staining platforms for both IHC and IF

• Experience with tissue imaging and detailed image quantification; experience with HALO or a similar platform is an asset

• Strong troubleshooting, data interpretation, and presentation skills

• Scientific curiosity, attention to detail, and the ability to understand the rationale behind experiments

• Ability to work autonomously while engaging effectively within multidisciplinary teams

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with multiplexed or cyclic immunofluorescence and spatial tissue analysis, including CODEX or similar platforms

• Experience developing quantitative algorithms for nuclear, membrane, cytoplasmic, immune-cell, or spatial analysis

• Experience with autoradiography, alpha-camera imaging, radiolabled tissue handling, or other spatial/ radiopharmaceutical imaging technique is an asset; willingness and ability to become trained in these workflows is required

• Experience in oncology, tumor biology, tumor microenvironment, or preclinical drug discovery

• Familiarity with radiopharmaceuticals, radioconjugates, antibody-drug conjugates, or other targeted therapeutic modalities

• Experience working with radioactive or previously radioactive biological samples is an asset

• Experience with autoradiography or other approaches for evaluating compound distribution in tissue is an asset

At AstraZeneca, we foster a collaborative, innovative culture with opportunities to work across teams, functions, and geographies.   You’ll join a collaborative, innovative community with opportunities to work across teams, functions, and geographies—where your ideas move fast and your impact is visible. We’re committed to sustainability and equity, taking bold action on climate, access to healthcare, and disease prevention. 

Are you interested in working at AZ, apply today! 

AstraZeneca is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion and providing a workplace that is free from discrimination. AstraZeneca is committed to accommodating persons with disabilities. Such accommodation is available on request in respect of all aspects of the recruitment, assessment and selection process and may be requested by emailing [email protected]. 

Apply now and take the first step towards a fulfilling career at Fusion, an AstraZeneca company.