Science & research jobs in Amsterdam at employers that can sponsor a visa

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.

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.

Please note: this role is intended for candidates with a BSc or MSc background. A PhD profile will not be a suitable match due to the hands-on and operational focus of the position.

• 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 systems.
• Cellular assays: Experience with flow cytometry, ELISA/HTRF, reporter assays or other cellular assay technologies.
• Imaging: Familiarity with microscopy or Incucyte live-cell imaging.

Kindly state your relevant experience for this role in your cv.

• A dynamic, international research environment where your work can directly impact patients’ lives
• The opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge oncology drug discovery at a growing AstraZeneca R&D hub
• A collaborative and highly skilled team culture where learning and knowledge-sharing are encouraged
• Excellent opportunities for professional growth and career development

• A dynamic, innovative, international working environment, where you can be part of the development of new medicines that can make a difference to patients' lives
• The opportunity to work with state-of-the-art equipment and modern analytical techniques
• Competitive salary and secondary benefits including 8% holiday allowance, 27 holidays on a full-time basis. Additional: office closure between Christmas and New Year + Good Friday + day after Ascension Day. 
• Collective pension with a fixed percentage personal contribution
• Bonus scheme
• Vitality of our colleagues is important to us, which is why you can exercise at a discount or make use of our bicycle plan.Support for potential extra travelling costs during the transition period when working at the Oss site.

At AstraZeneca Amsterdam, we bring together two research groups, in haemato-oncology and next-generation cell therapy research. Together, they form our Oncology R&D hub in the Netherlands, working closely with colleagues in the US, Canada, Spain and the UK, to develop innovative treatments for patients with cancer.  

Our hematology R&D group was born as Acerta Pharma, one of the Netherlands’ greatest biotech success stories. Its small-molecule BTK inhibitor has been approved by both the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the European Medicines Agency (EMA) for the treatment of Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL) and Mantle Cell Lymphoma (MCL). In Amsterdam approximately 100 colleagues continue the development of new therapies for haematological malignancies under the AstraZeneca brand name.  

 AstraZeneca’s Cell Therapy R&D team focuses on developing next-generation T-cell receptor (TCR) therapies targeting neoantigens in solid tumors. With a team of around 75 scientists, we work on both fully individualized and shared neo-antigen approaches, with the aim of improving outcomes for patients with cancer.  

Our oncology research and development hub is anchored by our new state-of-the-art laboratories in OneHelix and the adjacent Plus Ultra Amsterdam building, both located on the Amsterdam University Medical Centre (Amsterdam UMC) campus. Our hub is firmly positioned at the heart of the Dutch research community network, creating new opportunities for our people, our science, and the patients we work to transform outcomes for.   

  Apply:  If you have any questions about this vacancy, our Recruitment Team Karin Raadschelders and Caroline van Oppen are happy to answer your questions. You can contact them via [email protected] or by phone on +31(0)85 - 047 0244.  

We don’t work with a fixed closing date: The vacancy will remain online until we have concluded the process.

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.

You are:

• Currently living and working within the EU
• Preferably in possession of an EU passport due to onboarding and permit timelines
• Willing to work onsite in Oss until the move to Amsterdam UMC in April 2027

Please note: relocation support is unfortunately not available for this role.

AstraZeneca embraces diversity and equality of opportunity.  We are committed to building an inclusive and diverse team representing all backgrounds, with as wide a range of perspectives as possible, and harnessing industry-leading skills.  We believe that the more inclusive we are, the better our work will be.  We welcome and consider applications to join our team from all qualified candidates, regardless of their characteristics.  We comply with all applicable laws and regulations on non-discrimination in employment (and recruitment), as well as work authorization and employment eligibility verification requirements.