Intern: MedImmune Analytical Sciences Bioassay Internship Location: Gaithersburg, MD MedImmune is the worldwide biologics research and development arm of AstraZeneca, a global, innovation-driven biopharmaceutical business that focuses on the discovery, development and commercialization of small molecule and biologic prescription medicines. MedImmune is pioneering innovative research and exploring novel pathways across key therapeutic areas, including respiratory, inflammation and autoimmunity; cardiovascular and metabolic disease; oncology; neuroscience; and infection and vaccines. We are currently seeking candidates who are working towards obtaining a Bachelor’s Degree in Biology, Biochemistry, Molecular and Cellular Biology or a related major for an internship during the summer of 2018. This internship opportunity is with the Analytical Sciences department. The intern will join a team of scientists who are working on ADC molecules and will be involved in exploring and developing assays monitoring the internalization of ADC molecules into the target cells as well as off target “bystander killing” effect that can be mediated by ADCs. Antibody drug conjugates (ADCs) are a class of biotherapeutics designed to selectively target and kill cancer cells. ADCs have an intact monoclonal antibody conjugated with a cytotoxic drug, typically a small molecule, through a linker. The main mechanism of action of ADCs is to bind to their target and once internalized, to release the toxin and trigger cell death. However, even though ADCs are developed to be stable in circulation (i.e., they do not release the drug before reaching the target site), release of free drug has been observed resulting in” by-stander killing” of antigen negative cells. The bystander effect could be potential useful for treating tumors with heterogeneous antigen expression, it can also cause toxicity on adjacent healthy – nonmalignant cells. How much an ADC mediates bystander killing largely depends on factors such as the extent of ADC internalization after binding to the target antigen, the stability of the linker, and the attached cytotoxic drug. Core Responsibilities: The core responsibilities of this position will be to learn and perform in vitro based biological assays, design experiments, analyze data, record results, and communicate/present findings at group meetings and at other meeting platforms. |
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