Associate Principal Scientist – CAR-T Discovery

AstraZeneca•Gaithersburg, MD

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

An established scientific expert who independently conceptualizes and develops novel approaches for next-generation CAR-T cell therapies. Leads defined workstreams within CAR-T Discovery, designs and executes complex in vitro and in vivo experiments, interprets and reports high-quality scientific data, and provides technical leadership and mentoring to junior scientists. Contributes to project direction and technology development for solid and hematological malignancies within the Oncology Cell Therapy Unit.

Requirements

M.S with 3-6 yrs of scientific experience or equivalent experience in an industry setting (8-10+) in biochemistry, molecular biology, cell biology, immunology or a related field.
Demonstrated expertise in molecular and cellular biology, immunological assays, cell transfection and transduction, and in vivo animal models of cancer biology, supported by high-impact publications or comparable scientific contributions.
In-depth experience in protein and/or cell engineering experience in the context of controlling or modulating cell biology, including direct hands-on experience with engineered T cells.
Strong molecular biology skills, including design, production and use of viral vectors for the genetic modification of T cells.
Proficiency in multiparameter flow cytometry and FACS-sorting.
Proven ability to conceive, design, independently lead and execute research projects from initiation through completion, prior supervisory or people-management experience is preferred.
Highly collaborative and team-oriented, with strong organizational and project management skills and ability to manage multiple priorities with a high degree of independence.

Nice To Haves

Experience with allogeneic / off-the-shelf platforms and gene editing (CRISPR/Cas, base editing, AAV) and in vivo modeling of these platforms.
Experience with humanized mouse model systems.
Publications, patents and/or pipeline projects in a pharmaceutical or biotechnology setting.

Responsibilities

Independently conceives, designs and leads discrete research workstreams within CAR-T Discovery, applying in-depth expertise in synthetic immunology, protein/cell engineering and functional immunology to advance next-generation and off-the-shelf (allogeneic) CAR-T therapies.
Designs, executes and troubleshoots complex in vitro and cell-based experiments (primary T cells, viral vector engineering, multi-parameter flow cytometry and FACS-sorting), generating, interpreting and reporting data with little or no guidance.
Extensive in vivo skillset including animal handling, syngeneic murine, xenograft and PDX tumor models, standard routes of dosing and engraftment, tissue processing, PK/PD and efficacy studies.
Experience with complex in vivo modeling including intratibial and intracranial tumor implantation, orthotopic xenograft models, in vivo imaging of luciferase labelled tumor models.
Develops novel engineering solutions — e.g. logic-gated targeting, armoring, and approaches to mitigate alloreactivity and tumor-mediated immunosuppression — translating concepts into testable strategies.
Interfaces regularly with Biologics Engineering, Discovery Science and other cross-functional partners to ensure alignment and cohesive delivery of the technology roadmap.
Provides scientific and technical leadership to junior scientists; plans and prioritizes own and others' work to meet project milestones.
Presents and defends data at project, departmental and cross-functional forums; contributes to publications, patents and external scientific communications.
Maintains and shares a broad understanding of the external CAR-T and cell therapy landscape to inform strategy and de-risk approaches.
Ensures own work, and the work of peers, is fully compliant with Good Laboratory Practice, Safety, Health and Environment standards and all other relevant internal AstraZeneca standards and external regulations.