Associate Principal Scientist, Immunology Cell Therapy Discovery

AstraZeneca•Waltham, MA

11d

About The Position

AstraZeneca, a global leader in biopharmaceuticals, is committed to discovering and delivering innovative therapies that transform patient outcomes. We are seeking a dedicated, hands-on Associate Principal Scientist to join our Immunology Cell Therapy Discovery team. The role centers on delivering scientific expertise for discovery initiatives with a dual focus on autoimmune/allergic disease biology (e.g., MS, IBD, asthma) and computational biology/AI. Accountabilities Expert Knowledge: Cultivate and maintain a comprehensive understanding of autoimmune and allergic disease biology, patient heterogeneity, and the clinical landscape; remain abreast of the latest advancements in immunology, bioinformatics, and machine learning relevant to discovery and translation. Collaborative Innovation: Work collaboratively with cross-functional teams to propel discovery efforts focused on immunological diseases, integrating experimental immunology with computational analyses to enhance AstraZeneca’s portfolio. Stakeholder Engagement: Facilitate collaboration with key stakeholders internally and externally to align immunology and computational strategies with broader R&D objectives and goals; effectively communicate complex findings to technical and non-technical audiences. Regulatory Compliance: Ensure adherence to all relevant laws, regulations, and company policies related to the development and delivery of medicines, including data governance and privacy requirements for human datasets. Research Assay and Research Process Development: Lead the development of in vitro assays and cell therapy research processes to assess and validate novel therapeutic strategies and approaches. Computational Discovery and Platform Development: Design and implement bioinformatics and AI/ML workflows for bulk and single-cell RNA sequencing, immune repertoire (TCR/BCR) analyses, multi-omics integration, target and pathway identification, biomarker and endotype discovery; establish reproducible pipelines, robust QC, statistical rigor, and model interpretability to inform decision-making. Essential Skills/Experience Advanced Degree: PhD with 5+ years of relevant biotech/biopharma industry experience in Immunology, Computational Biology/Bioinformatics, Molecular or Cell Biology, Bioengineering, or a related field Technical Expertise (Experimental): Demonstrated proficiency in autoimmune and/or allergic immunology assays, including primary cell isolation/culture, immune functional assays, flow cytometry panel design, cytokine/chemokine profiling, and relevant allergy readouts (e.g., IgE/IgG measurement, degranulation/mediator release). Technical Expertise (Computational): Demonstrated proficiency in bulk/single-cell RNA-seq analysis, immune repertoire (TCR/BCR) analytics, integrative multi-omics, and biomarker/endotype discovery; strong programming skills in R and/or Python with experience in workflow reproducibility, version control, data visualization, and statistical modeling or machine learning. Scientific Expertise: Deep understanding of immunological disease biology and clinical landscape of autoimmune and allergic diseases with a focus on cellular therapies. Collaborative Skills: Excellent collaboration and communication capabilities; adept at working effectively across diverse functional teams and organizational levels to connect computational insights with experimental validation. Regulatory Insight: Working knowledge of regulatory and quality considerations for data use and experimental conduct in discovery and translational research. Negotiation and Influence: Ability to influence decision-making with evidence-based recommendations and clear scientific rationale. Desirable Skills/Experience Industry Network: Established connections within immunology, computational biology, and data science communities; experience collaborating with CROs or consortia. Publication Track Record: Strong history of peer-reviewed publications in immunology and/or computational biology. Modality Breadth: Experience across multiple therapeutic modalities (cell therapies, biologics, and/or small molecules) and combination strategies relevant to autoimmune and allergic indications. At AstraZeneca, we push the boundaries of science to change the practice of medicine and transform the lives of patients living with cancer. With one of the broadest and deepest Immunology pipelines in the industry, there are many opportunities to work with new and novel drugs. Our collaborative environment empowers us to take smart risks, challenge the norm, and learn from failures. We are united in our vision to eliminate cancer as a cause of death, making bold moves that truly improve patient outcomes. Join us in our mission to make a meaningful difference for patients around the world! The annual base pay for this position ranges from $134,892.80 - $202,339.20. Our positions offer eligibility for various incentives—an opportunity to receive short-term incentive bonuses, equity-based awards for salaried roles and commissions for sales roles. Benefits offered include qualified retirement programs, paid time off (i.e., vacation, holiday, and leaves), as well as health, dental, and vision coverage in accordance with the terms of the applicable plans. Date Posted 31-Mar-2026 Closing Date 17-Apr-2026 Our mission is to build an inclusive environment where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants and employees. In furtherance of that mission, we welcome and consider applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of their protected characteristics. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please complete the corresponding section in the application form. AstraZeneca is a global, science-led, patient-focused biopharmaceutical company. We focus on discovering, developing and commercialising prescription medicines for some of the world’s most serious diseases. But we are more than one of the world’s leading pharmaceutical companies. At AstraZeneca, we’re dedicated to being a Great Place to Work. Where you are empowered to push the boundaries of science, challenge convention and unleash your entrepreneurial spirit. To embrace differences and take bold actions to drive the change needed to meet global healthcare and sustainability challenges. There is no better place to make a difference in medicine, patients, and society. An inclusive culture where you will connect different thinking to generate new and valuable opportunities. Where you will find a commitment to lifelong learning, growth and development for all. Our Inclusion & Diversity (I&D) mission is to create an inclusive and equitable environment where people belong, using the power of our diversity to push the boundaries of science to deliver life-changing medicines to patients. Inclusion and diversity are fundamental to the success of our company, because innovation requires breakthrough ideas that only come from a diverse workforce empowered to challenge conventional thinking. We’re curious about science and the advancement of knowledge. We find creative ways to approach new challenges. We’re driven to make the right choices and be accountable for our actions. As an organisation centred around what makes us human, we put a big focus on people. Across our business, we want colleagues to wake up excited about their day at the office, in the field, or in the lab. Along with our purpose to bring life-changing medicines to people across the globe, we have a promise to you: to help you realise the full breadth of your potential. Here, you’ll do work that has the potential to change your life and improve countless others. And, together with your team, you’ll shape a culture that unites and inspires us every day. This is your life at AstraZeneca.

Requirements

PhD with 5+ years of relevant biotech/biopharma industry experience in Immunology, Computational Biology/Bioinformatics, Molecular or Cell Biology, Bioengineering, or a related field
Demonstrated proficiency in autoimmune and/or allergic immunology assays, including primary cell isolation/culture, immune functional assays, flow cytometry panel design, cytokine/chemokine profiling, and relevant allergy readouts (e.g., IgE/IgG measurement, degranulation/mediator release).
Demonstrated proficiency in bulk/single-cell RNA-seq analysis, immune repertoire (TCR/BCR) analytics, integrative multi-omics, and biomarker/endotype discovery; strong programming skills in R and/or Python with experience in workflow reproducibility, version control, data visualization, and statistical modeling or machine learning.
Deep understanding of immunological disease biology and clinical landscape of autoimmune and allergic diseases with a focus on cellular therapies.
Excellent collaboration and communication capabilities; adept at working effectively across diverse functional teams and organizational levels to connect computational insights with experimental validation.
Working knowledge of regulatory and quality considerations for data use and experimental conduct in discovery and translational research.
Ability to influence decision-making with evidence-based recommendations and clear scientific rationale.

Nice To Haves

Established connections within immunology, computational biology, and data science communities; experience collaborating with CROs or consortia.
Strong history of peer-reviewed publications in immunology and/or computational biology.
Experience across multiple therapeutic modalities (cell therapies, biologics, and/or small molecules) and combination strategies relevant to autoimmune and allergic indications.

Responsibilities

Cultivate and maintain a comprehensive understanding of autoimmune and allergic disease biology, patient heterogeneity, and the clinical landscape; remain abreast of the latest advancements in immunology, bioinformatics, and machine learning relevant to discovery and translation.
Work collaboratively with cross-functional teams to propel discovery efforts focused on immunological diseases, integrating experimental immunology with computational analyses to enhance AstraZeneca’s portfolio.
Facilitate collaboration with key stakeholders internally and externally to align immunology and computational strategies with broader R&D objectives and goals; effectively communicate complex findings to technical and non-technical audiences.
Ensure adherence to all relevant laws, regulations, and company policies related to the development and delivery of medicines, including data governance and privacy requirements for human datasets.
Lead the development of in vitro assays and cell therapy research processes to assess and validate novel therapeutic strategies and approaches.
Design and implement bioinformatics and AI/ML workflows for bulk and single-cell RNA sequencing, immune repertoire (TCR/BCR) analyses, multi-omics integration, target and pathway identification, biomarker and endotype discovery; establish reproducible pipelines, robust QC, statistical rigor, and model interpretability to inform decision-making.

Benefits

Our positions offer eligibility for various incentives—an opportunity to receive short-term incentive bonuses, equity-based awards for salaried roles and commissions for sales roles.
Benefits offered include qualified retirement programs, paid time off (i.e., vacation, holiday, and leaves), as well as health, dental, and vision coverage in accordance with the terms of the applicable plans.

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