Associate Scientist, Analytical Sciences

AstraZeneca • Santa Monica, CA

3d • $69,345 - $104,017 • Onsite

About The Position

This role is based in Santa Monica, CA, and involves joining a collaborative analytical operations team focused on delivering high-quality, decision-ready data for process and product characterization. The Associate Scientist will work closely with Analytical Development, Process Development, and Quality Control to optimize and run immunoassay and cell-based potency assays that directly influence the development, scaling, and release of next-generation cell therapies. The work aims to transform complex biology into clear evidence that advances the pipeline and benefits patients.

Requirements

• Two (2) years with BS/BA, or one (1) year with MS/MA in Immunology, Cell Biology, Oncology, Molecular Biology, or a related discipline with experience in a biotechnology, biopharmaceutical, or academic setting.
• Strong expertise in cell-based assays, especially those evaluating potency or immune effector function using cell imagers and immunoassays.
• Hands-on experience with media preparations and suspension/adherent culture work: thaw, culture, expand, and cryopreserve.
• Proficiency in immune cell culture, including primary T cells or engineered immune cells.
• Proficiency in data analysis and troubleshooting of cell-based analytical assays.
• Proficient knowledge of general cell therapy processes and understanding of sampling and testing points for characterization to support process development.
• Ability to clearly convey scientific findings and development rationale.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in flow cytometry or genomic assays.
• Familiarity with high-throughput assay workflows and collaboration with automation teams.
• Experience with electronic data capture, data visualization, and assay trending tools.

Responsibilities

• Lead the setup, execution, and continuous improvement of immunoassay and cell-based testing operations, ensuring reliable turnaround times and consistent data quality.
• Partner with method and automation developers to refine assays, increase throughput, and streamline documentation and analysis, enabling faster and more reproducible results.
• Manage critical reagents, assay control materials, and consumables to maintain uninterrupted testing capacity and robust assay performance.
• Thaw, culture, expand, and cryopreserve suspension/adherent cell lines; perform cytotoxicity and cytokine release assays using cell imagers, cell counters, and immunoassay kits to evaluate potency and immune effector function.
• Coordinate and prepare engineered immune cells for co-culture and functional assays, ensuring readiness and alignment with study timelines.
• Lead transfer of immunoassays and cell-based methods into operations by assessing incoming test methods and reagents, planning training, and securing readiness for routine use.
• Maintain complete records for executed methods and results; monitor assay trends, identify shifts, and collaborate with developers to troubleshoot and sustain assay robustness.
• Translate analytical outcomes into clear insights for development teams, accelerating process understanding and product characterization.
• Provide technical mentorship to uphold scientific rigor; maintain instruments through calibration, maintenance, and troubleshooting to maximize uptime and data integrity.

Benefits

• Short-term incentive bonus opportunity
• Equity-based long-term incentive program (salaried roles)
• Retirement contribution (hourly roles)
• Commission payment eligibility (sales roles)
• Qualified retirement program [401(k) plan]
• Paid vacation and holidays
• Paid leaves
• Health benefits including medical, prescription drug, dental, and vision coverage

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level