Associate Scientist

AstraZeneca • Gaithersburg, MD

12h • Onsite

About The Position

AstraZeneca is hiring an Associate Scientist to support early-stage CAR-T cell product development and optimization at its Gaithersburg, Maryland R&D and Oncology campus. The role focuses on designing, developing, and executing experiments involving formulation, fill/finish, and cryopreservation processes. The scientist will perform laboratory work, operate cell-processing and cryogenic equipment, assess product quality and cellular health, analyze and communicate findings, and maintain accurate documentation.

The position works cross-functionally with analytical development, process development, and external partners to support robust and scalable CAR-T drug product processes. The successful candidate will balance hands-on laboratory work, data analysis, documentation, and communication in a fast-paced environment while following safety, biosafety, aseptic, and data-integrity practices.

Requirements

• M.S. or B.S. in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Pharmaceutics, Chemical/Biochemical Engineering, or a related field.
• For Associate Scientist: bachelor's degree with 2+ years of experience, or master's degree with 0+ years of experience in a biopharmaceutical industry or academic lab.
• Hands-on experience with mammalian cell culture and aseptic processing.
• Experience and knowledge of cell therapy drug product development, especially cell product formulation, filling, freezing, storage, thawing, and post-thaw handling.
• Experience with basic cell-based analytical methods, such as automated cell counting and viability assessment.
• Ability to organize and analyze experimental data, prepare clear summaries, draw scientifically sound conclusions, and communicate results to project teams.
• Time-management skills and ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic, interdisciplinary environment.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills and demonstrated ability to collaborate across functions.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with advanced analytical methods such as flow cytometry, apoptosis measurements, or functional assays.
• Experience with closed or automated cell-processing platforms such as Finia, Sepax, Cue, LOVO, or other cell-processing systems.
• Knowledge of cryobiology, formulation science, and excipient screening.
• Experience with DoE and statistical data analysis.

Responsibilities

• Support CAR-T cell product development and optimization in early-stage development.
• Design, develop, and execute experiments involving formulation, fill/finish, and cryopreservation processes.
• Execute laboratory experiments according to protocols and troubleshoot routine technical issues.
• Operate cell-processing, fill/finish, controlled-rate freezing, cryogenic storage, and thawing equipment.
• Perform assays assessing CAR-T product quality and cellular health, including cell count, viability, recovery, apoptosis, flow-cytometric phenotype, and functional readouts.
• Collect, organize, analyze, and interpret experimental data and communicate conclusions.
• Maintain accurate and timely documentation in laboratory notebooks and electronic systems.
• Author or contribute to protocols, technical reports, and presentations.
• Collaborate with analytical development, process development, and external partners to support robust and scalable CAR-T drug product processes.
• Follow safety, biosafety, aseptic, and data-integrity practices and contribute to a safe, organized, and inspection-ready laboratory environment.

Benefits

• Eligibility for short-term incentive bonuses.
• Equity-based awards for salaried roles.
• Qualified retirement programs.
• Paid time off, including vacation, holidays, and leaves.
• Health coverage.
• Dental coverage.
• Vision coverage.

What This Job Offers

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