Cell Therapy Process Development – Formulation Development Intern (Graduate-Level)

AstraZeneca • Gaithersburg, MD

1d • $41 - $48 • Onsite

About The Position

We are looking for Master's and PhD students studying Master's and PhD students studying Biomedical Sciences, Biology, Biochemistry, Bioengineering, Chemical Engineering, or a related discipline for a 12-week internship role at our site in Gaithersburg, MD from May 18 2026 to August 7 2026. Position Description: Develop and improve solutions to support the preservation of T cell products. Assess the quality and function of T cells after storage periods. Evaluate and interpret data to determine best practices for cell preservation. Communicate findings and recommendations through reports and presentations. Work closely with other teams to integrate solutions within broader cell therapy processes and standards.

Requirements

• Master's and PhD students studying Biomedical Sciences, Biology, Biochemistry or Bioengineering, Chemical Engineering, or a related discipline
• Candidates must have an expected graduation date after August 2026.
• Wet lab research experience, such as pipetting and media preparation, extensive cell culture experience and proficiency with aseptic laboratory techniques required.
• Ability to accurately collect, analyze, and interpret experimental data (such as Prism or JMP) required.
• Experience in biological assay development and execution (e.g., viability, proliferation, T cell activation assays) required.
• Hands-on experience with Jurkat, T cell, CAR-T, or primary immune cell culture and functional characterization required.
• US Work Authorization is required at time of application.
• Ability to report onsite to Gaithersburg, MD 5 days per week.
• This role will not provide relocation assistance.

Nice To Haves

• Knowledge of Design of Experiments (DoE) and statistical analysis preferred.
• Experience preparing scientific presentations preferred.
• Hands-on experience with high-throughput screening methods is a plus.
• Knowledge of buffer formulation, biomaterial development, and cell metabolism is a plus.
• Exposure to regulatory standards in cell therapy or GMP environments and understanding of clinical requirements for pharmaceutical products are a plus
• Prior experience working cross-functionally with manufacturing, clinical, or process development teams is a plus
• Enthusiasm for collaboration, cross-functional projects, public speaking, and presentation design.

Responsibilities

• Develop and improve solutions to support the preservation of T cell products.
• Assess the quality and function of T cells after storage periods.
• Evaluate and interpret data to determine best practices for cell preservation.
• Communicate findings and recommendations through reports and presentations.
• Work closely with other teams to integrate solutions within broader cell therapy processes and standards.

Benefits

• Hourly and salaried non-exempt employees will also be paid overtime pay when working qualifying overtime hours.
• Base pay offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, including market location, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience.
• In addition, our positions offer a short-term incentive bonus opportunity; eligibility to participate in our equity-based long-term incentive program (salaried roles), to receive a retirement contribution (hourly roles), and commission payment eligibility (sales roles).
• Benefits offered included a qualified retirement program [401(k) plan]; paid vacation and holidays; paid leaves; and, health benefits including medical, prescription drug, dental, and vision coverage in accordance with the terms and conditions of the applicable plans.

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Intern
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees