Scientist Cell Therapy (R&D)

AstraZeneca•Durham, NC

About The Position

This role involves developing and executing drug discovery research experiments and analytical studies to identify and validate potential novel drug targets. The scientist will apply diverse methodologies with minimal supervision, conduct experiments, interpret results using established scientific methods, and modify or improve existing research processes. They will assess and report experimental data, present findings, manage their workload efficiently, and provide technical mentorship to team members. Collaboration with project teams and searching for information to improve research methodology are also key aspects. The role requires adherence to Safety, Health & Environment (SHE), quality, and regulatory requirements, including laboratory standards (GLS).

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent 3-4 years of experience) experience in a relevant field with demonstrated experience in Cellular Therapy, Immunology, and / or Immuno-Oncology.
2+ years of industry experience.
Extensive in vivo skills including animal handling, syngeneic murine, xenograft and PDX tumour models, standard routes of dosing and engraftment, tissue processing, PK/PD and efficacy studies.
Proficiency in tail vein dosing.
Well-developed understanding of molecular and cellular biology, immunological assays.
Effective interpersonal skills.
Ability to develop, implement, and troubleshoot experiments independently.

Nice To Haves

Experience with a range of in vitro assays, including but not limited to ELISA, multicolor flow cytometry.
In vitro and in vivo experience with murine T cells.
Basic experience developing cellular therapies including CAR-T/ CAR-NK, TCR-T, and / or TIL therapies.
Background in drug discovery and development in the pharmaceutical industry.
Experience with complex in vivo systems, including but not limited to orthotopic xenograft models, humanized mice, in vivo imaging of luciferase labelled tumor models.

Responsibilities

Develop routine drug discovery research experiments and analytical studies to identify and validate potential novel drug targets, applying diverse methodologies, with minimal supervision.
Conduct experiments and interpret results by using established scientific methodologies and tools.
Modify or improve existing research processes and systems to better align with experimental objectives.
Assess and report experimental data with minimal guidance, ensuring clarity, relevance, and connection to the broader drug discovery context.
Present and defend experimental findings during follow-up meetings or in relevant forums.
Manage personal workload efficiently to achieve agreed-upon targets within specific time limits and quality standards, while also providing routine updates on progress.
Provide technical mentorship to team members on experimental procedures and allocate administrative tasks when necessary.
Collaborate with project teams to facilitate seamless communication and data sharing within the team.
Search for information which may improve research methodology and procedures.
Ensure work is performed in compliance with Safety, Health & Environment (SHE), quality, and regulatory requirements, including laboratory standards (GLS).