Scientist Cell Therapy (R&D)

AstraZeneca•Gaithersburg, MD

1d•$92,252 - $138,378

About The Position

This is a hands-on, laboratory-focused research and development position. The Scientist conducts in vivo research and contributes independently to the planning and design of in vivo studies, including animal handling, dosing, sample collection, monitoring, and endpoint assessment under approved protocols and required training. The role develops routine drug discovery experiments and analytical studies to identify and validate potential novel drug targets, conducts and interprets experiments using established scientific methods, and improves research processes to align with experimental objectives. The Scientist assesses and reports experimental data with minimal guidance, presents and defends findings, manages workload to meet agreed targets and quality standards, and provides progress updates. The position also provides technical mentorship, supports administrative task allocation when needed, collaborates with project teams and the external scientific community, searches for ways to improve research methods, and ensures work complies with safety, health, environmental, quality, regulatory, and laboratory standards (GLS).

Requirements

High school diploma and 4 years of experience in a relevant field, with demonstrated experience in Cellular Therapy, Immunology, and/or Immuno-Oncology.
At least 2 years of industry experience.
Extensive in vivo skills, including animal handling; syngeneic murine, xenograft, and PDX tumor models; standard routes of dosing and engraftment; tissue processing; and PK/PD and efficacy studies.
Proficiency in tail vein dosing.
Well-developed understanding of molecular and cellular biology and immunological assays.
Effective interpersonal skills.
Ability to independently develop, implement, and troubleshoot experiments.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree.
Experience with a range of in vitro assays, including ELISA and 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 pharmaceutical-industry drug discovery and development.
Experience with complex in vivo systems, including orthotopic xenograft models, humanized mice, and in vivo imaging of luciferase-labeled tumor models.

Responsibilities

Conduct hands-on in vivo research and contribute independently to the planning and design of in vivo studies.
Handle animals; perform dosing and sample collection; monitor studies and assess endpoints in accordance with approved protocols and relevant training.
Develop routine drug discovery experiments and analytical studies to identify and validate potential novel drug targets, using diverse methodologies with minimal supervision.
Conduct experiments and interpret results 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 in follow-up meetings or relevant forums.
Manage personal workload to achieve agreed targets within specified time limits and quality standards, and provide routine progress updates.
Provide technical mentorship to team members on experimental procedures and allocate administrative tasks when necessary.
Collaborate with project teams to facilitate communication and data sharing.
Search for information that may improve research methodology and procedures.
Ensure work complies with SHE, quality, regulatory, and GLS requirements.