Scientist, High Throughput Antibody Production

AstraZeneca•Cambridge, MA

3d•$92,252 - $138,378

About The Position

AstraZeneca’s Biologics Engineering organization is seeking a highly organized, detail-oriented Scientist to join its High-Throughput Production team in Cambridge, Massachusetts. The team uses an integrated robotics laboratory to produce, purify, and quality-control hundreds of antibodies and antibody-like therapeutic molecules each week in support of R&D pipeline programs. The role focuses on reliable execution of validated, end-to-end automated workflows, including instrument and material readiness, complete documentation, and timely delivery of high-quality samples and data. The successful candidate will bring hands-on high-throughput production experience, fundamental knowledge of protein expression and purification, rigorous adherence to SOPs, strong attention to detail, and a collaborative, team-first approach. The Scientist will also identify and communicate deviations, risks, and practical opportunities to improve workflow reliability. The position works closely with HTP colleagues and cross-functional partners to meet throughput, quality, and turnaround targets. It also involves engaging with AI/ML and automation tools as they are introduced into workflows and contributing ideas to improve data interpretation, hit triage, and efficiency in the drug discovery pipeline.

Requirements

Master’s degree in biochemistry, biotechnology, cell biology, molecular biology, chemical engineering, or a related discipline, plus at least 1 year of relevant experience in high-throughput protein or antibody expression, purification, or analytical characterization; or
Bachelor’s degree in a related scientific or engineering discipline, plus at least 5 years of relevant experience in high-throughput protein or antibody expression, purification, or analytical characterization.
Hands-on experience with high-throughput production of antibodies or recombinant proteins, including routine execution of standardized workflows at microgram-to-milligram scale.
Hands-on experience operating automated liquid handlers.
Fundamental understanding of recombinant protein expression and purification, including mammalian cell culture, aseptic technique, transient transfection, affinity capture, buffer exchange, concentration, and factors affecting yield and product quality.
Experience with sample tracking and laboratory logistics or LIMS software, and comfort with barcode-driven workflows.
Strong organizational skills, including preparing production runs, managing multiple samples and consumables, maintaining accurate records, and meeting time-sensitive weekly deliverables.
Exceptional attention to detail and documentation rigor, with the ability to follow detailed SOPs, work instructions, process controls, and QC acceptance criteria while maintaining quality and traceability.
Team-oriented, dependable, and collaborative, with clear written and verbal communication skills and a willingness to coordinate closely, share workload, and support colleagues across production, QC, automation, and pipeline-facing teams.

Nice To Haves

Experience with Hamilton or Lynx automated liquid-handling platforms is preferred.
Familiarity with integrated robotics or scheduling/orchestration software such as Cellario is strongly valued; Cellario is preferred.
Working knowledge of protein purification technologies and common analytical methods such as SEC-UPLC, LC-MS, SDS-PAGE, and CE.
Basic scripting for data handling, such as Python or Jupyter.

Responsibilities

Execute scheduled high-throughput transient expression, purification, and sample-preparation campaigns for antibodies, multispecifics, and recombinant fragments, supporting delivery of hundreds of molecules per week.
Operate liquid handlers and integrated robotics platforms, including Hamilton and Lynx systems and Cellario orchestration software, following approved methods and SOPs.
Complete automation deck setup, barcode and consumable checks, run monitoring, recovery steps, and basic troubleshooting.
Prepare media, reagents, plates, and consumables; culture CHO and HEK293 cells; perform aseptic transient transfections; and harvest by filtration or centrifugation.
Perform routine production and QC testing, including concentration, purity, identity, and other fit-for-purpose biochemical, biophysical, or functional measurements.
Assess results against acceptance criteria and compile complete, traceable data packages for project teams.
Track samples, inventory, and metadata in laboratory logistics or LIMS software to maintain chain-of-custody, timely delivery, and data completeness.
Maintain automation and analytical instrumentation readiness through preventive maintenance, calibration, and equipment-log upkeep; coordinate vendor service when required.
Coordinate daily work with HTP colleagues and cross-functional partners to meet weekly throughput, quality, and turnaround targets.
Communicate status, dependencies, deviations, and delivery risks clearly and promptly.
Follow detailed SOPs, work instructions, and production schedules; recognize and escalate departures from expected performance and contribute observations that strengthen process robustness.
Engage with AI/ML and automation tools as they are introduced and contribute ideas to improve data interpretation, hit triage, and drug-discovery pipeline efficiency.