Scientist, Viral Vector Process Development, Upstream

AstraZeneca • Gaithersburg, MD

7d • $92,252 - $138,378 • Onsite

About The Position

AstraZeneca is seeking a highly motivated Scientist, Viral Vector Process Development (Upstream) to join a high-performing team focused on accelerating the company's emerging Cell Therapy modalities portfolio. The role involves designing, executing, and optimizing upstream Lentiviral Vector (LVV) processes, primarily using suspension bioreactor platforms at clinical and commercial scales. The successful candidate will contribute hands-on to experimental design, process characterization, and scale-up/tech transfer activities from research through IND enabling. This position requires close collaboration with various departments including Research, Analytical Development, CMC, Regulatory, Manufacturing, Quality, and external CDMOs. The role is based in Gaithersburg, MD.

Requirements

• MS with 1–4 years of industry experience; or BS with 3–6 years of industry experience in Engineering, Biotechnology, or a related field.
• Hands-on experience developing suspension-based LVV upstream processes.
• Familiarity with clinical scale considerations and technology transfer.
• Proficiency in suspension cell culture, transfection/infection strategies, media/feed optimization, single use rocking-platform and stirred-tank bioreactors, and upstream–harvest interfaces.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively in cross-functional, matrixed teams.
• Demonstrated problem-solving and troubleshooting capabilities.

Nice To Haves

• Demonstrated success scaling suspension LVV processes to pilot/clinical scales and sustaining performance via monitoring and continuous improvement.
• Experience linking upstream parameters to analytical outcomes (titer, infectivity/potency, residuals/impurities) to guide process decisions.
• Contributions to regulatory filings (data tables, process descriptions) and participation in tech transfer to CDMOs or internal GMP sites.
• Experience with single use systems, process automation/PAT, and digital lab systems (ELN/LIMS).
• Experience implementing Lean/continuous improvement and robust documentation/knowledge management in PD labs.

Responsibilities

• Plan and perform experiments to develop and optimize LVV upstream processes for suspension cell culture (transient or stable producer cell systems), targeting improvements in titer, quality, robustness, and cost.
• Execute unit operations across seed, production, and harvest interfaces; support scale-up strategies from bench to pilot and clinical scales; develop and use scale-down models for characterization and comparability.
• Design DOE studies, identify CPPs/CMAs, analyze data and propose control strategies; document results in protocols and reports; maintain fit for purpose knowledge records.
• Prepare technical transfer packages and support transfers to internal GMP sites and CDMOs; align process documentation with cGMP principles for late-stage readiness.
• Work closely with Analytical Development on assay readiness and in process testing; partner with Manufacturing, Supply, and Quality to ensure operational feasibility and compliance.
• Apply Lean practices and digital tools for scheduling, data integrity, and reproducibility; track KPIs (titer, infectivity, impurity profiles, cycle time, right first time) and recommend improvements.

Benefits

• Eligibility for various incentives, including short-term incentive bonuses and equity-based awards for salaried roles.
• Qualified retirement programs.
• Paid time off (i.e., vacation, holiday, and leaves).
• Health, dental, and vision coverage.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Associate degree