Scientist (Analytical Development, Cell Therapy)

AstraZeneca•Gaithersburg, MD

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

Join AstraZeneca’s Cell Therapy Analytical Development team to develop and deliver robust, technologically advanced biological assays that advance cell therapy products from research through commercial stages. The team supports end-to-end biological and bioanalytical characterization of viral vector and cell therapy products, enabling manufacturing processes, formulation, drug product development, and regulatory filings from IND to BLA and beyond. The role collaborates with analytical quality and cross-functional teams, including clinical, regulatory, QA, and manufacturing. The Scientist develops analytical methods and conducts analytical development and sample testing to support lentiviral vector process development. The position calls for independent experimental design and execution, data analysis and interpretation, technical documentation, and presentation of findings. The role is based in a team-oriented environment and interfaces with research and process development departments. The work is in-person an average of at least three days per week, with flexibility to balance office attendance and individual needs.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Immunology, Cell Biology, Biological Sciences, Biotechnology, or a related field, with at least 5 years of relevant experience; or a master’s degree in one of these fields or a related field, with at least 3 years of relevant experience.
Biotechnology or pharmaceutical industry experience working with analytical methods for lentiviral vectors and CAR T cells.
High proficiency in immunology techniques, such as ELISA or similar technology platforms.
High proficiency in molecular biology techniques, such as NGS, qPCR, and dPCR, for gene-edit evaluation and on-target/off-target analysis.
Excellent written and oral communication skills.
Good time management and organizational skills, including the ability to prioritize tasks across multiple projects and meet timelines.

Nice To Haves

Experience with method qualification or validation and technology transfer of cell and gene therapy analytical methods.

Responsibilities

Develop functional, characterization, and molecular analytical methods, including method qualification and transfer.
Make detailed observations, analyze data, interpret results, and exercise technical discretion in independently designing, executing, and interpreting experiments.
Conduct analytical development and sample testing to support lentiviral vector upstream and downstream process development.
Author and review technical reports, protocols, and technical summaries for presentation.
Present and discuss experimental results at group and project team meetings.
Work within a team-based structure and interface with research and process development departments.