Senior Scientist, Viral Vector Process Development, Downstream

AstraZeneca • Gaithersburg, MD

2d

About The Position

AstraZeneca is looking for a highly motivated and experienced Senior Scientist, Viral Vector Process Development (Downstream). The candidate will play a critical role in building and leading a high-performing team that accelerates AstraZeneca’s emerging Cell Therapy modalities portfolio. You will design, execute, and optimize scalable Lentiviral Vector (LVV) downstream purification processes with a primary focus on clinical and commercial scales. You will contribute hands-on to experimental design, process characterization, and scale-up/tech transfer activities from research through INDenabling, partnering closely with Research, Analytical Development, CMC, Regulatory, Manufacturing, Quality, and external CDMOs. This position is based in Gaithersburg, MD.

Requirements

• PhD in Biology, Biotechnology, Virology, or related field with 2–5 years of relevant industry experience; or MS with 5–8 years; or BS with 8–10 years.
• Hands-on downstream process development for LVV (preferred) or other viral vectors/biologics; familiarity with clinical/commercial scale considerations and tech transfer.
• Practical proficiency in clarification, chromatography, UF/DF/TFF, sterile filtration, and formulation; understanding of viral vector-specific impurity profiles (host cell proteins/DNA, process residuals) and strategies to control them.
• Working knowledge of statistical analysis and DOE; familiarity with QbD principles, risk assessments (e.g., FMEA), and process justification.
• Understanding of cGMP and Quality systems; familiarity with FDA/EMA guidance relevant to gene and cell therapy; experience contributing to CMC sections of regulatory filings is a plus.
• Strong written and verbal communication; ability to work effectively in cross-functional, matrixed teams; demonstrated problem-solving and troubleshooting skills.

Nice To Haves

• Experience scaling LVV or other viral vector/biologic purification processes from preclinical to clinical/commercial-relevant equipment and consumables.
• Experience supporting tech transfer and implementation at internal sites and CDMOs.
• Exposure to PAT/digital tools for process monitoring and data integrity; experience with knowledge management systems.
• Demonstrated innovation in evaluating/implementing next-generation purification technologies.

Responsibilities

• Plan and perform experiments to develop scalable, cost-effective LVV purification processes for ex vivo and in vivo applications, targeting yield, purity, potency, and consistency.
• Execute and optimize clarification, chromatography, UF/DF/TFF, sterile filtration, and formulation/fill-related steps; define phase-appropriate in-process controls and operating ranges.
• Design and analyze studies (including DOE) to identify CPPs/CMAs, establish design space, and justify control strategies; trend performance, conduct troubleshooting and root cause analysis, and recommend corrective actions.
• Develop representative scale-down models; support scale-up to pilot, clinical, and commercial-relevant equipment; prepare technical transfer documents and assist transfers to internal GMP sites and CDMOs.
• Evaluate and implement next-generation purification technologies and consumables to improve efficiency, robustness, and product quality; contribute to continuous improvement initiatives.
• Author high-quality protocols, reports, batch records, and development summaries; support drafting of CMC content for regulatory submissions (e.g., IND) and align practices with cGMP and Quality systems expectations.
• Partner with upstream PD and Analytical Development to link process parameters with product quality attributes (e.g., titer, infectivity/potency, residuals/impurities); collaborate with Manufacturing and Quality on operational feasibility and compliance.

Benefits

• positions offer a short-term incentive bonus opportunity; eligibility to participate in our equity-based long-term incentive program.
• Benefits offered included a qualified retirement program [401(k) plan]; paid vacation and holidays; paid leaves; and, health benefits including medical, prescription drug, dental, and vision coverage in accordance with the terms and conditions of the applicable plans.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees