Senior Scientist, Cell Therapy Discovery

About the role

AstraZeneca is seeking a highly motivated and independent Senior Scientist with demonstrated experience and expertise in Cellular Therapy, Immunology, and/or Immuno-Oncology to join our rapidly growing Cell Therapy Team. In this role, you will contribute to the advancement of innovative Cell Therapy products by designing and conducting laboratory experiments, developing methodology, and generating and interpreting scientific data in a highly collaborative environment. The role will be based in Gaithersburg, MD.

Responsibilities

• Conducts hands-on drug discovery research experiments independently
• Assesses and reports data with a clear understanding of its implications within the overall context of drug discovery; independently formulate conclusions and determine future experiments
• Provides technical instruction to the team and allocates administrative work where possible
• Works collaboratively in a matrix environment
• Shares relevant external published papers with peers
• Prepares and delivers presentations within the Cell Therapy Unit and across other functions
• Ensures own work, and work of peers, is compliant with relevant internal AstraZeneca standards and external regulations

Requirements

• PhD in immunology or relevant disciplines
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in Cellular Therapy, Immunology, and/or Immuno-Oncology

Skills

Essential Skills

• Well-developed understanding and expertise in cellular and molecular biology of immune cells
• Expertise in genetic engineering platforms (CRISPR/Cas9), transfection/transduction, expansion, and cell culture of primary T cells and tumor cell lines
• Strong proficiency in multi-parameter flow cytometry (Immunostaining, acquisition, and analysis)
• Hands-on expertise in T-cell functional characterization assays such as in vitro cytotoxicity, proliferation, and cytokine measurement
• Molecular engineering and construct/plasmid design
• Expertise in generation and analysis of omics datasets (single cell and bulk RNA-seq, spatial transcriptomics, proteomics)
• Experience with IO biologics (T-cell engagers, bispecific antibodies)
• Ability and motivation to drive projects to completion in a team environment

Desirable Skills

• In vivo experience including animal handling, mouse tumor models, standard routes of dosing and engraftment, tissue harvest and processing
• Computational biology experience
• Experience with small molecules and/or mi/shRNA therapeutics
• Expertise in fibroblast and myeloid cell biology and relevant in vitro/in vivo models
• Experience in drug development in an industry setting

Pay

The annual base pay for this position ranges from $118K to $178K. Positions offer eligibility for various incentives, including short-term incentive bonuses, equity-based awards for salaried roles, and commissions for sales roles.

Benefits

• Qualified retirement programs
• Paid time off (vacation, holiday, and leaves)
• Health, dental, and vision coverage in accordance with the terms of the applicable plans

About Our Gaithersburg Oncology Hub

Our Gaithersburg, Maryland facility creates life-changing medicines for people around the world. This campus employs more than 3,500 experts and is only a short drive from Washington, DC. The modern and vibrant scientific campus is home to R&D and Oncology in the US, featuring groundbreaking technology and lab spaces designed to inspire collaboration and cross-functional science.

The Gaithersburg site offers a variety of amenities to support productivity and well-being, including:

• A fitness center
• Employee healthcare clinic
• Electric vehicle charging stations
• Dry cleaning services
• Full-service cafeteria
• On-site day care
• Activity-based workspaces to suit various working styles and increase collaboration

AstraZeneca is dedicated to creating a culture of inclusion and collaboration, where employees are challenged and inspired.