Senior Scientist, Cell Therapy Discovery

At AstraZeneca, we put patients first and strive to meet their unmet needs worldwide. Working here means being entrepreneurial, thinking big and working together to make the impossible a reality. If you are swift to action, confident to lead, willing to collaborate, and curious about what science can do, then you’re our kind of person. AstraZeneca is a global, innovation-driven biopharmaceutical business that focuses on the discovery, development and commercialization of prescription medicines for some of the world's most serious diseases. But we are more than one of the world's leading pharmaceutical companies.

We are seeking a 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. You will use your experience in T-cell and myeloid-cell biology to 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 collaborative environment. You will be based in Gaithersburg, MD and will report to the Associate Principal Scientist.  

Responsibilities

• Conduct hands-on drug discovery research experiments independently

• Assess and report data with a clear understanding of its implications within the overall context of drug discovery, independently formulate conclusions, and determine future experiments

• Provide technical instruction to the team and allocates administrative work

• Work collaboratively in a matrix environment

• Share relevant external published papers with peers

• Prepare and deliver presentations within the Cell Therapy Unit and across other functions

• Ensure own work, and work of peers, are compliant with relevant internal AstraZeneca standards and external regulations

Education and Experience

• PhD in immunology or relevant disciplines  

• Minimum of 3 years of experience in Cellular Therapy, Immunology, or Immuno-Oncology

Essential Skills

• Well-developed understanding and expertise in cellular and molecular biology of immune cells 

• Expertise in genetic engineering platforms, transfection/transduction, expansion, and cell culture of tumor cell lines and primary T cells 

• Hands-on expertise in T-cell functional characterization assays such as in vitro cytotoxicity, proliferation, cytokine measurement and multi-parameter flow cytometry

• Computational biology experience and programming skills such as Python and R

• Expertise in omics technologies and data science

• Ability to drive projects to completion in a team environment 

Desirable Skills

• Expertise in fibroblast biology and relevant in vitro/in vivo models 

• Expertise in myeloid cell biology and relevant in vitro/in vivo models 

• Expertise in T-cell mitochondrial metabolism 

• Experience in drug development in an industry setting 

• In vivo experience including animal handling, mouse tumor models, standard routes of dosing and engraftment, tissue harvest and processing 

#celltherapy #LI-Onsite

The annual base pay for this position ranges from $108,473 to $162,710. Base pay offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, including market location, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. In addition, our 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. Additional details of participation in these benefit plans will be provided if an employee receives an offer of employment. If hired, employee will be in an “at-will position” and the Company reserves the right to modify base pay (as well as any other discretionary payment or compensation program) at any time, including for reasons related to individual performance, Company or individual department/team performance, and market factors. 

AstraZeneca embraces diversity and equality of opportunity. We are committed to building an inclusive and diverse