Scientist, Cell Therapy Bioscience

Scientist, Cell Therapy Bioscience

About AstraZeneca

At AstraZeneca, we are driven by our ambition to transform science into life-changing medicines for patients. We bring together deep biological insight, innovative technologies and data-driven approaches to tackle complex scientific challenges and accelerate the discovery and development of new therapies. We foster a collaborative and inclusive environment where diverse perspectives, scientific rigor and bold thinking help us push the boundaries of what is possible. 

Within Cell Therapy, we are advancing the next generation of engineered cell therapies by integrating cellular and molecular biology, immunology, bioengineering, computational approaches and data science. Our scientists work at the interface of experimental science and emerging technologies, bringing curiosity, collaboration and a data-driven mindset to the discovery of innovative cell therapies. 

About the Gaithersburg Site

Our Gaithersburg, Maryland campus is a major U.S. hub for R&D and Oncology, bringing together multidisciplinary scientists, modern laboratories and cross-functional teams to advance innovative medicines from discovery through development. The collaborative environment enables scientists with diverse expertise to work together, leverage cutting-edge technologies and translate scientific discoveries into meaningful advances for patients. 

Position Summary

This is a predominantly laboratory-based discovery position focused on the in vitro generation, characterization and functional evaluation of engineered immune-cell therapies. The successful candidate will provide hands-on experimental support to CAR-T projects while contributing to Cell Therapy platform capabilities that can be applied across programs. 

In this role, you will combine T- and NK-cell biology, cellular engineering, functional assay development and multiparameter flow cytometry to address key biological and translational questions. You will design and execute experiments with increasing independence, analyze and interpret experimental data, and translate findings into clear conclusions and next steps. 

Working within multidisciplinary project teams, you will collaborate across Cell Therapy, Bioscience, Bioengineering, Computational Biology, In Vivo Pharmacology. You will also use fit-for-purpose digital and AI-enabled tools to support data organization, analysis, visualization, literature synthesis and experimental planning, while remaining directly engaged in laboratory research. 

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct, troubleshoot, analyze independently in vitro Cell Therapy and immunology experiments. 

•  Culture and characterize primary T and NK cells, including phenotyping and functional assays. 

•  Engineer T cells using viral and/or non-viral approaches. 

•  Contribute to Cell Therapy platform development by establishing, optimizing and applying reusable assays, workflows, controls and data-analysis approaches across programs. 

•  Design and execute immune-cell functional assays, including activation, cytotoxicity, proliferation, cytokine production, serial or repeated challenge, phenotype, fitness, persistence and other relevant readouts. 

•  Plan and perform multiparameter flow cytometry experiments, including panel design, staining, acquisition, quality control, analysis and biological interpretation. 

•  Apply cellular and molecular methods relevant to CAR-T discovery, including primary-cell isolation and culture, transfection or electroporation, viral transduction, gene-editing support and molecular characterization. 

•  Support in vitro assessment of allogeneic rejection biology, including host-versus-graft and graft-versus-host responses, using immune-cell co-culture, mixed lymphocyte reaction or related assays. 

•  Use appropriate statistical, visualization and reproducible data-handling practices to analyze experimental results and define clear conclusions and next experiments. 

•  Use approved digital and AI-enabled tools, where appropriate, to support data analysis, visualization, literature synthesis, documentation and experimental planning, with appropriate scientific review and protection of confidential information. 

•  Integrate findings across functional assays, flow cytometry and, where relevant, omics or in vivo datasets in collaboration with computational, bioinformatics and in vivo partners. 

•  Maintain accurate experimental records and communicate results, interpretations, limitations and recommendations clearly through reports, presentations and project discussions. 

•  Collaborate effectively within multidisciplinary project teams and ensure work is conducted in accordance with applicable laboratory, data-integrity, biosafety, Safety, Health & Environment, quality and regulatory requirements.

Essential Requirements (education, experience and skills):

•  BS or MS in Immunology, Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, Bioengineering or a related scientific discipline, with approximately 3 or more years of relevant research experience. 

•  Hands-on experience with primary human immune-cell culture and established tumor cell lines. 

•  Practical experience in T-cell and/or NK-cell biology, Cell Therapy, Immunology, Immuno-Oncology or a closely related field. 

•  Experience performing immune-cell functional assays, such as cytotoxicity, proliferation, activation and cytokine measurements. 

•  Experience with flow cytometry acquisition and analysis, with the ability to interpret data in the context of the biological question. 

•  Ability to contribute to experimental design, troubleshoot laboratory studies, interpret results critically and identify appropriate next steps. 

•  Strong organization, documentation and communication skills, with the ability to manage several laboratory activities and deliver reliable data within project timelines. 

•  Ability to work collaboratively in multidisciplinary project teams while maintaining accountability for assigned experimental work. 

•  Comfort using standard data-analysis and visualization software and willingness to adopt approved AI-enabled tools to improve daily scientific analysis and productivity. 

Desired Qualifications

•  Experience generating or characterizing CAR-T, TCR-T, engineered NK cells or other genetically modified immune-cell therapies. 

•  Familiarity with viral transduction, electroporation, CRISPR/Cas or other gene-editing and cellular-engineering approaches. 

•  Knowledge of allogeneic Cell Therapy and mechanisms of immune rejection, including host-versus-graft and graft-versus-host biology. 

•  Hands-on experience developing or running in vitro allorejection assays, including mixed lymphocyte reactions, immune-cell co-cultures or related functional assays. 

•  Experience using established bioinformatics, automation or AI-assisted tools for biological data interpretation, literature review, documentation or experimental planning. 

•  Previous experience in a pharmaceutical or biotechnology research environment is preferred. 

The annual base pay (or hourly rate of compensation) for this position ranges from $92,252.00 - $138,378.00. Our positions offer eligibility for various incentives—an opportunity to receive short-term incentive bonuses, equity-based awards for salaried roles and commissions for sales roles. Benefits offered include qualified retirement programs, paid time off (i.e., vacation, holiday, and leaves), as well as health, dental, and vision coverage in accordance with the terms of the applicable plans. 

Why AstraZeneca?

At AstraZeneca, we follow the science and work across boundaries to transform innovative ideas into medicines for patients. This is an opportunity to join a collaborative Cell Therapy environment where hands-on experimental science and cellular engineering are central, and where data-driven and AI-enabled approaches are used thoughtfully to strengthen biological insight and accelerate scientific learning. 

Date Posted

Closing Date

Our mission is to build an inclusive environment where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants and employees. In furtherance of that mission, we welcome and consider applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of their protected characteristics. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please complete the corresponding section in the application form.