Senior Scientist, Cell Therapy Discovery (Gaithersburg, Maryland)

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Senior Scientist, Cell Therapy Discovery

Introduction to role

Are you ready to push the boundaries of cell therapy to change how cancer is treated? As a Senior Scientist in Cell Therapy Discovery based in Gaithersburg, MD, you will turn rigorous laboratory science into decisions that accelerate our most promising therapies toward patients.

Working at the bench and at the project table, you will design definitive experiments, integrate diverse datasets, and guide cross-functional teams. Will you use your expertise in T cell engineering, functional immunology, flow cytometry, and preclinical models to pinpoint the designs that deliver the greatest patient impact?

Accountabilities

* Functional Immunology Assays: Design and execute assays to quantify activation, cytotoxicity, proliferation, cytokine production, phenotype and fitness, generating decision-grade data that select and optimize therapeutic designs.
* Primary Immune Cell Engineering: Culture, expand and genetically modify primary human T cells using viral transduction, transfection and CRISPR/Cas, improving reliability, scalability and performance of engineered cells.
* Flow Cytometry Leadership: Own end-to-end multiparameter flow cytometry, from panel design and instrument setup to analysis and interpretation, establishing robust gating strategies and controls to drive clear program decisions.
* In Vivo Translation: Support and execute studies in preclinical models of adoptive cell therapy, connecting mechanistic hypotheses to in vivo outcomes and defining the next set of translational experiments.
* Data Integration and AI/ML-Enabled Insight: Combine functional, flow cytometry and in vivo data; apply computational and AI/ML tools to identify biological patterns, generate hypotheses and prioritize experiments with the highest impact.
* Scientific Strategy and Planning: Shape experimental strategy, prioritize key biological questions, and deliver high-quality data on time to progress assets through discovery milestones.
* Communication and Influence: Present findings and recommendations in project forums; build consensus across multidisciplinary teams and translate complex datasets into clear, actionable decisions.
* Quality, Safety and Documentation: Maintain accurate, well-documented records aligned to data integrity, safety and quality standards.
* Mentorship and Capability Building: Mentor junior scientists, share technical expertise and help establish best practices that elevate the entire team.

Essential Skills/Experience

* PhD in Immunology, Molecular Biology, Bioengineering or a related discipline, with at least 5 years of relevant research experience or a Master's degree with at least 7 years of relevant research experience
* Extensive experience culturing and expanding primary human T cells, with a track record of developing innovative cell culture strategies
* Expertise in genetically modifying T cells using viral transduction, transfection and/or CRISPR/Cas-based editing
* Hands-on experience with functional immune-cell assays (e.g., cytotoxicity, cytokine release, proliferation) and multiparameter flow cytometry
* Experience with preclinical mouse models of adoptive cell therapy
* Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to independently interpret complex datasets
* Excellent attention to detail, organizational and communication skills
* Proven ability to work both independently and collaboratively within multidisciplinary, matrixed teams

Desirable Skills/Experience

* Experience supporting translational or clinical-stage adoptive cell therapy programs
* Experience with CAR-T, TCR or other immune-receptor engineering, including target discovery and validation
* Experience applying bioinformatics, data-science or AI/ML tools to biological interpretation, hypothesis generation and experimental planning
* Familiarity with single-cell, genomic or high-throughput screening technologies (e.g., pooled CRISPR screens)
* Strong scientific track record, demonstrated through publications, patents, presentations and/or contributions to drug discovery programs
* Industry experience in cell therapy or biologics drug discovery

Why AstraZeneca

Join a company where bold science and patient purpose meet. You will work alongside diverse experts in biology, engineering, data science and clinical translation, using advanced methodologies-from novel biomarkers and single-cell readouts to AI-enabled discovery and innovative study designs-to move the field forward. Our oncology pipeline is expansive and fast-evolving, giving you room to apply your ideas to real programs and see your work reflected in meaningful decisions. We bring unexpected teams into the same room to unlock new thinking, value kindness alongside ambition, and back courageous experimentation with the data and tools to learn quickly and build what works. Your contributions will help redefine how and when patients receive transformative therapies.

Bring your scientific rigor and creativity to shape the next wave of cell therapy-take the lead on experiments that become medicines and make your impact now!

The annual base pay for this position ranges from $118,870 to $178,306. 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.

Start date : ASAP

Salary : Negotiable