Associate Scientist

AstraZeneca plc; Gaithersburg (MD); On-site; USD 69,000 - 104,000; Full time

Job summary

AstraZeneca plc in Gaithersburg, MD seeks an Associate Scientist to support CAR-T cell product development and optimization in early-stage development. You will design, execute, and troubleshoot experiments across formulation, fill/finish, and cryopreservation processes, ensuring data accuracy and cross-functional communication.

Requirements include a BS/MS in chemistry/biochem/pharmaceutics or related field, hands-on mammalian cell culture experience, and strong data-analysis and collaboration

Qualifications

• Hands-on experience with mammalian cell culture and aseptic processing.
• Experience with cell therapy drug product development and formulation, filling, freezing, storage, thawing, and post-thaw handling.
• Experience with basic cell-based analytical methods such as automated cell counting and viability assessments; advanced methods like flow cytometry, apoptosis, or functional assays desired.
• Strong ability to organize and analyze data, prepare summaries, draw conclusions, and communicate results to project teams.
• Excellent time-management skills and ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, cross-functional environment.
• Effective written and verbal communication and collaboration across functions.

Responsibilities

• Support CAR-T cell product development and optimization through design, development, and execution of experiments in formulation, fill/finish, and cryopreservation processes.
• Perform laboratory experiments following protocols and troubleshoot routine issues.
• Operate cell-processing, fill/finish, controlled-rate freezing, cryogenic storage, and thawing equipment.
• Conduct assays to assess CAR-T product quality and cellular health (cell count, viability, recovery, apoptosis, flow cytometry, functional readouts).
• Collect, organize, analyze, and interpret data; communicate conclusions to teams.
• Maintain documentation in notebooks and electronic systems; contribute to protocols, reports, and presentations.

Skills

Mammalian cell culture

Cell therapy development

Analytical methods

Data analysis & reporting

Time management

Communication

Education

MS or BS in Chemistry/ Biochemistry/ Pharmaceutics/ Chemical Engineering

Associate Scientist: BS with 2+ years or MS with 0+ years

Tools

Finia

Sepax

Cue

LOVO

Job description

Do you have a passion for Science? Would you like to apply your expertise to impact a company that follows the science and turns ideas into life changing medicines? Then AstraZeneca might be the one for you!

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.

About AstraZeneca in Gaithersburg, MD:

Our Gaithersburg, Maryland facility creates life-changing medicines for people around the world. This campus employs more than 3,500 experts in our field and is only a short drive from Washington, DC. This modern and vibrant scientific campus is the home of R&D and Oncology in the US. Here, we play host to some of the most cutting‑edge technology and lab spaces, all designed to encourage collaboration and cross‑functional science. We believe employees benefit from being challenged and inspired at work. We are dedicated to crafting a culture of inclusion and collaboration.

Main Duties & Responsibilities:

• Support CAR-T cell product development and optimization in early-stage development. The candidate should be able to design, develop and execute experiments in the areas of formulation, fill/finish, and cryopreservation processes.
• Execute laboratory experiments following protocols and troubleshooting routine technical issues.
• Operate relevant cell-processing, fill/finish, controlled-rate freezing, cryogenic storage, and thawing equipment.
• Perform assays to assess CAR-T product quality and cellular health, including cell count, viability, recovery, apoptosis, flow‑cytometric phenotype, and functional readouts.
• Collect, organize, analyze, and interpret experimental data and communicate conclusions.
• Maintain accurate and timely documentation in laboratory notebooks and electronic systems, author or contribute to protocols, technical reports, and presentations.
• Collaborate with analytical development, process development, and external partners to support robust and scalable CAR‑T drug product processes.
• Follow established safety, biosafety, aseptic, and data‑integrity practices and contribute to a safe, organized, and inspection‑ready laboratory environment.

The successful candidate will demonstrate strong organizational skills and attention to detail, with the ability to balance hands‑on laboratory work, data analysis, documentation, and effective communication in a fast‑paced, cross‑functional environment.

Education & Experience Requirements:

Education: M.S. or B.S. in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Pharmaceutics, Chemical/biochemical Engineering or related field.

Associate Scientist: BS with 2+ years of experience or MS and 0+ years of experience in biopharmaceutical Industry/Academic lab.

Required Skills:

• Hands‑on experience with mammalian cell culture and aseptic processing.
• Experience and knowledge of cell therapy drug product development, especially in cell product formulation, filling, freezing, storage, thawing, and post‑thaw handling.
• Experience with basic cell‑based analytical methods such as automated cell counting, and viability assessment. Advanced analytical methods such as flow cytometry, apoptosis measurements, or functional assays are desired.
• Ability to organize and analyze experimental data, prepare clear summaries, draw scientifically sound conclusions, and communicate results to project teams.
• Time‑management skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic, interdisciplinary environment.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills and a demonstrated ability to collaborate with colleagues across functions.

Desired Skills:

• Experience with closed or automated cell-processing platforms such as Finia, Sepax, Cue, LOVO, or other cell‑processing systems.
• Knowledge of cryobiology, formulation science, and excipient screening.
• Experience with DoE and statistical data analysis.

The annual base pay (or hourly rate of compensation) for this position ranges from $69,344.80 to $104,017.20. 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.

Date Posted 22-Oct-2026

Closing Date 13-Dec-2026

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.