CAR-T Cell Scientist – Early Development

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

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