Process Engineer, Cell Therapy Process Development

AstraZeneca; Gaithersburg (MD); On-site; USD 81,000 - 122,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Short-term incentive bonuses

Equity-based awards

Retirement programs

Paid time off

Health, dental, and vision coverage

Job summary

AstraZeneca is seeking a Process Engineer to support late-stage cell therapy process development and characterization, including unit operations like enrichment, activation, transduction, and harvest using semi-automated or automated systems.

You will drive closed-system operations, automate workflows, and perform DOE-based studies under QbD/ICH guidelines, with cross-functional collaboration to enable clinical and commercial readiness.

Qualifications

• M.S./B.S. with relevant industry experience in cell therapy.
• Experience with GMP operations and late-stage / commercial readiness.
• Strong data analysis, clear cross-level communication.
• Experience with DOE and multivariate data analysis for bioprocesses.

Responsibilities

• Design, execute, and support autologous or allogenic cell therapy process optimization and robustness studies.
• Drive closed-system operations and automation for scalability.
• Plan and execute DOE and multivariate studies per QbD and ICH guidelines.
• Perform data analysis, write technical reports, and present results to cross-functional teams.
• Conduct batch record reviews, deviation assessments, and data trending for robustness.
• Apply AI-enabled tools and digital analytics to data review and process understanding.
• Provide on-the-floor technical support during scale-up and PPQ batches.
• Support risk assessments and comparability studies across facilities.

Skills

Cell therapy unit operations

GMP operations

Data analysis

AI tools & digital solutions

Technical writing

Education

M.S. in Chemical/Biochemical Engineering or Biotechnology

B.S. with 7+ years of hands-on industry experience

Tools

CliniMACS Prodigy

Lovo

G-Rex

Wave bioreactors

Job description

Position Summary

We are seeking a highly motivated Process Engineer to support late-stage cell therapy process development and characterization activities. In this role, you will play critical role in advancing late-stage cell therapy process development, process characterization, and BLA-enabling studies. This position focuses specifically on cell therapy unit operations, including T-cell enrichment, activation, transduction, washes and harvest either semi-automated or fully automated equipment.

The ideal candidate brings deep technical expertise, hands-on experience with cell therapy unit operations, and demonstrates success in supporting clinical and commercial readiness.

Key Responsibilities

Process development and characterization

• Design, execute, and support autologous or allogenic cell therapy process optimization and robustness studies.
• Drive implementation of closed-system operations and automation strategies to support scalability and compliance.
• Plan and execute process characterization studies (DOE, multivariate studies, scale-down models, and scale-up assessments) in alignment with QbD and ICH guidelines.
• Perform data analysis, write technical reports, and present outcome of the studies to cross-functional teams and governance forums.
• Conduct batch record review, deviation assessment, and data trending to ensure robustness of cell therapy manufacturing processes.
• Apply AI-enabled tools and digital analytics to accelerate data review, trend analysis, batch record evaluation, and process understanding.

PPQ, Tech Transfer & Manufacturing Readiness

• Provide on-the-floor technical support during scale-up, engineering runs, PPQ batches, and commercial manufacturing campaigns (including off-shift support when required).
• Support raw material risk assessments, comparability studies, and process risk evaluations across facilities and platforms.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Work closely with analytical sciences and manufacturing science and technology teams to ensure end-to-end process alignment.
• Support lifecycle management, post-approval changes, and continuous improvement initiatives for cell therapy processes.

Required Qualifications

• M.S. in Chemical Engineering, Biochemical Engineering, Biotechnology, or related field with 2+ years of industry experience; OR B.S. with 7+ years of hands-on industry experience.
• Strong technical expertise in key cell therapy unit operations (e.g., cell isolation, activation, transduction, expansion, harvest, formulation, cryopreservation) or biologics.
• Demonstrated experience with GMP operations and late-stage / commercial readiness.
• Proven ability to analyze complex datasets, develop sound recommendations, and communicate clearly across levels.
• Experience with late-stage development and process characterization principles for cell therapy processes.
• Demonstrated proficiency in applying AI tools and digital solutions to data analysis, documentation, and workflow automation.
• Experience working in GMP environments, including batch record execution or review, deviations, and investigations.
• Strong technical writing, data analysis, and problem-solving skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Familiarity with automation platforms (e.g., CliniMACS Prodigy, Lovo, G-Rex, Wave bioreactors).
• Experience implementing closed, automated, or high-throughput systems.
• Experience designing and executing DOE and multivariate data analysis for cell therapy processes.
• Experience with JMP or similar statistical analysis tools.
• Formal training or demonstrated application of digitalization, automation, or AI-enabled tools in bioprocess development.

Key Competencies

• Strong experimental design and execution skills.
• Excellent cross-functional communication and collaboration.
• Ability to operate effectively in fast-paced, late-stage development environments.
• Scientific curiosity, ownership mindset, and willingness to support manufacturing operations.

The annual base pay for this position ranges from $81K to $122K. Our positions offer eligibility for multiple 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.

#Cell Therapy

Date Posted: 15-Oct-2026

Closing Date: 28-Oct-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.