Scientist

KellyOCG; Santa Monica (CA); On-site; USD 58,000 - 83,000; Full time

Job summary

AstraZeneca in Santa Monica, CA seeks a Scientist, Analytical Technology for a 12-month contract to advance live-cell imaging and cell analysis platforms. You will benchmark against QC methods and drive recommendations for automated, high-throughput QC within technical operations.

The role suits PhD scientists entering industry or experienced MS scientists, requiring independence, initiative, and collaboration with automation, data science, QC and IT teams.

Qualifications

• PhD in cell biology, molecular biology, immunology, T cell biology or related field by start date, or MS with 4+ years hands-on research.
• Hands-on cell-based imaging experience (fluorescence, confocal, high-content imaging or imaging flow cytometry).
• Hands-on primary cell and cell line culture with aseptic technique.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision and deliver on time-sensitive projects.
• Proactive communication and progress updates throughout the study.

Responsibilities

• Design and run feasibility studies and vendor evaluations of live-cell imaging platforms.
• Benchmark platforms against current QC methods for accuracy, throughput, and hands-on time.
• Culture primary human T cells and cell lines, with counting and viability assessments.
• Prepare samples and conditions for assays, including antibody staining and titration.
• Develop, optimize and troubleshoot imaging-based assays and data analysis workflows.
• Collaborate with automation, analytics, and vendor teams to integrate methods.

Skills

Hands-on imaging

Independent work

Initiative & reliability

Communication

Education

PhD in cell biology / related field

Tools

GraphPad Prism

JMP

Image analysis software

Python

CellProfiler / Fiji ImageJ

Job description

Duration: 12 months w/possibility to extend

Start date: January 2027

Pay: $51.10 per hour

*Potential for OT

AstraZeneca is seeking a Scientist, Analytical Technology for a contract role in Santa Monica, CA.

Want your experiments to shape how next-generation cell therapies are tested? You will evaluate emerging live-cell imaging and cell analysis platforms, benchmark them against current QC methods, and recommend which ones move into automated, high-throughput QC. Unlike discovery or academic research, this role sits in technical operations: each study answers a defined business question on a set timeline, and methods must ultimately meet regulatory expectations. You will partner with analytical automation, analytical development, data science, QC and Lab Operations/IT teams, as well as instrument vendors.

This is not an entry-level role. It suits PhD scientists moving into industry, or experienced MS scientists. You will work independently with minimal supervision, so candidates who can initiate work and deliver on time-sensitive projects are especially encouraged to apply.

Key responsibilities:

• Design and run feasibility studies, demos and vendor evaluations of new live-cell imaging and cell analysis platforms, such as high-content imagers, flow cytometers and cell imagers from Yokogawa (e.g., CQ1), Revvity, Agilent, BD, Molecular Devices and Thermo Fisher Scientific.
• Benchmark new platforms against current QC methods on accuracy, precision, sensitivity, robustness, throughput and hands‑on time.
• Culture genetically modified primary human T cells and cell lines using aseptic technique; count, assess viability, normalize to target densities and plate into multi‑well assays, manually or with semi‑automated tools.
• Prepare cell samples and experimental conditions for assays: fluorescent antibody staining and titration for flow and imaging cytometry, serial dilutions of cell densities, and conditions such as heat‑killed controls and effector‑to‑target (E:T) cytotoxicity co‑cultures.
• Develop, optimize and troubleshoot imaging‑based assays, from sample preparation through image acquisition and analysis.
• Work with automation and data science colleagues to adapt promising methods for integration with lab automation.
• Analyze data with appropriate statistics and communicate findings through reports and presentations.
• Document work in an electronic lab notebook (e.g., Benchling) following good documentation practices.
• Serve as a technical contact for vendors and cross‑functional partners.
• Order reagents and consumables, and keep instruments and lab areas in good working order.

You will own each evaluation end to end, from plan to recommendation:

• Evaluation plans with clear success criteria
• Comparison data and gap analyses
• Desk‑based projections of ROI and key assay parameters (e.g., throughput, cost per sample, hands‑on time) that compare similar technologies and instruments
• Assessment reports with a clear recommendation: adopt, adapt or do not pursue
• Draft protocols and SOP inputs for platforms that move forward

Required qualifications:

• PhD in cell biology, molecular biology, immunology, T cell biology or a related field (completed by start date), or an MS in a related field with 4+ years of hands‑on research experience
• Hands‑on cell‑based imaging experience, such as fluorescence or confocal microscopy, high‑content imaging or imaging flow cytometry
• Hands‑on primary cell and cell line culture, counting and assay plating with strong aseptic technique
• A track record of working independently with minimal supervision: designing and running experiments end to end, with appropriate controls, replicates and statistics
• Takes initiative rather than waiting for tasks to be assigned, and communicates proactively to discuss progress and deliver results on time‑sensitive deadlines

Preferred qualifications:

• Working knowledge of fluorescent antibody staining and titration for flow or imaging cytometry, including designing basic 5‑color panels
• Experience with primary T cells, cell therapy or GxP environments
• Data and image analysis with tools such as GraphPad Prism, JMP or vendor imaging software, plus scripting (e.g., Python, CellProfiler, Fiji/ImageJ)
• Detail‑oriented and organized across several concurrent projects
• Familiarity with method qualification and validation (e.g., ICH Q2(R2), Q14)
• Lab automation or liquid handler experience
• Experience with Benchling or another ELN

**Don't tick every box? If you have a strong track record in cell‑based imaging, please still apply.

Physical requirements and working conditions:

• Fully on‑site, with about 75% of time in the lab
• BSL‑2, GxP‑aligned development laboratory (non‑GMP) handling human cells; biosafety and bloodborne pathogen training and appropriate PPE (e.g., lab coat, gloves, eye protection) required
• Standing for extended periods at the bench or biosafety cabinet
• Lifting and moving items up to 10 lb, such as media, reagent cases and small equipment

Why this role:

• Work at the frontier: get hands‑on with new imaging and automation technologies, often before they are widely adopted.
• Influence real decisions: your recommendations help determine which technologies are implemented for the quality readout of cell therapy delivered to patients.
• Build a rare skill set pioneering in a collaborative environment: combine bench science with automation and regulatory know‑how, mentored by a Senior Scientist.