Scientist (Analytical Development, Cell Therapy)

AstraZeneca plc; Gaithersburg (MD); Hybrid; USD 91,000 - 136,000; Full time

Job summary

AstraZeneca plc in the United States is seeking a Scientist (Analytical Development, Cell Therapy) to develop and advance robust biological assays supporting lentiviral vector and CAR T cell products from research to commercialization. You will work in a collaborative team to enable upstream and downstream process development and regulatory filings.

The role emphasizes method qualification/transfer, data interpretation, and authoring technical reports.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a life sciences field with 5+ years of relevant experience, or a Master’s with 3+ years.
• Experience working with lentiviral vectors and CAR T cells in biotech/pharma.
• Proficient in immunology techniques (ELISA, etc.).
• Proficient in molecular biology techniques (NGS, qPCR, dPCR) for gene edit evaluation.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• Good time management and organizational skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop robust analytical methods including qualification and transfer.
• Analyze data, interpret results, and exercise technical discretion in experiments.
• Carry out analytical development/sample testing for lentiviral vector processes.
• Author/review technical reports, protocols, and summaries for presentation.
• Present and discuss results at group/project meetings.
• Interface with research and process development departments.

Skills

Immunology techniques

Molecular biology techniques

ELISA

NGS

qPCR

dPCR

Written & oral communication

Time management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Immunology, Cell Biology, Biological Sciences, Biotechnology, or related field

Master’s degree in Immunology, Cell Biology, Biological Sciences, Biotechnology, or related field

Job description

Scientist (Analytical Development, Cell Therapy)

Summary of the group

Join our Cell Therapy Analytical Development team, where we develop and deliver robust, technologically advanced biological assays to progress cell therapy products from research to commercial stages. Our team supports the end-to-end biological and bioanalytical characterization of viral vector and cell therapy products, enabling manufacturing processes, formulation, drug product development, and regulatory filings from IND to BLA and beyond. We collaborate closely with analytical quality and several cross-functional teams, including clinical, regulatory, QA, and manufacturing.

Accountabilities

• Develop robust functional, characterization, and molecular analytical methods including method qualification and transfer.
• Make detailed observations, analyze data, interpret results, and exercise appropriate technical discretion in the design, execution, and interpretation of experiments independently.
• Carry out analytical development/sample testing to enable lentiviral vector upstream and downstream process development.
• Author/review technical reports, protocols, and technical summaries for presentation.
• Present and discuss experimental results at group/project team meetings.
• Work in a team-based structure and interface with research and process development departments.

Essential Skills/Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Immunology, Cell Biology, Biological Sciences, Biotechnology, or related field with 5+ years of relevant experience or a Master's degree in Immunology, Cell Biology, Biological Sciences, Biotechnology, or related field with 3+ years of relevant experience.
• Biotechnology or pharmaceutical industry experience working with analytical for lentiviral vector and CAR T cells is required.
• Highly proficient in immunology techniques is required, such as ELISA or similar technology platforms.
• Highly proficient in molecular biology techniques is required, such as NGS, qPCR, dPCR, for gene edit evaluation, on target/off target analysis.
• Exhibit excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Good time management and organizational skills with the ability to prioritize tasks from multiple projects to meet timelines.

Desirable Skills/Experience

• Experience method qualification/validation and tech transfer of cell and gene therapy analytical methods is a required.

When we put unexpected teams in the same room, we unleash bold thinking with the power to inspire life-changing medicines. In-person working gives us the platform we need to connect, work at pace and challenge perceptions. That's why we work, on average, a minimum of three days per week from the office. But that doesn't mean we're not flexible. We balance the expectation of being in the office while respecting individual flexibility. Join us in our unique and ambitious world.

At AstraZeneca, we are driven by our commitment to deliver accelerated growth and make people's lives better. Our inclusive network of diverse and high-performing teams supports each other with trust and respect. We thrive on curiosity and problem-solving, constantly learning and evolving. With opportunities for global careers and great rewards, AstraZeneca is where you can make a real impact.

The annual base pay for this position ranges from $90,961 to $136,441. 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 23-Oct-2026

Closing Date 29-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.