Scientist, Analytical Sciences

AstraZeneca; Santa Monica (CA); On-site; USD 87,000 - 131,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading biopharmaceutical company in Santa Monica seeks a Scientist in Analytical Sciences to develop and optimize potency assays for lentiviral vectors. The role involves collaboration across teams and requires expertise in flow cytometry and cell-based assays. Competitive salary and benefits offered.

Benefits

401(k) plan

Paid vacation and holidays

Health coverage

Potential participation in incentive programs

Qualifications

• 3 years with BS/BA or 2 years with MS/MA in related fields.
• Experience in biotech, biopharmaceutical, or academic settings.

Responsibilities

• Lead development and optimization of potency assays.
• Collaborate with Process Development and Quality Control.
• Analyze and interpret complex data sets.

Skills

Cell-based assays

Flow cytometry

Data analysis

Education

BS/BA in immunology

MS/MA in Cell Biology

Tools

FlowJo

GraphPad Prism

JMP

Job description

Join to apply for the Scientist, Analytical Sciences role at AstraZeneca.

We are seeking an experienced Scientist to join the Lentiviral Vector (LVV) Attributes and Analytics team within Product Analytical Sciences. This role focuses on developing and optimizing flow cytometry-based and cell-based potency assays to support lentiviral vector characterization and engineered cell therapy product development.

The Scientist will collaborate with Process Development, Quality Control, and Regulatory teams to deliver robust, phase-appropriate analytical strategies ensuring process understanding, product comparability, and regulatory success. Expertise in cell-based assays, particularly those related to vector-mediated transduction, immune effector function, and phenotypic characterization using advanced flow cytometry platforms, is required. This position is based in Santa Monica, CA, reporting to a Senior Scientist within Analytical Sciences.

You Will:

1. Lead development, optimization, and execution of cell-based potency assays, including flow cytometry assays measuring transduction efficiency, activation, cell killing, cytokine secretion, or other LVV-driven functional responses.
2. Design and conduct experiments to assess potency and identity of lentiviral vectors and their functional impact on engineered immune cell products.
3. Apply multi-parametric flow cytometry and related tools for product characterization, supporting method development, process monitoring, and comparability studies.
4. Collaborate with Process Development and Quality Control to implement scalable analytical methods for LVV and cell product testing.
5. Support method qualification, tech transfer, and lifecycle management activities aligned with CMC development timelines.
6. Analyze and interpret complex data sets using tools such as FlowJo, GraphPad Prism, and JMP, and communicate findings to cross-functional stakeholders.
7. Author and review technical reports, method development protocols, and regulatory documents including IND and BLA sections.
8. Stay current with technological and regulatory trends in gene delivery, potency assay development, and vector characterization.
9. Provide technical mentorship to junior staff, ensuring scientific rigor and operational excellence in the lab.
10. Maintain laboratory instruments, ensuring calibration, maintenance, and troubleshooting are performed.

You Have:

1. Three (3) years with BS/BA, or two (2) years with MS/MA in immunology, Cell Biology, Oncology, Molecular Biology, or a related discipline, with experience in biotech, biopharmaceutical, or academic settings.
2. Strong expertise in cell-based assays evaluating potency, transduction efficiency, or immune effector function using flow cytometry.
3. Hands-on experience with lentiviral vector biology, including vector design, production, or characterization (preferred).
4. Proficiency in immune cell culture, including primary T cells or engineered immune cells.
5. Familiarity with analytical method development principles, including QbD, and regulatory expectations for potency methods.
6. Data analysis and troubleshooting skills; experience with DoE is a plus.
7. Ability to clearly communicate scientific findings and development rationale.

The annual base salary ranges from $87,200 to 130,800. Compensation may vary based on factors such as location, experience, and skills. Benefits include a 401(k) plan, paid vacation and holidays, health coverage, and potential participation in incentive programs.