Scientist, Bioscience Immunology

AstraZeneca; Kendall Square (MA); On-site; USD 92,000 - 138,000; Full time

Job summary

AstraZeneca in Cambridge, MA is seeking a Scientist in Bioscience Immunology focused on adaptive and innate immunity. The role emphasizes designing and evaluating immune pathways using human cells, developing robust assays, and contributing to translational data that informs drug discovery strategies.

You will work with primary and disease tissue-derived cells, with in vivo model experience a plus, in a fast-paced, collaborative, lab-based environment supporting innovative therapeutics.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. degree in immunology or closely related field; post-doctoral experience preferred.
• Strong experience with primary cell culture and immune assays.
• Experience in drug discovery projects in immunology is desirable.
• Excellent written and oral communication; ability to work independently and in teams.

Responsibilities

• Define and interrogate immunological pathways in autoimmune diseases to guide target validation.
• Design, execute, and refine human in vitro and ex vivo studies using primary and disease tissue-derived cells.
• Develop, optimize, and qualify robust cellular/molecular assays with appropriate controls.
• Apply rigorous experimental design and statistics to interpret complex data sets.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams and external partners to advance programs.

Skills

Primary cell culture

Multi-panel flow cytometry

ELISA

Western blot

Cytokine read-outs

Education

Ph.D. degree in immunology or related field

Tools

Flow cytometry instruments

ELISA readers

Western blot equipment

MSD/AlphaLISA/Luminex platforms

Job description

Scientist, Bioscience Immunology

AstraZeneca is a global, science-driven biopharmaceutical company. We are dedicated to discovering, developing, and delivering innovative, meaningful medicines and healthcare solutions that enrich the lives of patients.

We are seeking a highly motivated scientist with a strong understanding of adaptive and/or innate immunity as well as key biological pathways in immune-mediated diseases (rheumatological, gastrointestinal, or dermatological). This is a lab-based position located in Cambridge, MA within AstraZeneca’s state-of-the-art laboratories where you will follow the science to help drive innovation and advance medicine to help improve patient lives.

In this role, you would be expected to demonstrate an exceptionally high level of enthusiasm for innovative scientific research leading to the discovery and development of novel therapeutics. You will characterize immune pathways in health and disease, design and optimize assays, and generate data that shapes program strategy. You will predominantly work with human in vitro systems, both primary and disease tissue-derived cells; knowledge and experience with in vivo science models is a bonus. Cross-functional collaboration and strong communication skills are a must.

Accountabilities

• Immunology Pathway Characterization: Define and interrogate novel immunological pathways in autoimmune diseases to drive target validation and guide therapeutic hypotheses for drug projects.
• Human In Vitro and Ex Vivo Models: Design, execute, and refine studies using primary and disease tissue-derived cells to generate translational data that inform program decisions.
• Assay Development and Validation: Build, optimize, and qualify robust cellular, molecular, and protein assays; establish standards and controls to ensure reproducibility and decision-grade data.
• Advanced Analytics and Data Integrity: Apply rigorous experimental design and statistical thinking to critically analyze complex datasets and communicate clear, actionable conclusions.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner with project teams and external collaborators to align on goals, share insights, and accelerate progress; bring external science and technologies in when they create advantage.
• Scientific Leadership and Publication: Lead aspects of the biology, contribute to strategy discussions, and publish high-quality research in reputable journals to advance the field and our pipeline.
• Continuous Improvement in a Dynamic Environment: Navigate ambiguity with resilience; iterate quickly, learn from setbacks, and adopt inventive approaches that keep programs moving at pace.

Requirements

Ph.D. degree with 1+ years of post-doctoral experienceExpertise in drug discovery projects in immunology, or a closely related field of biology is preferredHighly organized and self-motivated, with the ability to work independently as well as collaboratively within a team to conduct a high-level research project.Demonstrated proficiency in several of the following: primary cell culture, multi-panel flow cytometry (including both intracellular and extracellular markers), ELISA, Western blot, multiplex cytokine read-outs (MSD, AlphaLISA, Luminex, etc.)Strong written and oral communication skills and the ability to critically analyze data setsAbility to record protocols and experiments in timely manner and maintain excellent laboratory notebookDemonstrated ability to run collaborative efforts and utilize external resources to find the most effective solutions to drug discovery problemsBiotech or pharmaceutical experience preferred but not essential.

Why AstraZeneca

Here, curiosity meets purpose. You will join a community that pushes boundaries with the latest science and technology, values kindness alongside ambition, and learns openly from critique to get to better solutions. We bring different disciplines together around the bench, move quickly through uncertainty, and take smart risks to speed new medicines to patients worldwide. Your ideas and data will be seen, tested and acted on, giving you the platform to grow while contributing to research that delivers clear, tangible impact for society.

If you are ready to turn bold immunology into real-world medicines, step into our Waltham labs and help shape what comes next—

The annual base pay for this position ranges from $92,252 to $138,378. 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 09-Nov-2026

Closing Date 23-Nov-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.