Scientist- Cancer immunology/immunotherapy

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

Benefits offered by this job

Incentives bonuses

Equity-based awards

Paid time off

Health, dental, and vision

Job summary

AstraZeneca in Boston is seeking a Scientist in cancer immunology/immunotherapy to design and execute immune assays using human samples. You will work in a multidisciplinary team to advance immuno-oncology programs, with hands-on mammalian cell culture and techniques such as flow cytometry and ELISpot.

You will contribute to data generation, interpretation, and scientific decision-making, while developing expertise in a dynamic, cutting-edge research environment with opportunities for career

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or higher in Immunology, Cell Biology, Microbiology or related life sciences.
• 2+ years of relevant experience in immunology or related field.
• Hands-on mammalian cell culture with primary human immune cells.
• Experience performing flow cytometry and ELISpot assays.
• Knowledge of biochemical/cellular assay techniques including ELISA and functional assays.
• Strong data analysis skills and ability to interpret complex results.
• Excellent attention to detail and robust documentation.
• Strong teamwork and collaboration skills; proactive learner.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop and execute cellular immunology assays for cancer immunotherapy research.
• Culture mammalian cells including primary human immune cells such as T cells.
• Assess T cell activation and function using flow cytometry, ELISpot and related assays.
• Generate and interpret experimental data; communicate findings clearly.
• Maintain GLP, safety and environmental compliance and accurate records.
• Collaborate across discovery and translational teams to meet project goals.
• Help optimize assay platforms and workflows; contribute to reports and publications.
• Stay current with immunology advancements and apply knowledge to research.

Skills

Immunology

Cell Biology

Mammalian culture

Flow cytometry

ELISpot

Data analysis

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree or higher in Immunology or related field

Tools

FlowJo

ELISA

Multiplex assays

Job description

We are seeking a motivated and hands‑on Scientist- Cancer immunology/immunotherapy with experience in mammalian cell culture and a strong interest in cellular immunology to join our growing research organization. The successful candidate will contribute to the design, development, and execution of complex immune assays to identify and validate novel targets that support our immuno‑oncology research programs. You will work with primary human samples, apply key immunological techniques such as flow cytometry and ELISpot, and generate high‑quality scientific data that will advance our understanding of immune responses and inform the development of innovative therapies.

As a Scientist, you will be an integral member of a multidisciplinary team based in Boston, collaborating closely with colleagues across discovery and translational research. You will bring strong laboratory skills, scientific curiosity, and a collaborative mindset to support assay development, data generation, and scientific decision‑making. This role offers the opportunity to contribute directly to novel immunotherapeutic approaches while continuing to develop your expertise in a dynamic and cutting‑edge research environment.

Accountabilities

• Design, develop, and execute complex cellular immunology assays to identify and validate novel targets for cancer immunotherapy research.
• Perform mammalian cell culture, including maintenance and manipulation of primary human immune cells such as T cells and other patient‑derived cell populations.
• Assess T cell activation, functionality, and immune responses using techniques including flow cytometry, ELISpot, and cell‑based functional assays.
• Generate, analyze, interpret, and communicate experimental data in a clear and scientifically rigorous manner.
• Maintain detailed and accurate laboratory records in compliance with Good Laboratory Practice (GLP), Safety, Health and Environment standards, and AstraZeneca policies.
• Collaborate effectively within multidisciplinary teams to share scientific knowledge and support project objectives across research programs.
• Contribute to the optimization and continuous improvement of assay platforms, methodologies, and laboratory workflows.
• Support the preparation of scientific reports, presentations, publications, and other documentation to communicate research findings.
• Stay current with advancements in immunology and related scientific fields and apply new knowledge to ongoing research activities.

Essential Skills/Experience

• Bachelor's degree, Master's degree, PhD, or equivalent experience in Immunology, Cell Biology, Microbiology, Molecular Biology, or a related life sciences discipline.
• Minimum of 2 years of relevant experience.
• Hands‑on experience with mammalian cell culture, including primary human immune cells such as T cells.
• Experience performing immunological assays, including flow cytometry (FACS) and ELISpot.
• Working knowledge of biochemical and cellular assay techniques, including ELISA and cell‑based functional assays.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret experimental data and draw scientifically sound conclusions.
• Excellent attention to detail and commitment to maintaining accurate laboratory records and documentation.
• Strong organizational, communication, and collaboration skills with the ability to work effectively in a team environment.
• Demonstrated enthusiasm for scientific learning and a proactive approach to acquiring new skills and knowledge.

Desirable Skills/Experience

• Experience working with patient‑derived samples and primary human tissues.
• Knowledge of multi‑parameter flow cytometry panel design, optimization, and analysis using FlowJo or equivalent software.
• Experience with high‑content imaging, multiplex cytokine analysis, or other advanced immunological assay platforms.
• Understanding of antigen‑specific T cell biology, cancer immunology, or vaccine research.
• Experience supporting translational research or biomarker discovery programs.
• Familiarity with experimental design, statistical analysis, and data visualization tools.
• Previous experience in a pharmaceutical, biotechnology, or academic research environment.

The annual base pay for this position ranges from $92,252.00 - $138,378.00. 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.

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.