Scientist Cell Therapy (R&D)

AstraZeneca; Gaithersburg (MD); On-site; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

AstraZeneca in Gaithersburg, MD, is seeking a hands-on laboratory-focused researcher to drive preclinical discovery. You will develop and execute cellular therapy experiments, analyze data, and contribute to target validation under minimal supervision.

The role requires in vivo skills, experience with murine models, and strong molecular biology know-how. You will mentor colleagues and collaborate across project teams to advance drug discovery while complying with SHE and quality standards.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree (or equivalent 3-4 years of related experience) in a relevant field.
• 2+ years of industry experience.
• Extensive in vivo skills including animal handling, syngeneic murine, xenograft and PDX tumour models.
• Proficiency in tail vein dosing; Well-developed understanding of molecular and cellular biology, immunological assays.
• Effective interpersonal skills; Ability to develop, implement, and troubleshoot experiments independently.
• Experience with a range of in vitro assays, including ELISA and flow cytometry is desirable.
• Background in cellular therapies and drug discovery in pharma is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Develop routine drug discovery research experiments and analytical studies to identify and validate potential novel drug targets, applying diverse methodologies, with minimal supervision.
• Conduct experiments and interpret results by using established scientific methodologies and tools.
• Modify or improve existing research processes and systems to better align with experimental objectives.
• Assess and report experimental data with minimal guidance, ensuring clarity, relevance, and connection to the broader drug discovery context.
• Present and defend experimental findings during follow-up meetings or in relevant forums.
• Collaborate with project teams to facilitate seamless communication and data sharing within the team.
• Ensure work is performed in compliance with Safety, Health & Environment (SHE), quality, and regulatory requirements, including laboratory standards (GLS).

Skills

In vivo models

Animal handling

Molecular biology

Immunology knowledge

Interpersonal skills

Independent troubleshooting

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent in a relevant field

Job description

This is a hands-on, laboratory-focused position.

Typical Accountabilities

• Develop routine drug discovery research experiments and analytical studies to identify and validate potential novel drug targets, applying diverse methodologies, with minimal supervision.
• Conduct experiments and interpret results by using established scientific methodologies and tools.
• Modify or improve existing research processes and systems to better align with experimental objectives.
• Assess and report experimental data with minimal guidance, ensuring clarity, relevance, and connection to the broader drug discovery context.
• Present and defend experimental findings during follow-up meetings or in relevant forums.
• Manage personal workload efficiently to achieve agreed-upon targets within specific time limits and quality standards, while also providing routine updates on progress.
• Provide technical mentorship to team members on experimental procedures and allocate administrative tasks when necessary.
• Collaborate with project teams to facilitate seamless communication and data sharing within the team.
• Search for information which may improve research methodology and procedures.
• Ensure work is performed in compliance with Safety, Health & Environment (SHE), quality, and regulatory requirements, including laboratory standards (GLS).

Minimum Qualifications

Essential

• Bachelor's degree (or equivalent 3-4 years of experience) experience in a relevant field with demonstrated experience in Cellular Therapy, Immunology, and/ or Immuno-Oncology.
• 2+ years of industry experience.
• Extensive in vivo skills including animal handling, syngeneic murine, xenograft and PDX tumour models, standard routes of dosing and engraftment, tissue processing, PK/PD and efficacy studies;
• Proficiency in tail vein dosing; Well-developed understanding of molecular and cellular biology, immunological assays;
• Effective interpersonal skills; Ability to develop, implement, and troubleshoot experiments independently.

Desirable

• Experience with a range of in vitro assays, including but not limited to ELISA, multicolor flow cytometry;
• In vitro and in vivo experience with murine T cells;
• Basic experience developing cellular therapies including CAR-T/ CAR-NK, TCR-T, and/ or TIL therapies;
• Background in drug discovery and development in the pharmaceutical industry;
• Experience with complex in vivo systems, including but not limited to orthotopic xenograft models, humanized mice, in vivo imaging of luciferase labelled tumor models.

Key Relationships

• Internal: Colleagues, senior staff and management; AZ project teams.
• External: External scientific community.

Date Posted
21-Aug-2026

Closing Date
03-Sep-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.