Scientist, Immune Engineering

AstraZeneca; Waltham (IL); On-site; USD 91,000 - 137,000; Full time

Job summary

AstraZeneca is seeking an early-career Scientist to join the Cellular Resilience team, focusing on gene delivery and cell therapy discovery. The role emphasizes engineering immune cells, developing functional assays, and applying synthetic/molecular biology to advance cellular therapies.

The candidate will work with viral and non-viral methods, perform high-throughput readouts, and analyze complex data to inform external stakeholders.

Qualifications

• BS/MS in a relevant field with 5+ years of post-degree experience or PhD with 0+ years of post-graduate experience.
• Hands-on experience engineering established cell lines and primary human immune cells using viral and non-viral methods.
• Experience with immune functional assays (cytotoxicity, co-cultures, proliferation, cytokine measurement).
• Ability to adapt to shifting goals and work in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Engineer cell lines and primary immune cells using viral and non-viral techniques.
• Develop in vitro cellular assays with high-throughput readouts (multicolor flow cytometry, plate reader, ELISA/MSD, qPCR).
• Analyze complex data sets and present findings to internal and external stakeholders.

Skills

Immune cell engineering

Functional assay development

Molecular biology

Synthetic biology

qPCR

Flow cytometry

Education

BS/MS in relevant field

PhD in relevant field

Tools

Lentivirus

AAV

LNP

Electroporation

Primary human immune cell culture

Job description

We are seeking an early-career Scientist to join the Cellular Resilience team to contribute to groundbreaking, early discovery research at the intersection of gene delivery and cell therapy. The successful candidate will leverage their expertise in Immune cell engineering, functional assay development, and synthetic/molecular biology to develop the next generation of cellular therapies.

Key Responsibilities

• Engineering cell lines and primary immune cells by viral and non-viral techniques
• In-vitro cellular assay development with an emphasis on high-throughput readouts such as multicolor flow cytometry, plate reader, ELISA/MSD, qPCR
• Analyze and interpret complex experimental data, present findings to both internal and external stakeholders

Qualifications

• BS/MS with 5+ years or PhD with 0+ years of post-graduate experience in a relevant field including (but not limited to) molecular biology, synthetic biology, Immunology, Biological/Chemical/Biomedical engineering...etc
• Hands-on experience in the culture and engineering of established cell lines and primary human immune cells by viral and non-viral techniques such as lentivirus, AAV, LNP, electroporation...etc
• Hands-on experience with the execution and data analysis of immune functional assays including in vitro cytotoxicity, co-cultures, proliferation, and cytokine measurement
• Proactive, highly self-motivated, and thrives in a workplace where goals may shift

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with multi-color flow cytometry experiment design, acquisition, and analysis
• Experience with gene editing technologies (ie. CRISPR, TALE, Zinc Finger ...etc) and evaluating gene editing outcomes (ie. Flow cytometry, qPCR, sanger sequence, NGS..etc)

As AstraZeneca continues to put patients at the forefront of our mission, we are excited for our move to Kendall Square/Cambridge in 2026. Find out more information here: Kendall Square Press Release

Competitive remuneration and benefits apply

We offer a competitive Total Reward program including a market driven base salary, bonus and long-term incentive. We have a generous paid time off program and a comprehensive benefits package.

The annual base pay for this position ranges from $91,008.80 - $136,513.20. 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.