Scientist, Viral Vector Process Development Analytics

AstraZeneca; Gaithersburg (MD); On-site; USD 91,000 - 136,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Short-term incentive bonuses

Equity-based awards for salaried roles

Retirement programs

Job summary

AstraZeneca in Gaithersburg, MD seeks a scientist to develop and perform high throughput analytical methods supporting cell line development, vector engineering, and LVV process development. You will generate quality data, enhance throughput, and help implement automated workflows for lab efficiency and consistency.

The role requires MS/BS in Engineering or Biotechnology with experience in analytical support, HT assays, and flow cytometry.

Qualifications

• MS/BS in Engineering, Biotechnology, or related field.
• MS with ≥ 2 years or BS with ≥ 4 years of industry experience.
• Minimum 2 years of analytical support in a biotechnology/pharmaceutical laboratory environment.
• Hands-on experience with high throughput analytical assays and workflow execution.
• Experience with LVV transducing titer assays, p24 assays, and flow cytometry.

Responsibilities

• Develop, optimize, and support high throughput analytical methods for process development applications.
• Perform high throughput analytical testing in support of process development studies, ensuring accurate, timely, and well-documented data generation.
• Implement and support assays including transducing titer, p24, and flow cytometry using established and developing methods.
• Contribute to laboratory automation initiatives by supporting development, implementation, optimization, and routine use of automated analytical workflows.
• Troubleshoot assays and automated processes to improve performance, reproducibility, throughput, and data quality.
• Analyze, interpret, and communicate data to support process development decisions and technical discussions.
• Detail experimental work clearly and compliantly in laboratory notebooks, electronic systems, study records, and technical summaries.
• Collaborate with process development scientists and cross-functional partners to align analytical activities with project goals and timelines.
• Prepare reagents, standards, controls, and samples to ensure assay readiness and efficient laboratory execution.
• Maintain compliance with laboratory procedures, safety practices, and quality standards.
• Support laboratory operations including instrumentation upkeep, automation platform coordination, inventory management, and general lab organization.

Skills

LVV transducing titer assays

p24 assays

Flow cytometry

Education

MS/BS in Engineering, Biotechnology, or related field

Job description

You will develop and perform high throughput analytical methods to support cell line development, vector engineering and upstream Lentiviral Vector (LVV) process development. The successful candidate will generate high-quality analytical data, help improve assay throughput and robustness, and contribute to the implementation of automated workflows that improve laboratory efficiency and consistency. This position is based in Gaithersburg, MD.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, optimize, and support high throughput analytical methods for process development applications.
• Perform high throughput analytical testing in support of process development studies, ensuring accurate, timely, and well-documented data generation.
• Implement and support assays including transducing titer, p24, and flow cytometry using established and developing methods.
• Contribute to laboratory automation initiatives by supporting development, implementation, optimization, and routine use of automated analytical workflows.
• Troubleshoot assays and automated processes to improve performance, reproducibility, throughput, and data quality.
• Analyze, interpret, and communicate data to support process development decisions and technical discussions.
• Detail experimental work clearly and compliantly in laboratory notebooks, electronic systems, study records, and technical summaries.
• Collaborate with process development scientists and cross-functional partners to align analytical activities with project goals and timelines.
• Prepare reagents, standards, controls, and samples to ensure assay readiness and efficient laboratory execution.
• Maintain compliance with laboratory procedures, safety practices, and quality standards.
• Support laboratory operations including instrumentation upkeep, automation platform coordination, inventory management, and general lab organization.

Qualifications

• Education: MS/BS in Engineering, Biotechnology, or related field.
• Years of experiences in industry: MS with ≥ 2 years; or BS with ≥ 4 years.
• Minimum 2 years of relevant experience in analytical support in a biotechnology, pharmaceutical, or related laboratory environment.
• Hands‑on experience with high throughput analytical assays and analytical workflow execution.
• Experience with one or more of the following:
  • LVV transducing titer assays
  • p24 assays
  • Flow cytometry
• Exposure to or experience with laboratory automation and automated analytical workflows.
• Strong data analysis, documentation, organizational, and interactive skills.
• Ability to work optimally in a collaborative, fast‑paced laboratory environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior experience supporting process development programs.
• Familiarity with viral vector, cell and gene therapy, or related biologics analytical testing.
• Experience implementing or supporting automated high throughput platforms.

The annual base pay for this position ranges from $90,960.80 - 136,441.20. 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.

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.