Senior CAR-T Process Development Scientist

AstraZeneca; Gaithersburg (MD); On-site; USD 112,000 - 168,000; Full time

Job summary

AstraZeneca in Gaithersburg, MD is seeking a highly motivated Senior Scientist to lead CAR-T cell therapy process development, with emphasis on autologous manufacturing. The role requires applying rigorous scientific judgment to develop robust, scalable, and transferable processes and to collaborate across research, analytical, drug product, manufacturing, quality, and regulatory functions.

You will lead design and execution of laboratory studies covering cell selection, activation, gene

Qualifications

• PhD in Chemical/Biochemical/Biomedical Engineering or related field with relevant experience.
• Experience in cell therapy process development, preferably autologous CAR-T.
• Experience leading complex programs in a cross-functional environment.

Responsibilities

• Design, execute, and interpret studies for CAR-T process development (cell selection, activation, gene modification, expansion, harvest, formulation, cryopreservation).
• Develop and optimize unit operations and manufacturing workflows for autologous CAR-T products.
• Evaluate and implement cell therapy processing equipment; assess scalability and manufacturing readiness.
• Define critical process parameters and troubleshoot platforms and consumables.
• Apply flow cytometry to characterize cell identity, viability, and activation; collaborate with analytical teams.
• Lead data analysis to understand process performance and variability; support tech transfer and regulatory documentation.

Skills

Mammalian cell culture

Flow cytometry

Process development

Technology transfer

GMP manufacturing

Data analysis

Cross-functional collaboration

Scientific leadership

Education

PhD in Chemical Engineering or related field

MS with 4+ years experience

BS with 6+ years experience

Tools

CliniMACS Prodigy

Sepax/Sefia

LOVO/CUE

DynaCellect

G‑Rex

Job description

AstraZeneca in Gaithersburg, MD is seeking a highly motivated Senior Scientist to lead CAR-T cell therapy process development, with emphasis on autologous manufacturing. The role requires applying rigorous scientific judgment to develop robust, scalable, and transferable processes and to collaborate across research, analytical, drug product, manufacturing, quality, and regulatory functions.

You will lead design and execution of laboratory studies covering cell selection, activation, gene