Senior Scientist, Cell Line Development

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

Job summary

AstraZeneca in Gaithersburg, MD is seeking scientists to advance cell therapy programs. The role centers on single-cell isolation, small-scale viral packaging, high-throughput screening, and evaluating clone productivity to deliver stable, high-performing cell lines.

Collaborate with Process Development and Analytics teams, applying flow cytometry and molecular assays to link clone choices to product quality. PhD or Master in life sciences preferred; CRISPR/Cas9 experience is advantageous.

Qualifications

• PhD or Master's in relevant life sciences required.
• Experience with mammalian CLD and viral vector packaging.
• Experience in single-cell isolation and flow cytometry.
• Strong data analysis and meticulous documentation in a fast-paced lab.

Responsibilities

• Cell Line Development & Viral Packaging: generate single cells/mini-pools and small-scale viral packaging to achieve robust productivity.
• High-Throughput Screening & Analytics Interface: develop scalable workflows for rapid cell characterization and clone evaluation with analytics.
• Cell line engineering: lead improvements to vector quality, stability and performance.
• Data Analysis & Collaboration: interpret datasets and support handoffs with upstream PD and Analytical teams.

Skills

Mammalian CLD

Viral packaging

HEK293 culture

Flow cytometry

High-throughput screening

CRISPR/Cas9

Clone screening

Cell line engineering

Education

PhD or MS in life sciences

Tools

Cell sorter

Imaging systems

Automated liquid handling

Job description

Your work will center on independently accomplishing single-cell isolation, small-scale viral packaging, high-throughput screening, and evaluating clone productivity and product quality to deliver stable and top-performing clones supporting AstraZeneca’s emerging Cell Therapy portfolio. This position is based in Gaithersburg, MD.

Key Responsibilities :

• Cell Line Development & Viral Packaging: Perform mammalian CLD activities, including single-cell and mini-pool generation, small-scale viral vector packaging and high throughput titration, and clone selection to achieve robust viral productivity for upstream processes.

• High-Throughput Screening & Analytics Interface: Establish efficient, scalable workflows for rapid cell characterization and clone evaluation, and high-throughput titer screening; partner with analytical and process development teams to link clone selection choices to critical quality attributes using molecular/cell analytics (e.g., flow cytometry, qPCR/ddPCR, ELISA, titering assays).

• Cell line engineering: lead and implement cell line engineering to improve cell line performance, including LVV packaging efficiency, vector quality, genetic stability and overall robustness

• Data Analysis & Collaboration: Analyze and interpret complex datasets, maintain accurate experimental documentation, and collaborate with upstream Process Development and Analytical teams to support smooth process handoffs.

Qualifications :

• Education: PhD degree or Master’s degree (or equivalent to 3-4 years of experience) in Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, Bioengineering, Virology, or a related scientific field.

Core Technical Expertise:

• Extensive, hands-on experience in mammalian CLD, viral vector packaging, and clone screening, with a strong emphasis on cultivating and optimizing HEK293 based host cells in suspension culture for high-yield Lentiviral vector production.

• Proficiency in single-cell isolation using cell sorter, advanced imaging systems, and clone characterization via flow cytometry.

• Experience with high-throughput titration assays and utilizing, maintaining, and troubleshooting automated liquid handling and high-throughput screening platforms.

• Experience with stable genetic modification of mammalian cells using approaches such as CRISPR/cas9

Desirable Experience:

• Experience in monoclonality validation and expanding stable master cell lines.

• Hands-on experience in virus/vector engineering for host cell line optimization or vector performance improvement.

• Background in viral vector biology, cell and gene therapy within the pharmaceutical industry, supporting vector design/engineering for maximized titers, quality and overall manufacturability.

• Viral vector stable producer cell line development

Core Competencies: Effective interpersonal skills, meticulous attention to detail, and independent troubleshooting capabilities and in a fast-paced laboratory environment.

The annual base pay for this position ranges from $

112,304.00 - 168,456.00

The annual base pay for this position ranges from $112,304.00 - $168,456.00 . 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 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

03-Sep-2026

Closing Date

17-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.