Senior Scientist, Cell Therapy

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

Job summary

AstraZeneca plc in Gaithersburg, MD is seeking a Senior Scientist, Cell Therapy to drive product and process characterization that informs design decisions, accelerates candidates to the clinic, and impacts patients needing new options.

You will join a fast-moving lab where curiosity thrives, translating complex datasets into direction and partnering across disciplines to move science forward with pace and precision. This role enables bench work to inform program strategy and clinical progress.

Qualifications

• PhD required with 0-3 years in cellular therapy or related fields; MS with 5+ years; BS with 10+ years.
• Extensive in vitro cell characterization skills.
• Multicolor flow cytometry, microscopy, biomarker/cytokine analyses.
• Experience with large datasets and statistical methods including machine learning.
• Strong molecular/cellular biology knowledge and aseptic cell culture.
• Ability to design, execute, troubleshoot, and document experiments.

Responsibilities

• Design and execute studies defining attributes of cellular therapies and scalable processes.
• Lead characterization using flow cytometry, ELISA, dPCR, karyotyping, microscopy, -omics.
• Translate data into clear, forward-looking program plans.
• Independently plan, optimize, troubleshoot experiments meeting milestones.
• Collaborate with project managers and teams to align assay strategy and timelines.
• Maintain rigorous records to ensure quality and reproducibility.

Skills

PhD in relevant field

MS with 5+ years experience

BS with 10+ years experience

In vitro cell characterization

Multicolor flow cytometry

Microscopy

Biomarker and cytokine analysis

ELISA

dPCR

Karyotyping

-omics analyses

Machine learning analysis

Molecular and cellular biology

Immunology / Immuno-Oncology

Education

PhD in a relevant subject area

MS in related field

BS in related field

Tools

JMP

R

Job description

Senior Scientist, Cell Therapy

Introduction to role

Are you ready to turn cutting-edge cell engineering into therapies that reshape how cancer is treated? As a Senior Scientist, Cell Therapy based in Gaithersburg, MD, you will drive critical product and process characterization that informs design decisions, accelerates candidates to the clinic, and ultimately impacts patients who need new options most.

You will join a fast-moving, collaborative lab environment where change is constant and curiosity is expected. Do you thrive when working with unknowns, translating complex datasets into clear direction, and partnering across disciplines to move science forward with pace and precision? This role offers the opportunity to see your bench work translate into program strategy and clinical progress.

Accountabilities

• Product and process characterization: Design and execute hands-on studies that define attributes of cellular therapies and underpin robust, scalable processes.
• Analytical readouts: Lead characterization of cellular products using multicolor flow cytometry, ELISA, dPCR, karyotyping, microscopy, biomarker and cytokine analyses, and -omics approaches to generate decision-ready data.
• Data translation and communication: Assess, synthesize, and report findings with clarity and urgency; ensure insights are relayed efficiently for forward translation into program plans.
• Experimental design and troubleshooting: Independently plan, optimize, and troubleshoot experiments to meet milestones and de-risk development.
• Cross-functional collaboration: Partner closely with project managers and adjacent teams to align assay strategy, timelines, and deliverables with program needs.
• Scientific impact in drug discovery: Interpret results within the broader mechanism and development context to shape next experiments and guide program direction.
• Documentation and quality: Maintain rigorous records and high data integrity to support quality, compliance, and reproducibility.

Essential Skills/Experience

• PhD in a relevant subject area with 0-3 years of demonstrated experience in Cellular Therapy, Cell Biology, Cell engineering, Bioinformatics, Immunology, and/ or Immuno-Oncology; M.S. with 5+ years’ experience; B.S. with 10+ years’ experience
• Extensive in vitro skillset for cell characterization such as functional/potency assays, morphological/phenotypic assessment, and sequencing based methods.
• Multicolor flow cytometry, microscopy, biomarker and cytokine analysis, ELISA, dPCR, karyotype and -omics.
• Experience analyzing large process and characterization data sets using a breadth of statistical methods including machine learning algorithms.
• Well-developed understanding of molecular and cellular biology (specifically immune cell physiology), immunological assays, and cell transfection/transduction.
• Proficiency in cell culture and aseptic techniques.
• Ability to design, execute, troubleshoot, and document experiments; to review, analyze, interpret results; and communicate deliverables in a timely manner.

Desirable Skills/Experience

• Experience with genome editing technologies (CRISPR/Cas9, base-editing, virus-based genetic delivery systems, etc.).
• In vitro experience isolating and culturing human T cells.
• Basic experience developing cellular therapies including CAR-T therapies.
• Proficiency with statistical software (JMP, R, etc.).
• Working cross-functionally to drive project advancement.

Why AstraZeneca

Here, bold science meets practical impact: you will work in modern labs alongside immunologists, bioengineers, data scientists, and manufacturing experts—often in the same room—sparking ideas that move from bench to clinic with speed. We embrace ambiguity, take calculated risks, and learn fast, because patients cannot wait. Your contributions will be visible and valued across programs, with leaders who empower you to shape methods, challenge assumptions, and pursue smarter routes through complex problems. We value kindness alongside ambition, pairing rigorous standards with a supportive, feedback-rich culture so you can grow while delivering therapies that matter.

Bring your expertise to Gaithersburg and help deliver the next generation of cell therapies—step forward today and shape science into patient benefit!

The annual base pay for this position ranges from $112,304 to $168,456. 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: 16-Oct-2026

Closing Date: 30-Oct-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.