Senior Scientist, Cell Therapy Discovery

At AstraZeneca, we put patients first and strive to meet their unmet needs worldwide. Working here means being entrepreneurial, thinking big and working together to make the impossible a reality. If you are swift to action, confident to lead, willing to collaborate, and curious about what science can do, then you’re our kind of person. AstraZeneca is a global, innovation-driven biopharmaceutical business that focuses on the discovery, development and commercialization of prescription medicines for some of the world's most serious diseases. But we are more than one of the world's leading pharmaceutical companies.

We are seeking a highly motivated and independent Senior Scientist with demonstrated experience and expertise in Cellular Therapy, Immunology, and/or Immuno-Oncology to join our rapidly growing Cell Therapy Team. In this role you will make use of your experience in T-cell biology to contribute to the advancement of innovative Cell Therapy products by designing and conducting laboratory experiments, developing methodology, and generating and interpreting scientific data in a highly collaborative environment. The role will be based in Gaithersburg, MD.

Accountabilities

• Conducts hands-on drug discovery research experiments independently
• Assesses and reports data with a clear understanding of its implications within the overall context of drug discovery, independently formulate conclusions, and determine future experiments
• Provides technical instruction to the team and allocates administrative work where possible
• Works collaboratively in a matrix environment
• Shares relevant external published papers with peers
• Prepares and delivers presentations within the Cell Therapy Unit and across other functions
• Ensures own work, and work of peers, is compliant with relevant internal AstraZeneca standards and external regulations
  
  

Education And Experience

• PhD in immunology or relevant disciplines
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in Cellular Therapy, Immunology, and/or Immuno-Oncology
  
  

Essential Skills

• Well-developed understanding and expertise in cellular and molecular biology of immune cells
• Expertise in genetic engineering platforms (CRISPR/Cas9), transfection/transduction, expansion, and cell culture of primary T cells and tumor cell lines
• Strong proficiency in multi-parameter flow cytometry (Immunostaining, acquisition, and analysis)
• Hands-on expertise in T-cell functional characterization assays such as in vitro cytotoxicity, proliferation, and cytokine measurement
• Molecular engineering and construct/plasmid design
• Expertise in generation and analysis of omics datasets (single cell and bulk RNA-seq, spatial transcriptomics, proteomics)
• Experience with IO biologics (T-cell engagers, bispecific antibodies)
• Ability and motivation to drive projects to completion in a team environment
  
  

Desirable Skills

• In vivo experience including animal handling, mouse tumor models, standard routes of dosing and engraftment, tissue harvest and processing
• Computational biology experience
• Experience with small molecules and/or mi/shRNA therapeutics
• Expertise in fibroblast and myeloid cell biology and relevant in vitro/in vivo models
• Experience in drug development in an industry setting
  
  

#CellTherapy

The annual base pay for this position ranges from $118K to $178K. 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.

About Our Gaithersburg Oncology Hub

Our Gaithersburg, Maryland facility creates life-changing medicines for people around the world. This campus employs more than 3,500 authorities in our field and is only a short drive from Washington, DC. This modern and vibrant scientific campus is the home of R&D and Oncology in the US. Here, we play host to some of the most ground breaking technology and lab spaces, all designed to inspire collaboration and cross-functional science. We believe employees benefit from being challenged and inspired at work. We are dedicated to creating a culture of inclusion and collaboration.

The Gaithersburg site offers a variety of amenities to help boost productivity and help keep our employees happy and healthy. This includes a fitness center, employee healthcare clinic, electric vehicle charging stations, dry cleaning, full-service cafeteria and on-site day care. This is where you’ll find activity-based workspaces to suit a variety of working styles while increasing collaboration between teams.

Why AstraZeneca?

At AstraZeneca when we see an opportunity for change, we seize it and make it happen, because any opportunity no matter how small, can be the start of something big. Delivering life-changing medicines is about being daring - finding those moments and recognizing their potential. Join us on our journey of building a new kind of organization to reset expectations of what a bio-pharmaceutical company can be. This means we’re opening new ways to work, pioneering innovative methods and bringing unexpected teams together. Interested? Come and join our journey.

Date Posted

28-Jul-2026

Closing Date

05-Aug-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.