Senior Scientist, Molecular Biology

Introduction to Role

Are you passionate about advancing our understanding of genetic analysis and biomarker detection? Join AstraZeneca, in Gaithersburg, Maryland, as a Senior Scientist, within the Clinical Pharmacology and Safety Sciences (CPSS) Cell Therapy team, specializing in molecular biology technologies, where your technical expertise will enhance our extensive portfolio in Cell and Gene Therapy.

Key Responsibilities

• Assay Execution and Data Analysis: Implement complex molecular bioanalytical methods using PCR and ddPCR/dPCR technologies. Manage technology transfers to established CRO partners and ensure assays are precise and reliable by conducting detailed data reviews and troubleshooting as needed. Responsible for authoring and reviewing method development reports, SOPs, and analytical method protocols.
• Cross-Department Collaboration: Innovate and develop advanced bioanalytical techniques through robust collaboration within and across departments. Your contributions will be integral across the entire AZ portfolio within Cell and Gene Therapy.
• Project and Stakeholder Management: Operate effectively in a dynamic, matrixed environment to manage stakeholder expectations and influence project strategy and delivery. Collaborate with skilled bioanalytical scientists and partnered laboratories.
• Strategic Development: Support assay development in conjunction with bioanalytical strategy leads, ensuring assays meet strategic objectives.
• Scientific Leadership: Enhance AstraZeneca's scientific reputation within CPSS Cell Therapy through data interpretation, presenting at professional conferences, and publishing research findings. Stay current with industry trends and advancements in assay technologies and incorporate relevant updated into assay development strategies.
  
  

Essential Skills/Experience

• Education: PhD in molecular biology, genetics, or related fields preferred, with 0-2 years of relevant experience. Alternatively, an M.Sc. with 3-5 years, or a B.Sc. with 6-7 years of experience in relevant areas.
• Technical Expertise: Demonstrated expertise in molecular biology techniques, including isolation of DNA/RNA in various cell/tissue types, ability to independently design primers tailored for use across diverse technologies, developing, qualifying, and validating assays for bioanalytical characterization in pre-clinical and clinical studies within a GxP laboratory.
• Data Analysis Skills: Proficient in analyzing complex datasets using analysis software.
• Collaboration Experience: Experience working with internal teams and external partners to facilitate technology transfers and oversee assay validations.
• Project Management: Ability to manage multiple concurrent projects in a fast-paced environment, demonstrating strong accountability, organizational skills, and effective leadership. Maintain accurate records and documentation of all results.
• Communication Skills: Outstanding verbal and written communication skills to articulate complex data and strategies to various audiences. Present findings to project teams and stakeholders in a clear and concise manner.
  
  

When we put unexpected teams in the same room, we unleash bold thinking with the power to encourage life-changing medicines. In-person working gives us the platform we need to connect, work at pace and challenge perceptions. That's why we work, on average, a minimum of three days per week from the office. But that doesn't mean we're not flexible. We balance the expectation of being in the office while respecting individual flexibility. Join us in our outstanding and ambitious world.

The annual base pay for this position ranges from $112,304.00 - $168,456.00 USD Annual. Hourly and salaried non-exempt employees will also be paid overtime pay when working qualifying overtime hours. Base pay offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, including market location, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. In addition, our positions offer a short-term incentive bonus opportunity; eligibility to participate in our equity-based long-term incentive program (salaried roles), to receive a retirement contribution (hourly roles), and commission payment eligibility (sales roles).

Benefits offered included a qualified retirement program [401(k) plan]; paid vacation and holidays; paid leaves; and, health benefits including medical, prescription drug, dental, and vision coverage in accordance with the terms and conditions of the applicable plans. Additional details of participation in these benefit plans will be provided if an employee receives an offer of employment. If hired, employee will be in an “at-will position” and the Company reserves the right to modify base pay (as well as any other discretionary payment or compensation program) at any time, including for reasons related to individual performance, Company or individual department/team performance, and market factors.

Are you ready to bring new insights and fresh thinking to the table? Fantastic! We have one seat available, and we hope it’s yours. Apply today.

AstraZeneca embraces diversity and equality of opportunity. We are committed to building an inclusive and diverse team representing all backgrounds, with as wide a range of perspectives as possible, and harnessing industry-leading skills. We believe that the more inclusive we are, the better our work will be. We welcome and consider applications to join our team from all qualified candidates, regardless of their characteristics. We follow all applicable laws and regulations on non-discrimination in employment (and recruitment), as well as work authorization and employment eligibility verification requirements.

Join AstraZeneca to leverage your expertise in PCR technologies and contribute to pivotal advancements in cell and gene therapy research.

Date Posted

08-Apr-2026

Closing Date

29-Apr-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.