Senior Scientist I, Cell Therapy Discovery

SUMMARY OF THE ROLE
You will own key assays and workflows for CAR design, T-cell engineering, and in vitro functional characterization. 
You will work with project teams to make data-driven decisions to move programs from discovery toward translation.
You will also help shape study plans, align internal and external teams, and ensure timely delivery of milestones across functions.

ROLE & RESPONSIBILITIES
•    In vitro discovery: Lead CAR construct design and engineering; characterize activity of engineered cell therapies using human primary cells and functional co-culture assays; develop and optimize assays; preferred flexibility to additionally contribute to in vivo study design and execution in partnership with in vivo pharmacology.
•    Data and analytics: Apply a rigorous, data-driven approach to experimental design, mechanism-of-action studies, and decision-making; use appropriate analytics and visualization; document work to high standards.
•    Cross-functional collaboration: Drive alignment with other teams including Pharmacology & Toxicology, CMC, translational science and clinical.
•    Team and communication: Present results and recommendations to teams; mentor colleagues and foster a productive lab environment.

REQUIREMENTS
Education: PhD in immunology, cell biology, or related field; or MS with 2–3+ years demonstrated impact in cell therapy discovery

Skills & Capabilities
•    Human T-cell isolation (PBMC processing, magnetic selection), activation (CD3/CD28, cytokines), and culture.
•    Lentiviral transduction MOI optimization; electroporation for gene edits.
•    Flow cytometry panel design, compensation/gating; advanced phenotyping including memory, exhaustion, activation, and safety markers.
•    Functional assays: target killing (luciferase/impedance), cytokines, proliferation/persistence, serial-kill or rechallenge assays; antigen density titration and specificity testing.
•    Molecular methods: PCR/qPCR, plasmid prep; amplicon NGS prep for edit verification and transgene integrity.
•    Data & Tools: Proficiency with ELN, FlowJo, GraphPad; understanding of assay acceptance criteria and basic statistics.
•    Soft Skills: Strong organization, communication, troubleshooting, and ability to manage multiple concurrent studies while mentoring juniors.
•    Compliance: Biosafety level 2 practices, animal ethics (IACUC), research GxP awareness, and data integrity standards.

Preferred Experience:
•    Experience with armored CARs, logic-gated CARs, or allogeneic edits.  Preferably familiar with AML disease.
•    Advancing CAR-T candidates through lead optimization to preclinical packages; method transfer and qualification with PD/Analytical.
•    Scale-up evaluations; familiarity with CQAs and comparability for gene-modified T-cell products.

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 comply with all applicable laws and regulations on non-discrimination in employment (and recruitment), as well as work authorisation and employment eligibility verification requirements.