Summary

We are seeking a highly-motivated and independent Senior Scientist with demonstrated experience 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 immunology 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, Maryland.

Accountabilities

• Conducts routine drug discovery research experiments independently by applying the techniques of molecular and cellular biology, communicates the results to team members, and is involved in the interpretation of data

• Supports a team and works collaboratively with project managers to ensure the efficient relay of information and forward translation of data

• Maintains a well-developed understanding of approaches to drug discovery and applies a broader functional knowledge of the procedures used by diverse project groups to support the department where needed

• Assesses and reports data, with little or no guidance, in a clear and concise manner, with a clear understanding of its implications within the overall context of drug discovery

• Provides technical instruction to the team and allocates administrative work where possible

• Shares relevant external published papers with peers

• Communicates and shares information between distinct projects within the bioscience function and across other functions

• Ensures own work, and work of peers, is compliant with Good Laboratory Practice, Safety, Health and Environment standards and all other relevant internal AstraZeneca standards and external regulations

Essential

• PhD in a relevant discipline with demonstrated experience in Cellular Therapy, Immunology, and/ or Immuno-Oncology

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

• Well-developed understanding of molecular and cellular biology, immunological assays, and cell transfection/ transduction

• Experience developing cellular therapies including CAR-T/ CAR-NK, TCR-T, and/ or TIL therapies

• Experience with genome editing technologies (CRISPR/ Cas9, base-editing, transposons, etc.)

• Multicolour flow cytometry

• Transfection/ transduction and expansion of primary cells

• Advanced cell culture techniques

• Transfection/ transduction and expansion of primary cells

• Advanced cell culture techniques

Desirable

• In vivo skillset including animal handling, mouse tumor models, standard routes of dosing and engraftment

• Experience with large scale in vitro screening

• Postdoctoral experience working with primary human T cells

• Background in drug discovery and development in the pharmaceutical industry