Scientist, Analytical Sciences

Scientist, Analytical Sciences

About AstraZeneca in Gaithersburg, MD:

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 groundbreaking technology and lab spaces, all crafted to encourage collaboration and cross-functional science. We believe employees benefit from being challenged and encouraged at work. We are dedicated to crafting a culture of inclusion and collaboration. 

The Gaithersburg site offers a variety of amenities to help boost efficiency 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 copy center. This is where you’ll find newly designed, activity-based workspaces to suit a variety of working styles while growing collaboration between teams.    

Summary of the group:

We are looking for an experienced Scientist to join Analytical Sciences, Cell Therapy Development and Operations. Team is responsible for developing and delivering fit-for-purpose, robust, and technologically advanced biological assays to progress cell therapy products from research to commercial. Team supports end-to-end biological and bioanalytical characterization testing of cell therapy products enabling manufacturing process, formulation, drug product development and regulatory filings from IND to BLA and beyond. The team engages with analytical development, quality and several cross functional teams including clinical, QA and manufacturing. 

Main Duties and Responsibilities

• Support the development of operational processes & continuous improvement of cell based and flow cytometry based analytical methods within Analytical Operations. 

• Execute cell-based assays, including but not limited to cytokines release, ELISA, cytotoxicity assays, and flow cytometry-based assays in accordance with established protocols and SOPs. 

• Manage critical reagent inventory, assay control material, and general consumables to maintain team’s capabilities to execute assays. 

• Coordinate to produce assay control materials with Process Engineers or External Suppliers and characterize material in a timely manner to support routine testing. 

• Perform method transfer of assays into the Analytical Operations team by assessing incoming test methods, critical reagents, and training schedule. 

• Collaborate with method & automation developers to optimize methods for high throughput testing and streamline documentation & analysis. 

• Maintain records of executed methods and reported results for samples and assay control material. 

• Monitor assay trending and collaborate with method developers to troubleshoot analytical assays. 

• Provide technical feedback ensuring scientific rigor and operational excellence in the lab. 

• Maintain laboratory instruments, ensuring calibration, maintenance, and troubleshooting are performed. 

Education & Experience Requirements:

Bachelor’s degree in Immunology, Cell Biology, Biological Sciences, Biotechnology, or related field with 5+ years of relevant experience or a Master's degree with 2+ years of relevant experience. 

Desired Skills:

• Cell Therapy industry experience. 

• Experience performing genomic assays such as qPCR, dPCR is a plus. 

• Experience performing analytical testing for viral vector products.  

When we put unexpected teams in the same room, we unleash bold thinking with the power to inspire 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 unique and ambitious world.

At AstraZeneca, we are driven by our commitment to deliver accelerated growth and make people's lives better. Our inclusive network of diverse and high-performing teams supports each other with trust and respect. We thrive on curiosity and problem-solving, constantly learning and evolving. With opportunities for global careers and great rewards, AstraZeneca is where you can make a real impact.

Ready to make a difference? Apply now to join our team!

The annual base pay for this position ranges from $82,463 to $123,694. 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

Closing Date

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.