Scientist, Analytical Sciences

We are looking for an experienced Scientist to join Lentiviral Vector (LVV) Attributes and Analytics team within Product Analytical Sciences. This position is focused on the development and optimization of flow cytometry-based and cell-based potency assays to support lentiviral vector characterization and engineered cell therapy product development. 

The Scientist will work with Process Development, Quality Control, and Regulatory teams to deliver robust, phase-appropriate analytical strategies that ensure process understanding, product comparability, and regulatory success. You will have expertise in cell-based assays, particularly those relevant to vector-mediated transduction, immune effector function, and phenotypic characterization using advanced flow cytometry platforms. This role is based in Santa Monica, CA and reports to a Senior Scientist within Analytical Sciences.

You Will:

• Lead the development, optimization, and execution of cell-based potency assays, including flow cytometry assays that measure transduction efficiency, activation, cell killing, cytokine secretion, or other LVV-driven functional responses.. 
• Design and conduct experiments to assess potency and identity of lentiviral vectors, and their functional impact on engineered immune cell products. 
• Apply multi-parametric flow cytometry and related tools for product characterization, supporting method development, process monitoring, and comparability studies. 
• Collaborate with Process Development and Quality Control to implement scalable analytical methods for LVV and cell product testing. 
• Support method qualification, tech transfer, and lifecycle management activities aligned with CMC development timelines. 
• Analyze and interpret complex data sets using tools such as FlowJo, GraphPad Prism, and JMP, and communicate findings to cross-functional stakeholders. 
• Author and review technical reports, method development protocols, and regulatory documents including IND and BLA sections. 
• Stay current with technological and regulatory trends in gene delivery, potency assay development, and vector characterization. 
• Provide technical mentorship to junior staff, ensuring scientific rigor and operational excellence in the lab. 
• Maintain laboratory instruments, ensuring calibration, maintenance, and troubleshooting are performed. 

You Have:

• Three (3) years with BS/BA, or two (2) years with MS/MA in immunology, Cell Biology, Oncology, Molecular Biology, or a related discipline with experience in a biotechnology, biopharmaceutical, or academic setting.
• Strong expertise in cell-based assays, especially those evaluating potency, transduction efficiency, or immune effector function using flow cytometry. 
• Hands-on experience with lentiviral vector biology, including vector design, production, or characterization, is strongly preferred. 
• Proficiency in immune cell culture, including primary T cells or engineered immune cells. 
• Familiarity with analytical method development principles, including Quality by Design (QbD), and regulatory expectations for potency methods. 
• Data analysis and troubleshooting skills; experience with design of experiments (DoE) is a plus. 
• Ability to clearly convey scientific findings and development rationale. 

The annual base salary for this position ranges from $87,200 to 130,800. However, 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).

Our Benefits:

#celltherapy #LI-Onsite

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 authorization and employment eligibility verification requirements.