Senior Scientist Immunology Cell Therapy Discovery

Introduction to role:

Join AstraZeneca, a global leader in biopharmaceutical innovation, where science meets passion to create transformative medicines. Our Immunology Cell Therapy Discovery team is on a mission to develop groundbreaking cell therapies that combat and potentially cure immunological diseases. We are seeking a dynamic Senior Scientist to lead in vitro and in vivo activities, driving the development of novel cell therapies for autoimmune diseases. If you have expertise in cell culture, functional assays, flow cytometry, and in vivo models of autoimmunity, this lab-based role in Waltham, MA offers an exciting opportunity to impact patient lives through innovative research.

Accountabilities:

Are you ready to be a biology leader in our Immunology Cell Therapy Discovery team? You will focus on pioneering cellular therapeutics for autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. Your role will involve designing and implementing mechanistic and translational studies using preclinical models and human primary cells. Collaborate cross-functionally to develop high-quality drug candidates.

You will:

• Drive innovation and scientific excellence through rigorous research, competitive awareness, external collaborations, and publications.

• Lead in vitro discovery efforts for cell therapy modalities for autoimmune disease from target identification and validation to preclinical development.

• Plan and conduct in vivo studies in models of autoimmunity and cell line-derived xenografts models, including study design, dosing, endpoint selection, tissue collection, and data interpretation.

• Apply a data-driven approach to experimental design, analysis, interpretation, and decision-making; leverage advanced analytics to support target discovery and mechanism-of-action studies.

• Collaborate with colleagues within the department and across functions to align on objectives and deliver program achievements.

Essential Skills/Experience:

• Ph.D. in immunology, cell biology, or a related field with 0+ years of relevant experience; MS or BS with 10+ years and scientific leadership experience. Industry experience is strongly preferred.

• Expertise in immunology with experience in autoimmunity and strong hands-on experience using primary human immune cells; Treg experience is strongly preferred.

• Functional assay development: design, develop, and optimize functional assays analyzing suppression, proliferation, cytotoxicity, cytokine/multiplex detection, chemotaxis, and persistence.

• Multi-color flow cytometry and spectral cytometry, including design of complex panels, immunophenotyping, and data analysis.

• Planning and conducting of in vivo experiments using mouse models of autoimmunity and/or tumor xenograft models.

• Experience with cell therapies and characterization of engineered cell products (e.g., T cell subsets, Tregs, NK cells, or CAR-based modalities) is a plus.

• Experience with AI and/or Computational Biology is a strong plus.

Desirable Skills/Experience:

• Strong drive and passion for discovery, with scientific curiosity and initiative to push boundaries in immunology and cell therapy.

• Collaborative outlook and excellent teammate skills, with the ability to work effectively across disciplines and locations.

• Clear and concise communication, with strong written and oral presentation skills.

• Critical thinking and problem-solving, with the ability to analyze complex datasets and translate insights into decisions.

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.