Scientist, Drug Product Development

AstraZeneca is seeking a highly motivated and experienced Scientist, Drug Product Development to support drug product development activities for lentiviral vector (LVV) programs within our Cell Therapy and Genetic Medicines portfolio. The successful candidate will contribute to the development of robust drug product formulations and processes that enable clinical advancement of ex vivo and in vivo cell and gene therapy programs.

In this hands-on laboratory-based role, the Scientist will be responsible for designing, executing, analyzing, and reporting drug product development studies supporting formulation development, fill-finish processes, characterization, stability assessments, and technology transfer activities. The position requires close collaboration with Process Development, Analytical Development, Manufacturing, Quality, Regulatory, and external partners to deliver high-quality scientific data and development packages.

Key Responsibilities

Formulation Development

• Design, execute, and document formulation development studies for LVV and other viral vector drug products.
• Evaluate formulation components and process conditions to improve vector stability, potency, and product quality.
• Generate scientific data to support selection of platform and program-specific formulations.
• Analyze study results and present findings to cross-functional teams.

Drug Product Process Development

• Plan and perform laboratory and pilot-scale drug product studies supporting fill-finish process development.
• Support evaluation of filling processes, container closure systems, storage conditions, and shipping configurations.
• Execute studies related to freeze-thaw performance, hold-time assessments, and process robustness.
• Participate in development and optimization of drug product manufacturing processes.

Characterization and Stability Studies

• Design and execute stability studies to support product development and regulatory submissions.
• Collaborate with Analytical Development to assess critical quality attributes, including potency, infectivity, particle characteristics, and product integrity.
• Interpret experimental results and provide data-driven recommendations.
• Support development of stability-indicating strategies and shelf-life assessments.

Technology Transfer Support

• Support drug product technology transfer activities to internal manufacturing sites and external CDMOs.
• Generate development data and documentation required for scale-up and process transfer.
• Participate in troubleshooting activities during manufacturing campaigns and process implementation.
• Assist in development of scale-down models and comparability studies as needed.

Documentation and Regulatory Support

• Author protocols, technical reports, development summaries, risk assessments, and manufacturing support documents.
• Maintain accurate laboratory records in accordance with company and quality requirements.
• Contribute to preparation of CMC documentation and technical sections for regulatory submissions, including IND-enabling packages.
• Ensure activities are conducted in compliance with applicable quality systems and regulatory expectations.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Work closely with Upstream and Downstream Process Development, Analytical Development, Manufacturing, Quality, and Regulatory teams to advance development programs.
• Communicate scientific findings clearly through written reports, presentations, and team discussions.
• Contribute technical expertise during project planning and development strategy discussions.
• Support problem-solving and investigation activities across development programs.

Innovation and Continuous Improvement

• Stay current with emerging drug product and formulation technologies relevant to viral vectors and cell therapy products.
• Identify opportunities to improve laboratory workflows, experimental approaches, and development processes.
• Contribute to implementation of new technologies and best practices within the organization.

Qualifications

Education

• Ph.D. in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Biochemistry, Chemical Engineering, Bioengineering, or related scientific discipline with 0-2 years of relevant industry experience; OR
• M.S. with 4-6 years of relevant industry experience.

Experience

• Hands-on experience in drug product development for viral vectors, cell therapies, biologics, vaccines, or related modalities.
• Experience designing and executing laboratory studies independently.
• Demonstrated ability to analyze complex datasets and generate clear scientific conclusions.
• Experience working in cross-functional development teams.

Technical Expertise

• Working knowledge of one or more of the following areas:
  • Formulation development
  • UF/DF operations
  • Drug product process development
  • Fill-finish processes
  • Container closure systems
  • Particle characterization
  • Stability study design and execution
  • Viral vector or biologics manufacturing processes

GMP & Regulatory Knowledge

• Understanding of cGMP principles and quality systems.
• Familiarity with development documentation and regulatory expectations for biologics, cell therapies, or gene therapies.
• Experience supporting technical reports and regulatory documentation is preferred.

Professional Skills

• Strong experimental design and laboratory execution skills.
• Excellent technical writing and scientific reporting abilities.
• Effective verbal communication and presentation skills.
• Strong organizational, troubleshooting, and problem-solving capabilities.
• Ability to work effectively in a collaborative, matrixed environment.

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.

Why AstraZeneca: Join a research-led organization where science and strategy meet to change clinical practice. You will work alongside experts who generate and communicate evidence that helps save lives, supported by a culture that values openness, shared learning, and the courage to try new ideas.

The annual base pay (or hourly rate of compensation) for this position ranges $92,252 - $138,378 USD Annual.  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.