Are you ready to turn deep human immunology into smarter, faster therapeutic discovery? Join us as a Scientist/Lab Manager and lead the heartbeat of our laboratory while advancing innovative research with direct line of sight to patients. You will be based in Waltham, MA through October 2026 and then transition to our new, state-of-the-art research facilities in Cambridge, MA.
This is a dual-impact role: approximately 40–50% leading laboratory operations and 50–60% driving bench science that validates new targets and informs drug discovery strategy. Do you thrive at the intersection of operational excellence and hands-on science, where well-run labs, robust assays and clear data narratives speed decisions and move programs forward?
Accountabilities:
- Laboratory Operations Leadership: Own daily lab readiness and compliance, ensuring space planning, equipment allocation and maintenance schedules keep science moving without interruption.
- Space and Equipment Strategy: Optimize footprint, instrument access and utilization to increase productivity and reduce cycle time across multiple projects.
- Target Discovery and Validation: Drive research on immunological pathways in health and disease to support target validation and strengthen the therapeutic pipeline.
- Experimental Design and Delivery: Independently design, execute and troubleshoot molecular and cellular experiments; analyze complex datasets and translate findings into clear, decision-enabling recommendations.
- Assay Innovation: Develop and implement human tissue culture assays and advanced co-culture systems that generate mechanistic insights into immune-mediated disease.
- Cross-Site Collaboration: Partner with colleagues across our US and international research hubs to share data, align methods and accelerate portfolio progress.
- Data Communication and Influence: Clearly communicate results to multidisciplinary teams, shaping scientific hypotheses and next-step plans.
- Sample Governance and Quality: Manage human biological sample handling and storage in accordance with quality standards to ensure data integrity and compliance.
- Portfolio Contribution: Build strategies for novel target identification and validation that expand options for therapeutic intervention and de-risk downstream development.
- Continuous Learning: Engage in professional development to deepen specialist knowledge, expand technical breadth and raise the bar for team capability.
Essential Skills/Experience:
- Master’s degree in Immunology or a related scientific discipline with a minimum of 3 years of relevant experience.
- Experience managing aspects of a biological research laboratory in an academic and/or biopharmaceutical industry setting.
- Highly organized and self-motivated with the ability to work independently and collaboratively to deliver high-quality research outcomes.
- Strong hands-on experience with biochemical, immunological and molecular biology techniques, including cell line culture, mRNA quantification (qPCR), protein expression analysis, ELISA, Western blotting, immunoprecipitation, MSD, Luminex, etc.
- Demonstrated expertise in primary human cell culture, including co-culture systems and tissue cell isolation/extraction, as well as strong experience in multiparametric flow cytometry, including staining of intracellular and extracellular proteins.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to critically evaluate and interpret complex data sets.
- Demonstrated ability to run collaborative efforts and utilize external resources to find the most effective solutions to drug discovery problems.
- Strong commitment to accurate and timely documentation of protocols, experimental results and maintenance of a high-quality laboratory notebook.
Desirable Skills/Experience:
- Expertise in drug discovery within immunology or a closely related area of biology.
- Deep scientific expertise in T-cell, B-cell and innate immune biology, and/or in the mechanisms underlying tissue pathology in immune-mediated diseases.
- Hands-on experience with advanced co-culture systems, multiparametric flow cytometry and cell imaging technologies to generate mechanistic insights into human immune-mediated disease.
- Experience establishing or scaling human tissue culture assays and co-culture models in support of discovery programs.
- Familiarity with best practices for human biological sample handling and storage aligned to quality standards.
Why AstraZeneca:
Here, curious minds are trusted to follow the science and push beyond the expected. You will work in an environment that blends cutting-edge biology with data and technology, where bold ideas are tested quickly and learning is shared openly. We bring unexpected teams into the same room to solve tough problems, uniting expertise from across sites and disciplines to create the greatest and swiftest impact on disease. With the resources of a global leader and the agility to try new approaches, you will grow your capabilities, influence strategy and see your work translate into medicines that change lives. We value kindness alongside ambition, and we back thoughtful risk-taking with supportive leadership and world-class labs.
Call to Action:
Ready to lead a high-performing lab and turn rigorous immunology into real-world medicines—step forward and show us how you will elevate our science.
The annual base pay for this position ranges from $92,252.00 - $138,378.00. 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
14-Jul-2026
Closing Date
30-Jul-2026
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.
