Scientist - Protein Analytics and Mass Spectrometry

Job Title: Scientist – Analytics & Mass Spec 

Location: Gaithersburg, MD 

At AstraZeneca, we put patients first and strive to meet unmet patient needs worldwide. Working here means being entrepreneurial, thinking big, and working together to make the impossible a reality. If you are swift to action, confident to lead, willing to collaborate, and curious about what science can do, then you’re our kind of person. 

About the Site 

Our Gaithersburg site is a key part of AstraZeneca’s global R&D network, bringing together scientific talent, innovative technologies, and collaborative ways of working to discover and develop life-changing medicines for patients around the world. The site fosters cross-functional teamwork, scientific innovation, and operational excellence in support of our biologics pipeline. 

Summary of the Group 

Biologics Engineering (BE) is a large global organization with teams in Cambridge, MA, Gaithersburg, MD and Cambridge, UK, responsible for the discovery and optimization of next-generation biologics to create biological drug candidates across key therapeutic areas. 

Main Duties & Responsibilities 

We are seeking a highly experienced and motivated Scientist to join the Analytics & Mass Spec Group within the multidisciplinary Protein Analytics & Developability team. The successful candidate will play a key role in advancing our capabilities in analytical and developability assessments, and peptide mapping for post-translational modifications. Reporting to the Associate Director of the Analytics & Mass Spec Group, the Scientist will work closely with a multidisciplinary team to support various stages of our pipeline projects and contribute to the enhancement of our technology platforms through mass spectrometry and analytical techniques. 

• Conduct analytical methods to deeply characterize the biophysical and biochemical properties of discovery-stage biologics.   

• Perform developability assessments under multiple stress conditions to evaluate protein stability, identify molecular liabilities, and inform candidate selection. 

• Execute peptide mapping assays for protein characterization to support the developability assessment of pipeline projects. 

• Collaborate with the Protein Analytics and Developability team to refine HT assay workflows, ensuring accuracy and reliability in data collection and interpretation. 

• Analyze and interpret complex datasets, providing insights to drive decision-making in pipeline projects. 

• Stay at the forefront of technological advancements in mass spectrometry and other analytical technologies, integrating innovative solutions to enhance current workflows. 

• Participate in cross-functional project teams, contributing technical expertise to inform project strategies and directions, especially to design novel in silico tools and workflows to support advanced data analysis, visualizations and reporting in collaboration with our ML teams. 

• Draft technical reports and contribute to scientific publications, patents, and regulatory submissions as necessary. 

Required Skills 

• Hands-on experience with a wide variety of analytical methods for protein characterization, including but not limited to LC-MS, HIC, SEC, cIEF, IEX, CE-SDS, DLS, DSC, DSF and ELISA. 

• Experience in assay troubleshooting and optimization, with a strong understanding of assay development and execution. 

• Proficiency in data analysis and statistical methods for interpreting complex biological data. 

• Strong collaborative skills and ability to work effectively within multidisciplinary teams. 

• Excellent communication and presentation skills to convey technical information clearly and succinctly. 

• AI-fluent, with the ability to use AI tools effectively to support data analysis, interpretation, workflow efficiency, and scientific communication. 

Desired Skills 

• Experience with LC-MS (ThermoFisher Orbitrap) and software platforms, including Protein Metrics Suite and BioPharma Finder, for peptide mapping analysis, post-translational modifications (PTMs). 

• Hands-on experience with additional high-throughput, plate-based protein analytical and biophysical techniques, instrumentation, and automation platforms. 

• Programming and software skills, including Python, MATLAB, PyMOL and Maestro. 

• Hands-on experience with AI/ML methods (e.g., supervised learning, statistical modeling, and automation) to support advanced analytical workflows and data-driven decision-making. 

• Experience working in a global, cross-site research environment. 

Education & Experience Requirements 

• Minimum of a BS with a minimum of 3+ years of relevant experience 

Preferred: MS with  minimum of 2 years of relevant experience 

Relevant disciplines include: 

• Scientific disciplines: biochemistry, molecular biology, or related fields 

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.