Senior Scientist, Cell Therapy Discovery

Senior Scientist, Cell Therapy Discovery

Waltham, MA, USA

AstraZeneca is a science-led biopharmaceutical company focused on transforming patient outcomes. We seek a curious, collaborative Senior Scientist to advance novel cell therapies for autoimmune and other immunology indications. This hands-on research role requires efficient and competent experimental execution, strong cross-functional communication, and proactive project planning to advance programs in a highly-matrixed environment.

Role overview

You will lead and execute in vitro functional assays, with preferred flexibility to additionally contribute to in vivo studies, to identify and validate cell therapy targets and modalities. You will work with program and project teams to make data-driven decisions to move programs from discovery toward translation. You will also help shape study plans, align stakeholders, and ensure timely delivery of milestones across functions.

Key responsibilities

• In vitro discovery: Lead cell therapy target validation and characterize activity of engineered cell therapies using human primary cells and functional co-culture assays; develop and optimize assays; preferred flexibility to additionally contribute to in vivo study design and execution in partnership with in vivo pharmacology.
• Data and analytics: Apply a rigorous, data-driven approach to experimental design, mechanism-of-action studies, and decision-making; use appropriate analytics and visualization; document work to high standards.
• Cross-functional collaboration: Drive alignment with other teams including protein engineering, genomics, translational science, clinical, and CMC; translate scientific plans into clear objectives, risks, and decision points for clear communication across groups and to leadership.
• Project planning and delivery: Collaborate to build and maintain project plans and timelines; manage dependencies and track progress to milestones.
• Team and communication: Present results and recommendations to teams and leadership; mentor colleagues and foster a productive lab environment.

Required qualifications and skills

• Education: PhD in immunology, cell biology, or related field with 0-5 years experience; or BS or MS with 10+ years of experience in a related field (industry experience strongly preferred).
• In vitro expertise: Primary human cell culture and functional cell-based assays; multi‑color flow cytometry; multiplex cytokine detection; assay development.
• Extensive autoimmunity and/or inflammation experience: Familiarity with in vitro and in vivo model systems for conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, psoriatic arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, COPD, fibrosis, etc.
• Data proficiency: Strong experimental design, analysis, and interpretation; proficiency with tools such as FlowJo and Prism.
• Communication: Proven ability to communicate complex scientific concepts clearly to technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Leadership and collaboration: Strong drive for discovery, scientific curiosity, collaborative mindset; ability to mentor and influence across teams.

Desired qualifications and skills

• Cell therapy experience: Work with engineered cell products (e.g., T cell subsets, CAR-based modalities); familiarity with novel CAR or antibody target discovery.
• In vivo expertise: Hands-on planning, oversight, and execution of murine in vivo studies using autoimmune disease models; animal handling; standard dosing and engraftment; analysis of pharmacodynamic, immunophenotyping, and efficacy endpoints.
• Advanced analytics: Experience integrating complex datasets to guide decisions.

The annual base pay (or hourly rate of compensation) for this position ranges from $116,284 to $174,426.  Hourly and salaried non-exempt employees will also be paid overtime pay when working qualifying overtime hours. 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). Benefits offered included a qualified retirement program [401(k) plan]; paid vacation and holidays; paid leaves; and, health benefits including medical, prescription drug, dental, and vision coverage in accordance with the terms and conditions of the applicable plans. Additional details of participation in these benefit plans will be provided if an employee receives an offer of employment. If hired, employee will be in an “at-will position” and the Company reserves the right to modify base pay (as well as any other discretionary payment or compensation program) at any time, including for reasons related to individual performance, Company or individual department/team performance, and market factors. 

Date Posted

17-Jul-2026

Closing Date

22-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.