Scientist, Analytical Sciences Full-time

Scientist, Analytical Sciences

Our Gaithersburg, Maryland facility creates life-changing medicines for people around the world. This campus employs more than 3,500 authorities in our field and is only a short drive from Washington, DC. This modern and vibrant scientific campus is the home of R&D and Oncology in the US. Here, we play host to some of the most groundbreaking technology and lab spaces, all crafted to encourage collaboration and cross-functional science. We believe employees benefit from being challenged and encouraged at work. We are dedicated to crafting a culture of inclusion and collaboration.

The Gaithersburg site offers a variety of amenities to help boost efficiency and help keep our employees happy and healthy. This includes a fitness center, employee healthcare clinic, electric vehicle charging stations, dry cleaning, full-service cafeteria and copy center. This is where you'll find newly designed, activity-based workspaces to suit a variety of working styles while growing collaboration between teams.

Summary of the group:

We are looking for an experienced Scientist to join Analytical Sciences, Cell Therapy Development and Operations. Team is responsible for developing and delivering fit-for-purpose, robust, and technologically advanced biological assays to progress cell therapy products from research to commercial. Team supports end-to-end biological and bioanalytical characterization testing of cell therapy products enabling manufacturing process, formulation, drug product development and regulatory filings from IND to BLA and beyond. The team engages with analytical development, quality and several cross functional teams including clinical, QA and manufacturing.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

• Support the development of operational processes & continuous improvement of cell based and genomic analytical methods within Analytical Operations.
• Perform cell-based and genomic assays including, but not limited to cytokines release, ELISA, cytotoxicity assays, DNA/RNA extraction, digital PCR, and qPCR.
• Maintain sample identity from sample source to molecular derivatives and its associated results.
• Manage critical reagent inventory, assay control material, and general consumables to maintain team's capabilities to execute assays.
• Coordinate to produce assay control materials with Process Engineers or External Suppliers and characterize material in a timely manner to support routine testing.
• Perform method transfer of assays into the Analytical Operations team by assessing incoming test methods, critical reagents, and training schedule.
• Collaborate with method & automation developers to optimize methods for high throughput testing and streamline documentation & analysis.
• Maintain records of executed methods and reported results for samples and assay control material.
• Monitor assay trending and collaborate with method developers to troubleshoot analytical assays.
• Provide technical feedback ensuring scientific rigor and operational excellence in the lab.
• Maintain laboratory instruments, ensuring calibration, maintenance, and troubleshooting are performed.
• Responsible for carrying out sample testing to enable process and product development.

Education & Experience Requirements:

Bachelor's degree in Immunology, Cell Biology, Biological Sciences, Biotechnology, or related field with 5+ years of relevant experience or a Master's degree with 2+ years of relevant experience.

Desired Skills:

• Cell Therapy industry experience.
• Experience in flow cytometry and analysis tools
• Basic scripting for data handling (e.g., Python, Jupyter) is a plus, not required.
• Familiarity with Smartsheet scheduling software

At AstraZeneca, we are driven by our commitment to deliver accelerated growth and make people's lives better. Our inclusive network of diverse and high-performing teams supports each other with trust and respect. We thrive on curiosity and problem-solving, constantly learning and evolving. With opportunities for global careers and great rewards, AstraZeneca is where you can make a real impact.