Senior Scientist II, Cell Therapy Discovery Full-time

In Vivo CAR Development Scientist

You will own key assays and workflows supporting in vivo CAR development, with a focus on lentiviral vector (LVV)-based delivery and T-cell engineering in situ. You will design and execute studies to evaluate vector performance, in vivo transduction, and CAR function, complemented by in vitro assays for mechanistic characterization.

You will collaborate closely with cross-functional teams to generate high-quality, data-driven insights that advance programs from early discovery toward preclinical translation.

Role & Responsibilities

• Study Design and Execution (In vivo CAR focus): Design and execute in vivo CAR studies using lentiviral vector (LVV)-based delivery. Develop and optimize vector constructs for direct in vivo T cell engineering; evaluate transduction efficiency, tissue tropism, and CAR expression kinetics in relevant models. Support in vitro assays to characterize CAR function (activation, cytotoxicity, persistence) as needed.
• Vector Engineering & Characterization: Design and generate LVV constructs; optimize vector production, titer, and infectivity. Assess vector copy number (VCN), integration profile, and expression durability in primary cells and in vivo settings.
• Data Analysis and Reporting: Analyze experimental data, generate high-quality figures, and prepare reports and presentations. Clearly communicate findings and propose next-step strategies to advance in vivo CAR programs.
• Quality and Compliance: Maintain accurate and complete experimental records in ELN; ensure compliance with BSL-2 practices, biosafety requirements, and data integrity standards.
• Cross-functional Collaboration: Collaborate closely with Pharmacology & Toxicology, CMC, translational science, and clinical teams to advance in vivo CAR candidates toward preclinical and IND-enabling studies.
• Team and Communication: Deliver clear scientific presentations and written reports; contribute to a collaborative, efficient lab environment and support knowledge sharing within the team.
• Problem-Solving: Troubleshoot in vivo delivery challenges (e.g., transduction efficiency, biodistribution, off-target effects); optimize protocols and timelines in a fast-paced research setting.

Requirements

Education: PhD in immunology, cell biology, or related field; or MS with 5+ years demonstrated impact in cell therapy discovery

Skills & Capabilities

• In vivo Gene Delivery & LVV Expertise: Hands-on experience with lentiviral vector (LVV) production, titration, and in vivo delivery. Familiar with MOI optimization, biodistribution, and in vivo transduction efficiency assessment.
• Primary Cell & Immune Profiling: Experience with human primary immune cell isolation, culture, and phenotypic/functional characterization.
• Flow Cytometry: Proficient in multicolor panel design, compensation, and gating for immune monitoring and CAR detection.
• Functional Assays: Experience with cytotoxicity assays, cytokine profiling, persistence, and rechallenge assays; ability to interpret in vivo efficacy endpoints.
• Molecular Methods: PCR/qPCR for VCN and biodistribution analysis; plasmid design; experience with NGS-based methods for integration or edit analysis is a plus.
• Data & Tools: Familiarity with ELN, FlowJo, SnapGene, GraphPad Prism; understanding of assay qualification, acceptance criteria, and basic statistical analysis.
• Compliance: Knowledge of BSL-2 biosafety practices.

Preferred Experience:

• In vivo CAR Development: Experience advancing in vivo CAR or gene therapy candidates from early research to preclinical development.
• Vector Targeting & Advanced Design: Experience in LVV pseudotyping, targeting strategies, or immune cell-specific delivery approaches.
• Advanced CAR Modalities: Familiarity with armored CARs, logic-gated CARs, or in vivo reprogramming strategies.

AstraZeneca embraces diversity and equality of opportunity. We are committed to building an inclusive and diverse team representing all backgrounds, with as wide a range of perspectives as possible, and harnessing industry-leading skills. We believe that the more inclusive we are, the better our work will be. We welcome and consider applications to join our team from all qualified candidates, regardless of their characteristics. We comply with all applicable laws and regulations on non-discrimination in employment (and recruitment), as well as work authorization and employment eligibility verification requirements.